Hethersett Academy Hosts Groundbreaking Ceremony as Construction Starts on New School Building

Hethersett Academy recently hosted a groundbreaking celebration to mark the start of construction on a new three-storey teaching block on the academy grounds. This teaching block will deliver more space for technology classrooms, general classroom space and a new canteen for students of the academy. 

Jane Diver, Principal at Hethersett Academy said: 

“I am delighted that we are to provide the physical expansion our community needs to cater for our increasing student numbers and to continue to facilitate a broad, innovative and aspirational curriculum. Our new canteen will allow students to socialise as young adults whilst maintaining the highest standards of behaviour. Our new technology rooms will enhance children’s learning: enabling the development of creative thinking and problem-solving skills of the highest level.” 

As part of this process Pentaco Construction are delivering the construction side of the project, NPS Group are providing design and consultancy support, with funding provided by Norfolk County Council. 

Cllr Penny Carpenter, cabinet member for Children’s Services at Norfolk County Council, said: “The council is pleased to announce its continued commitment to the educational needs of Norfolk’s children through investment, including substantial support for Hethersett Academy.

“The expansion of the school follows the council’s previous funding which included a new primary school, and the extension of the existing VC primary school and academy, to provide vital school places in an area that has seen a considerable growth in housing.

“I look forward to seeing the expansion of the school once it is complete.” 

 The project hopes to ensure the sustainability of pupil numbers at Hethersett Academy and to bolster classroom space for growing subjects. Space for Design and Technology to expand allows the extremely popular subject to develop and support even more students’ skills. The new canteen space will also ensure catering availability can meet the expanded provision proposed, in a modern and accessible way. 

Andrew Grady, Managing Director at Pentaco Construction Ltd said:  

“We are delighted to be working together with NPS, Norfolk C.C., Hethersett Academy and the Inspiration Trust on this project and celebrating this key milestone in the build programme.” 

Following a “building better together” initiative, Pentaco Construction are keen to support not only in construction but also providing social value alongside their build. Through the process and in the coming months Hethersett Academy will be collaborating with Pentaco to provide students access to careers, arts and learning opportunities to further expand horizons in the student population. 

Amy Duckworth, Project Manager at NPS Group said: 

“Building upon the successful project delivered for NCC Childrens Services at Hethersett Academy in 2020 , we are excited to commence this next phase of growth. As the project moves into the construction stage of the brand new three storey teaching block we are looking forward to working collaboratively with all parties to deliver this much needed expansion” 

Gareth Stevens, CEO at Inspiration Trust said: 

“This project marks another exciting chapter in the development of Hethersett Academy. The expansion will ensure that staff are able to continue to provide Outstanding provision for all pupils in a modern environment, offering a plethora of exciting opportunities.”