BAM preferred for Winterbourne International Academy in Bristol

The contractor will build a three-storey, 11,500 sq m facility in the courtyard of the centre of the academy’s existing buildings. It will also extend an existing technology block before decanting the students and demolishing many of the current buildings.

The project will provide modernised, more user-friendly facilities for 1,900 students and emphasise the Academy’s international theme. Faculties will be located on single floors rather than split levels, and the building will be easier to navigate for students and teachers. An open, naturally lit ‘international core’ will rise through the centre of the building, helping to link all subjects to the Academy’s ethos. Two large halls will seat 300 pupils each, and conference facilities will allow international link-ups.

A large car park at the front will give better parking and access to the Academy as well as freeing up clear routes for pedestrians.

BAM Western construction director Neil Dorrington said: ‘BAM is extremely pleased to be given the opportunity to transform the learning experience for pupils of Winterbourne International Academy. BAM has worked closely with the Academy in order to understand its aims, and now looks forward to creating a building in which these can be achieved.’

The project is due to start on site in August 2012 and complete in December 2014.

BAM’s success in securing Winterbourne International Academy adds to an extensive list of Bristol buildings the contractor has delivered, with recent projects including MShed and student accommodation in King’s Square.

The Ridings’ Federation of Academies

The Ridings’ Federation consists of two Academies; Winterbourne International Academy and Yate International Academy. The Federation was established in 2009 and has just over 2,700 students and a thriving sixth form of nearly 500 students.

Winterbourne International Academy caters for secondary school students aged 11 - 19 years old. It was recently the first Academy or school in South Gloucestershire to break the 80% barrier of students achieving 5A* - C grades including English and Maths at GCSE level.

Yate International Academy is South Gloucestershire’s first all-through academy, with students aged from 4 - 19 years of age.

The Federation, through its Academies, offers both national and international qualifications, with a successful International Baccalaureate programme at sixth form level, ensuring that students are equipped to meet the global challenges of the 21st Century.