Hethersett Academy hits next construction milestone with steel signing event

On Wednesday 5th June the next stage of construction was reached in Hethersett with a steel signing event held at the academy. To mark this key milestone in the build, key project members, stakeholders and students were given the opportunity to sign the steel of the new build teaching block. 

The steel structure of the new block is now standing, and construction is on track for when the building is due to open in January 2025. Representatives attended from Norfolk County Council, Inspiration Trust, Pentaco Construction and NPS Group. 

A tour of the site showed the progress on the build since starting work in January 2024. The steel, and block and beam work are now complete. 

Jane Diver, Principal at Hethersett Academy said: 

“I am thrilled we are at the next milestone in the construction of our new canteen and teaching block.  

 

Our new facilities will create a rich learning environment for our students, offering new opportunities and enhancing children’s learning. This physical expansion will also help to support our growing local communities by increasing student capacity.” 

Andrew Grady, Managing Director at Pentaco Construction said:  

“It continues to be a pleasure working collaboratively with Norfolk County Council to deliver state of the art educational facilities, ensuring we support the needs for generations of pupils to come. Holding the Steel Signing Ceremony at Hethersett Academy gives everyone the opportunity to continue the excitement surrounding the creation of the new teaching block and reaching this key milestone.” 

The expansion has been funded by Norfolk County Council, to create additional school places in the Hethersett area. 

The council funded a previous extension of the academy in 2020, as well as the expansion of Hethersett VC Primary School and the new-build Hethersett Woodside Primary School and Nursery 

Amy Duckworth, Project Manager at NPS said, 

“Its great to be at this significant milestone in the project , which is testament to everyone hard work. As we near the half way point of the build , we are looking forward to the continued collaboration with all parties and the positive impact the new expansion will have for the Academy.” 

Dr Anne Edwards, BEM, research scientist at the John Innes Centre, attended the steel signing event and is one of four namesakes of the recently redesigned houses at Hethersett Academy. She said:

"It is such an honour to be invited to this steel signing event at Hethersett Academy, and to be a namesake of one of the houses here at Hethersett. This has been a new experience for me and one that I am very proud to be a part of."

The recent redesign of the house system took place at the start of this year and house namesakes from the local community were nominated by parents. The houses at Hethersett Academy are now made up of some fantastic role models and influential figures from our local area, it is amazing to be able to celebrate them and have them embody our values at Hethersett Academy.

Gareth Stevens, Chief Executive Officer at Inspiration Trust said:

“Enormous progress has been made by Pentaco Construction as we reach this stage of the project.

 

The students of Hethersett Academy are going to greatly benefit from this expansion, high-quality educational facilities are key to being able to deliver on our vision of Outstanding education and opportunities for the children in our communities.”