Clevedon School is preparing to transition its pupils from temporary marquee classrooms to new, permanent facilities following a significant safety concern. Since 2023, students have been taught in tents after the discovery of high alumina cement concrete (HACC) in the school’s large beams led to the closure of 22 classrooms. HACC presents an especially dangerous threat in that it can lead to sudden, catastrophic, structural collapses without warning.
In order to meet the continuing demand and challenges, enabling works at Clevedon School started on Monday. These works include establishing access points, safety fencing, and welfare facilities for students during the construction of a new two-storey L-shaped building. It will include 24 temporary classrooms, seminar rooms, faculty offices and restrooms. It seeks to provide a high-quality, integrated learning community experience for students.
Chris Millard, head coach of North Somerset Athletics Club, said he was ‘excited by the changes’.
“We are delighted to be offered brand new facilities as part of the school redevelopment programme.” – Chris Millard
The new classrooms are underpinned by a desire to protect the North Somerset Athletics Club’s long-term future at Clevedon School. Their club had been vigorously utilizing the school district’s track. With these new facilities on line, they are about to get a plethora of new, cutting edge training opportunities.
Jim Smith, deputy head of Clevedon School, recognised the hard work of the school community in what has been an incredibly difficult time.
“The new facilities will be a much needed boost to the school community that has coped so well in the emergency accommodation, which in the immediate discovery of HACC, meant we were able to keep all students in school.” – Jim Smith
Students are scheduled to be out of the marquee classrooms by the start of the next academic year, which starts in September. The new building will provide a positive, consistent and values-based atmosphere dedicated to education and athletic development. This is a huge leap forward for Clevedon School and their local community.
