All pupils at Woodfield Academy have officially moved into their new home on the former grounds of Woodlands Academy following a major redevelopment and construction works.
All pupils at Woodfield Academy have officially moved into their new home on the former grounds of Woodlands Academy following a major redevelopment and construction works.
Planning permission for the redevelopment was granted back in 2022 and the project included a mix of partial and full demolitions of former school buildings, installation of new windows, the construction of a new car park, extensive refurbishment works and the creation of new outdoor play spaces designed to support students’ learning and wellbeing.
The works have provided modern, dedicated learning environments for children and young people with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs.
Throughout the redevelopment, Clegg Construction, who delivered the works, hosted site visits and drone walkthroughs to ensure students played an important role in shaping the school, giving them the chance to see the progress and feel connected to the new space.
Councillor Mal Mutton, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People at Coventry City Council, said:
“I’m delighted to see all the extensive work that’s taken place at Woodfield Academy.
“The Council is proud to have supported such an important project. We want all pupils to thrive and achieve their full potential, and the support and opportunities the new school provides will help them do that.”
Nico De Groot, Principal at Woodfield School, said:
“Moving to the Woodlands site is a landmark moment for Woodfield. For the first time, our whole school community, from our youngest primary pupils to our Year 11s, will learn together on one permanent site, in a building designed around their needs.
"Our children deserve an environment that matches the ambition we hold for them, and this is exactly that: calm, purposeful spaces that let us develop our provision, broaden our curriculum and offer the specialist support that helps young people with social, emotional and mental health needs thrive.
"The move also coincides with us becoming Woodfield Academy and joining Sidney Stringer Multi-Academy Trust. We’re excited about the partnership, expertise and opportunities that brings for our pupils and staff.
"My thanks go to Clegg Construction, the trust, Coventry City Council and, above all, our staff, families and pupils. This is just the beginning, and the future has never looked brighter.”
Claire Turpin, CEO, Sidney Stringer Multi Academy Trust said:
"The Trust are delighted to finally welcome Woodlands into our family of schools. The MAT have worked with Coventry City Council, the Staff of Woodlands since November 2020. Consequently, the Quality of the Education for the young people was rated by Ofsted as Good, in November 2023.
“We are delighted that the children, the staff and our local community have a building that matches the quality of this education, and we would like to thank Cleggs, the developer, for such an impressive school.
“Our gratitude also goes to Coventry City Council for their vision and funding commitment in supporting our community.
“The MAT and school are planning for an official opening in January, where we hope many of the people, involved in this project, will celebrate this amazing school.”
Michael Sims, Managing Director of Clegg Construction said:
“Clegg Construction is proud to have played a key role in the refurbishment of the former Woodlands Academy.
“The project presented an exciting opportunity to transform an existing building into a welcoming, inclusive and supportive environment designed around the needs of its pupils.
“Working collaboratively with Coventry City Council and the wider project team, we are pleased to deliver a high-quality facility that will provide lasting benefits for children, families and the wider community.
The redevelopment of Woodfield School is part of Coventry City Council's continued commitment to improving education provision and ensuring children with additional needs can access high-quality learning environments that help them succeed."