The construction of a new teaching block at Stowmarket High School has hit a major milestone – celebrated with a ‘steel signing’ event.
Since breaking ground in March, the project has progressed with pace thanks to a warm, dry period of weather across Suffolk.
The project team welcomed local councillors and school representatives for the steel signing, giving them a first glimpse as the new building takes shape.
Lucie Hernandez, Headteacher at Stowmarket High School, said it was a “proud moment” for the school community.
“The expansion project will provide enhanced facilities and opportunities for current and future generations of students,” she said.
“Seeing our students add their signatures to the steelwork has made this milestone particularly special, as they are helping to leave a permanent mark on a building that will support learning and achievement for many years to come.
“We look forward to welcoming students into the completed building and sharing further updates as the project progresses.”
The project is being delivered by Concertus and Barnes Construction in partnership with Suffolk County Council, with additional funding from Mid Suffolk District Council’s Community Infrastructure Levy and Section 106 contributions.
It will deliver a purpose-built, two-storey teaching block, increasing the school’s capacity from 900 to 1,200 students, including 11 classrooms, a group room, a new hall and modern toilet facilities.
Cllr Tony Gould, Cabinet Member for Education and SEND at Suffolk County Council, said: “This steel signing marks an important milestone in the expansion of Stowmarket High School.
“The development will help to ensure there are enough high-quality school places for local families as the community continues to grow.
“I’m pleased to see this investment delivering modern facilities that will benefit both students and the wider community for years to come.”
In addition to the new teaching block, the project also includes a series of internal improvements across the existing school site, including upgrades to the existing hall and kitchen within the main building.
The former sixth form block will also be refurbished and repurposed, bringing older areas of the school up to modern standards.
Cllr Andrew Stringer, Mid Suffolk District Council’s Cabinet Member for Heritage, Planning and Infrastructure, said: “We’re aware that locally, there is a need for more school places, and we’re really pleased that Mid Suffolk can help a project that will deliver more places.
“The £4.8m of CIL funding provided by Mid Suffolk District Council will make a huge difference for students and their families and goes a long way to show how developer contributions can be reinvested to help local infrastructure keep pace with housing growth.”
The project remains on track for completion in early 2027.
Charles Coulson, Associate Director at Concertus, added: “This steel signing provides an opportunity to celebrate the progression of the project and the collaboration of everybody involved.
“We are proud of the facilities that we are helping to create for the current and future pupils of Stowmarket High School.”
