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Education Property Issue 04 August-September 2024

Education Property Magazine is a bi-monthly publication that covers all aspects of the education property sector, from financial and market analysis to design and construction best practices. The magazine also features insights from leading industry experts on topics such as net-zero carbon education facilities, future-proof financing and operations, and navigating the evolving political landscape of education.

Education Property Magazine is a bi-monthly publication that covers all aspects of the education property sector, from financial and market analysis to design and construction best practices. The magazine also features insights from leading industry experts on topics such as net-zero carbon education facilities, future-proof financing and operations, and navigating the evolving political landscape of education.

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08/2024

AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2024

Low-carbon heating key to providing

affordable, safe, and sustainable

student accommodation

How Labour’s victory in the General Election

will impact on the education property market

Discussing the untapped potential of

transforming empty commercial premises

into early years education settings

EDUCATION-PROPERTY.COM

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Comment

W E L C O M E

Capital investment

key for the new

Labour government

Since the last edition of

Education Property magazine,

there has been a change of

government, with the Labour

Party taking power.

In the run-up to the ballot, the

party put forward a number of

proposals to improve education,

including increased funding

for schools, enhanced teacher

training and recruitment, greater

support for students with special

educational needs, and a focus

on lifelong learning.

And, in the King’s Speech

during the state opening of

Parliament on 17 July, ministers

reiterated their commitment to

boosting the education system,

with plans for a Children’s

Wellbeing Bill, which will

put children and their wellbeing at the centre of the

education and children’s social care systems, and make

changes to ensure children are safe, healthy, happy, and

treated fairly.

But the Government was largely silent on the issue of

capital spending on the education estate, with no firm

commitment on RAAC, asbestos, or the massive backlog

maintenance challenge facing learning establishments

across the country.

This will leave many schools in limbo as they face the

unenviable task of trying to maintain their estate in the

face of rising costs and tough targets around carbon

reduction and sustainability.

In the coming months, as the sector prepares for the

start of the new academic year

in September, the Government

will need to consider how it

can address these challenges

and support schools and other

education providers to enhance

their estates as, after all, the

built environment is critical to

the delivery of the improved

education services the party has

said it is committed to.

The sector will also be looking

closely at the announcement

of an overhaul of the planning

system, which could make it

easier for operators and investors

to acquire and develop new sites

and existing properties for use as

educational facilities, particularly

to meet the need for additional

special education needs and

disabilities (SEND) and nursery school places.

In this edition of Education Property you can read

more about the impact of the change of government on

the sector; including an interview with Oliver Weir of

Nexus Pine and news of a newly-released report from

Christie & Co.

There are also indepth features on school security

challenges and low-carbon heating solutions for student

housing schemes.

Read on to find out more.

Jo Makosinski

Editor

Education Property

About Jo: Jo is the editor of Education Property, having

joined Nexus Media in November.

She has been specialising in design and construction

best practice for the past 14 years, working on the

Building Better Healthcare Awards and editing both

Building Better Healthcare and Healthcare Design &

Management magazines.

She has a special interest in the design of public

buildings including schools, nurseries, colleges,

hospitals, health centres, and libraries.

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Contents

Chief executive officer

Alex Dampier

Chief operating officer

Sarah Hyman

Chief marketing officer

Julia Payne

Editor

Joanne Makosinski

joanne.makosinski@nexusgroup.co.uk

Reporter and subeditor

Charles Wheeldon

Business development director

Mike Griffin

Advertising & event sales director

Caroline Bowern

Business development executive

Kirsty Parks

Sales manager

Luke Crist

Publisher

Harry Hyman

Investor Publishing Ltd, 3rd Floor,

10 Rose & Crown Yard, King Street,

London, SW1Y 6RE

Tel: 020 7104 2000

Website: www.education-property.com

Education Property is published six times a year

by Investor Publishing Ltd.

ISSN 3033-3458

© Investor Publishing Limited 2024

The views expressed in Healthcare Property

are not necessarily those of the editor or publishers.

6-13 News

We round up the latest big

stories, including new education

construction projects and details

of the impact of Labour’s General

Election win on the future of the

sector

14

14-16 Policy

Details of Cardiff Council’s new

education investment strategy,

which provides a framework for

estates improvements over the

next decade; plus why policy

makers need to focus on early

years funding

30

30-36 Building Design

How difficult commercial spaces

can be reinvigorated to provide

dynamic nursery settings, a

fresh approach to student

accommodation design, and

education architects singled out for

praise in national awards

42

38-43 Estates and Facilities

Management

Special report on security

challenges in educational settings

@edu_prop

linkedin.com/company/education-property-magazine/

22

18-29 Finance and Property

We look at the impact of the

General Election outcome on the

education property and investment

sector, explore the tenure

structures which have evolved in

recent years in the children’s day

nursery market, and a new report

reveals increased appetite for

independent SEND school facilities

44

44-48 Environmental

Exploring the education sector’s

net zero carbon challenge,

including how low-carbon modern

heating solutions can help provide

sustainable student housing

49 People

Staffing and people news,

including the latest appointments

in the sector

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News

Education campus takes shape

A ground-breaking ceremony has

been held to officially mark the start of

building work at the state-of-the-art

education and community campus in

Faifley, West Dunbartonshire.

Members from Morrison Construction’s

site team were joined by Councillor Clare

Steel, chairman of educational services

for West Dunbartonshire Council; and

Councillor David McBride, chairman of

infrastructure, regeneration, and economic

development, who both broke ground at

the future campus.

The project includes the new Edinbarnet

Primary School and Auchnacraig and

Lennox Early Learning and Childcare

Centres, as well as an additional support

needs base, an education resource

centre, a new community library, and

community facilities to replace the Skypoint

Centre.

Also included in the campus will be an allweather

sports pitch and an external Multi

Use Games Area (MUGA) to allow students

the opportunity to stay active in all weather

conditions.

And the campus will feature materials

inspired by the historic Cochno Stone,

which is a large cup and ring marked rock

sited within Faifley, which dates back to the

Bronze Age.

Councillor Steel said: “This new campus

will enhance learning for generations of

children and young people in Clydebank.

“The campus will be the most-significant

capital investment ever made within this

community.”

Councillor McBride added: “I am

delighted to cut the first sod marking

the start of building works for the new

educational campus in Faifley.

“Today, we can now proceed with

our ambitious plan of creating the new

educational and community facilities for

the children and community of Faifley.”

And David Ewing, managing director of

Morrison Construction Building Central,

commented: “This is an exciting project

that will provide state-of-art educational

facilities for the local community, and I look

forward to seeing the works progress over

the coming months.”

The campus is being funded through the

Scottish Government’s Learning Estate

Improvement Programme in partnership

with Hub West Scotland, Holmes Miller

Architects, and Morrison Construction.

Caddick to build sixth form extension

Caddick Construction has been

appointed to build a new 24,000sq ft

extension at Loreto Sixth Form College in

Hulme, Manchester.

Work is now underway on the new threestorey

campus building, which is being

constructed in Moss Road West adjacent

to the existing campus in Chichester Road

South.

Planning permission for the expansion

was secured in September last year,

following which Caddick Construction

undertook a series of preparatory works

under a pre-construction services

agreement.

With an emphasis on environmental

sustainability and minimising operational

carbon, the new building will have 39.8%

of its electrical demands met by renewable

sources.

Sustainable features include air source

heat pumps, solar panels, passive

ventilation systems, and night cooling.

Pupils and teachers will also be

encouraged to use sustainable forms of

transport, with the introduction of EV

charging and bike storage.

The new building will sit alongside the

existing college, with additional facilities

to enhance the learning environment

and curriculum delivery, including 20

classrooms, a lecture theatre with a seating

capacity of 200, and a new study centre.

The work will also include partial

refurbishment of existing buildings with new

science labs, new catering facilities, and a

110sq m outdoor canopied seating area.

A science garden and landscaped

reflection spaces will also be created to

maximise the use of green space.

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News

Net-zero school takes shape

Tilbury Douglas has completed the first

phase of construction work on the new

Kingsway Park High School, a net zero

carbon in operation (NZCiO) secondary

school in Rochdale, Greater Manchester.

The team celebrated the handover of the

new building with a naming ceremony,

marking the successful partnership between

Tilbury Douglas, Altus Education Partnership,

and the Department for Education (DfE).

The new three-storey building, named after

former Manchester University chancellor,

Lemn Sissay, was constructed using cloudbased

collaborative technology and lean

construction methods, including an offsitemanufactured

‘kit of parts’.

The school’s NZCiO design embeds

efficient, all-electric, low-energy building

fabric, using photovoltaic panels that balance

electricity use with low embodied carbon

materials and biodiversity.

Facilities include practical teaching

classrooms for design technology and

reprographics, food technology, science

laboratories, and staff rooms.

1,400 pupils moved into the new building as

Tilbury Douglas continues with phase two,

carefully demolishing the existing Laingspan

building to minimise educational disruption

during the exam period.

Additionally, hard-paved and grassy social

areas will be sheltered with newly-installed

canopies featuring photovoltaic panels.

The project has achieved an impressive

social value return on investment of over

£7m, which includes more than £1,000

of donations in kind for the Trussell Trust

Food Bank, 98% local spend, 626 weeks

of apprentice training, and an innovative

partnership with DKMS charity on site to

recruit blood stem cell donors in the fight

against blood cancers.

Martin Horne, regional director for the

North West at Tilbury Douglas, said: “The

ceremony marks a significant milestone as

this building stands as a testament to the

hard work, dedication, and collaboration of

everyone involved.”

Phil Shaw, managing director building

(North), added: “The Tilbury Douglas

team effectively guided the DfE through a

collaborative and well-informed engagement

process, presenting clear and actionable

options to achieve net zero in school

operations.

“This successful experience will be

invaluable as we partner with the DfE to

deliver eight more low-carbon schools in the

North West, ensuring a sustainable future for

education.”

Kier to deliver new college buildings

Kier has been appointed

by the London South East

Colleges (LSEC) to redevelop

its Greenwich campus.

As part of the project, which

has an overall value of £47m,

Kier has been awarded a

contract which will see the

existing buildings demolished

and a state-of-the-art

educational facility constructed.

Awarded through the Procure

Partnership Framework, the

5,654sq m, five-storey college

will provide new facilities that

are specifically designed to

support learning.

Alongside classrooms, there

will be wellbeing spaces and a

student welfare area, as well as

specialist rooms to aid student

interests, including a Mac

studio, a training kitchen, and

learning resource centre.

The design of the college has

a sustainability focus, with a

BREAAM ‘Outstanding’ rating

being targeted.

The building will include

rooftop air source heat pumps

combined with a highly-efficient

ambient loop heating and

cooling system.

On the roof an array of

photovoltaic panels are

combined with an intensive

solar green roofing system.

The campus will remain open

and operational throughout the

construction work.

In addition to the new building,

294 homes are being built on

the site with 50% designated as

affordable housing.

The £47m project is being

supported by the Royal

Borough of Greenwich, the

Greater London Authority, and

the Department for Education

(DfE).

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News

Barfield Prep School opens

new sustainable building

An independent school in Farnham has

opened a new, state-of-the-art school

building, a sustainably-designed facility

which will connect pupils to the natural

environment and inspire them while they

learn.

To celebrate the launch, Barfield Prep

School held an opening ceremony attended

by the Mayor of Farnham, Councillor Alan

Earwalker.

Barfield School enlisted the help of TG

Escapes to design and build the new

facilities.

TG Escapes used a method of modular

construction that creates a cost-effective

permanent structure faster, with less

disruption than traditional construction,

ensuring educational continuity for staff

and students.

Its bespoke timber buildings are

sustainable, inspirational, and built around

biophilic design principles, which benefit

stress levels and engagement.

The new building at Barfield Prep School,

which took four months to complete,

includes a new dining hall.

The use of full-height windows running

from floor to ceiling brings the outside

in and the room offers panoramic views

across nature and ample natural light,

making lunchtimes more pleasurable for

the pupils and staff.

Other new additions include a commercial

kitchen with cold and dry stores, a potwash

area, an office, toilet, a plant room, and

an external veranda overlooking the head

teacher’s lawn.

Andy Boyle, Barfield Prep School’s

headmaster, said: “Since I joined the

school, the need for a dedicated dining

hall has been something I have wanted to

address.

“For over 50 years the sports hall doubled

up as the place to eat, but it was a noisy,

chaotic, impractical space with high

windows and no views.

“We now have a beautifully-designed ecofriendly

functional building for everyone at

the school to enjoy and benefit from.

“Having had other developments done

recently, we were expecting there to be

significant disruption to our school day, but

the team managed to go quietly about their

business without impacting on us at all.”

The dining hall space will also host

Barfield’s Upper School pupils for their

after-school prep sessions and prep snacks

and their match teas after sports fixtures.

Clive Hicks, project manager at TG

Escapes, said: “It’s been an honour to work

with Barfield Prep School on this project.

“We are committed to providing pupils

with a positive environment where all

can thrive and this has been achieved on

this project through sustainable design

decisions and material choices.

“The pupils now have views of nature and

high levels of natural light and ventilation —

a great boost for all to enjoy.”

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News

15 school building projects

get the go-ahead

Just days after Northern Ireland Health

Minister, Paul Givan, unveiled a list of

87 schools which need replacing, the

Government has announced capital

funding for 15 of the projects.

In his capital funding allocations for

2024-25, Givan secured an additional £80m

for education this year, which will allow 15

important new-build and extension and

refurbishment projects for schools from all

sectors to proceed to construction.

Visting Bangor Central Integrated Primary

School, one the schools which will now

proceed to tender and construction, the

Minister said “I am delighted to be at

Bangor Central Integrated Primary School

where children and teachers will benefit

from a £10m new school.

“When the UK Government removed ringfenced

Fresh Start funding, I moved this

project and others to my conventional major

works programme.

“It will now proceed as envisaged, as too

will the project for Millennium Integrated

Primary School.”

He added: “Today’s significant

announcement will see 15 schools

benefiting from new state-of-the-art

facilities for young people from Belfast to

Ballymena to Enniskillen and beyond.

“The investment will also provide a

Paul Givan visited Bangor Central Integrated

Primary School, one the schools which will now

proceed to tender and construction

welcome boost to the construction industry

over the next number of years.”

He also announced a ‘series of targeted,

smaller-scale investment programmes to

support and enhance the delivery of the

curriculum in our schools’.

Potential schemes in this area will include

specialist curriculum accommodation at

post-primary; outdoor play, and PE in the

primary phase; and curriculum resources

and equipment more widely.

“It is my priority to ensure the educational

experiences of as many children and

young people as possible across Northern

Ireland are impacted positively by capital

investment,” said Givan.

The opening capital budget for education

in 2024-25 is £254m.

This will allow continued investment in

10 major school build projects currently in

contract or on site and digital infrastructure

across the schools’ estate; keep schools

open and safe; and provide much-needed

school places for the most-vulnerable pupils

with Special Educational Needs (SEN), for

which the Government has earmarked over

£50m.

It is also planned to commence

construction of the flagship Strule Shared

Education Campus in Omagh, which will

provide five new post-primary schools.

The school estate in Northern Ireland

currently includes 1,116 schools with an

estimated capital value of over £3bn.

Seven new-build primary schools will now

progress to procurement and construction

— Bangor Central Integrated Primary

School, Crawfordsburn Primary School,

Edendork Primary School, Glenwood

Primary School, Mary Queen of Peace

Primary School, Millennium Integrated

Primary, and Scoil an Droichid.

Eight primary and post-primary schools

will also receive investment through major

extension and refurbishment and new build

construction projects — Abbey Community

College, Carniny Primary School, Kilronan

Special School, Lurgan Model Integrated

Primary School , St John’s Primary School

(Kingsisland), St Malachy’s College, St

Mary’s Primary School (Barr), and St Kevin’s

College.

Expansion creates additional space

Construction work has been completed

on the expansion of Pentrych Primary

School in Cardiff and the creation of its first

nursery provision.

The new development, undertaken by

contractor, Knox and Wells, has included a

broad scope of works including a new singlestorey

extension housing two classrooms

with their own external play/teaching area

including canopies, a new nursery with toilets

and changing room, teaching kitchen, quiet

room, and external teaching space with

canopies.

A new toilet block, staff office, and

headteacher’s office have also been delivered,

as well as hard and soft landscaping, an

infiltration basin, and a rain garden.

And the scheme included the demolition

of the existing single-storey toilet block and

double demountable classrooms.

During a ceremony last month pupils,

parents, staff, governors, and members of

the community were invited to take part in a

range of activities from natural crafts, campfire

building, and party games, and every child

made a pendant with the new school logo on

as a memento and designed and painted a

commemorative pebble to be placed in the

school’s new courtyard area.

Guests were then given the chance to

tour the new school building and view an

exhibition of photos of Pentyrch Primary

School over time.

Headteacher, Sarah Coombes, said: “The

school is on an incredible journey and

through the power of collaboration we have

now been able to provide a nursery for the

children of Pentyrch along with a school

extension to accommodate greater numbers

of pupils from the local area.

“The newly-established wrap-around care

and an after-school provision also provides

much-needed support for working families.

“After years of planning, we have been able

to realise the dream and we are delighted to

officially open our new and vibrant building.”

A Cardiff Council spokesperson added:

“The completion of works marks an exciting

new chapter for Pentych Primary School and

pupils, staff, and parents are already enjoying

the benefits of the new and enhanced

facilities provided by the scheme.

“The Cardiff Local Development Plan

means the school can accommodate the

increased demand for school places in the

area as well as enabling families in Pentyrch

to access nursery education with wraparound

childcare, and for the first time can

continue with their primary education on the

same site.”

The scheme represents an almost £3m

investment and was joint funded through

capital funding and Section 106 contributions.

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News

First turf cut at site of

new grammar school

Construction work is underway on a new

modern home for Paisley Grammar School.

The campus is a state-of-the-art facility and

will replace the existing school.

Due to open by August 2026 on vacant land

in Renfrew Road, it will boast two full-size

sports pitches, a 300-seat theatre, as well as

a fitness suite, dance and drama studio, and

music suite.

Main contractor, Morrison Construction,

has been on site since March delivering

groundworks to prepare the land for the

main building work, which started earlier this

month and will last for two years.

A ground-breaking ceremony was

conducted by some of the current S1-S3

pupils, who will be among the first young

people to move into the school when it

opens.

S3 pupils Grace Christie and Niamh O’Toole

said: “It was exciting to see what we’re

moving into.

“We liked how clean it looked and are

looking forward to having sports pitches right

there.”

Their classmates, Surbjeet Singh and

Adam Walker, added: “It looks like it’ll be very

interesting to explore. We are excited about

the football pitches as well.”

They were joined by Paisley Grammar

School headteacher, Janice Levens.

She said: “For us as a school this will open

up so many opportunities.

“When you come on site and you see the

space you start to get excited.

“We love the building we are in, and it has

a lot of history attached, but it isn’t modern

enough, so we can’t wait to get into this new

one.

“We’re looking forward to the sense of

space we will have here, both inside and

outside the building.”

Once complete the new school will also

have facilities for the wider community,

such as meeting rooms and flexible learning

spaces.

And the design seeks to meet high

standards for energy efficiency and building

performance.

The location of the building also allows a

close partnership with the neighbouring West

College Scotland campus, with potential

to expand the range of subjects on offer to

pupils.

The new school will be able to hold up to

1,380 pupils, well above the current school roll

of just over 1,000.

Janie O’Neill, Renfrewshire Council’s

director of children’s services, said: “It was a

pleasure to meet some of the young people

who might be among the first to benefit from

this new school, and it’s exciting to think

about what it will offer once complete in two

years time.

“The old Paisley Grammar building has

served generations of pupils well for more

than 100 years, but the needs of learners and

teachers have changed and the new school

will be purpose built to meet them.

“Not only will it be an energy-efficient

building with state-of-the-art facilities for

sports and practical subjects and 21stcentury

learning and teaching, but it will be

an asset for the whole Paisley community,

who will be able to use those facilities out of

school hours.”

The £85.5m project is being delivered by

Renfrewshire Council, supported by funding

from the Scottish Government’s Learning

Estate Improvement Programme.

It is being built within the site of a wider

development which looks to transform

transport links in the north of Paisley and help

create safer access to the school.

David Ewing, managing director for

Morrison Construction Building central

region, said: “As a leading contractor in

the education sector, we are delighted to

work again with Renfrewshire Council and

Scottish Futures Trust on the delivery of the

new Paisley Grammar School Community

Campus.

“It’s great to see work commence in earnest

and we look forward to delivering this

high-quality facility that will make a positive

contribution to the local community.”

The council will look to find a new owner

for the current Paisley Grammar School site

when it becomes vacant in 2026.

10 | AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2024 EDUCATION-PROPERTY.COM

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Election Feature • News

New Education Secretary appointed

Bridget Phillipson has been appointed as

the new Secretary of State for Education.

Phillipson has been new Prime Minister,

Sir Keir Starmer’s shadow education

secretary since November 2012 following her

promotion from shadow chief secretary to

the Treasury.

She was first elected as MP for Houghton

and Sunderland South in 2010 and has

served as an opposition whip under Ed

Miliband and sat on several parliamentary

committees, including the high-profile Public

Accounts Committee.

Born in Gateshead in 1983, before running

for Parliament she managed a refuge for

women and children fleeing domestic

violence.

She is one of 11 women in Sir Keir’s

26-strong Cabinet.

And, within hours of her appointment, she

pledged to begin work on the Labour Party’s

manifesto pledge to recruit 6.500 new

teachers.

As one of her first steps in post, the

Education Secretary will write to all

Health Secretary Bridget Phillipson

Credit: Lauren Hurley, No 10 Downing Street

education workforces to make clear

the valuable role they will play in the

Government’s agenda for change.

She will also hold a reception with key

education stakeholders as well as making it

a priority to meet with teaching unions in the

coming days.

And The Department for Education will

immediately resume, and expand, its flagship

teacher recruitment campaign, Every Lesson

Shapes a Life, and its further education

recruitment campaign, Share Your Skills.

Phillipson said: “From day one, we are

delivering the change this country demands

and putting education back at the forefront

of national life.

“We will work urgently to recruit thousands

of brilliant new teachers and reset the

relationship between government and the

education workforce.

“For too long the teaching profession

has been talked down, side-lined, and

denigrated. I have made it my first priority

to write today to the people at the centre of

making change happen: our workforces.

“I want all children to have the best life

chances which means recruiting and

keeping great teachers in our classrooms —

today is the first step in that mission.”

Sir Kevan Collins joins DfE board

Sir Kevan Collins has been appointed

as a non-executive board member at

the Department for Education (DfE) to

provide scrutiny and advice on the new

Government’s delivery of high and rising

standards in schools.

Sir Kevan brings a wealth of expert

experience to the role, having previously

served in government, most recently as

education recovery commissioner at the DfE.

As chief executive of the Education

Endowment Foundation (EEF) he examined

and analysed evidence on education

effectiveness.

He also has experience as a classroom

teacher and as director of children’s services

in Tower Hamlets.

Non-executive board members (NEBMs)

are senior figures from outside government,

appointed by the Secretary of State,

to provide support and challenge to

government departments.

The DfE’s cohort of NEBMs is made up

of individuals from business and other

backgrounds, who give appropriate advice

on many aspects on the running of the

department.

Sir Kevan will sit on the DfE board

alongside ministers and the department’s

wider non-executive board to provide

scrutiny across delivery and performance.

As part of this role, he will advise on driving

high and rising standards — focusing on

finding solutions to the biggest barriers to

opportunity for children, including teacher

shortages and high absence rates.

His appointment comes as the Government

has been clear that the education and care

system does not currently meet the needs

of all children, particularly those with Special

Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

— with earlier interventions in mainstream

schools key for those with less-complex

needs.

To ensure that improving inclusion in

mainstream schools is at the heart of plans

to improve opportunity for those children

with SEND, the Education Secretary, Bridget

Phillipson, has also confirmed that the

Department for Education will restructure so

that SEND and Alternative Provision policy

will come under the responsibility of the

Schools Group.

Phillipson said: “Our push for high and

rising standards across our state schools

began on day one, with first steps including

recruiting 6,500 new teachers.

“I have moved quickly to make sure my

department can deliver on our mission to

break down the barriers to opportunity so

Sir Kevan Collins

every child has the best start in life.

“Sir Kevan has been an outstanding force

for good in schools, especially his work

advocating for our teachers and children

during the pandemic, and he will play a

crucial role in advising the department.”

Sir Kevan added: “I am delighted to be

returning to the Department of Education.

“There are real challenges facing our

schools and I am looking forward to being

part of a renewed drive to ensure that we

tackle these with bold and fresh new ideas,

to deliver high and rising standards in every

corner of the country.”

Sir Kevan’s appointment has been

approved by the Commissioner for Public

Appointments, in line with the Governance

Code on Public Appointments.

He will remain in the post for three years.

EDUCATION-PROPERTY.COM AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2024 | 11

Education Property Issue 04 August-September 2024.indd 11 25/07/2024 17:15


News • Election Feature

Under pressure

The UK construction sector expresses

frustration with the economy

Following the election of the new

government, Glenigan and NBS

— both part of Byggfakta Group

— have released the findings from a poll

of construction professionals which reveal

ongoing frustration within the market and

calls for tax incentives and subsidies to

support sustainable projects.

The study found that 39% of construction

professionals are feeling pessimistic about

the economy, 35% worry about skills

shortages (35%), and almost a quarter are

concerned about regulatory volumes and

the fast pace of rollout (24%).

Around one in five were anxious about

building quality (21%), frustrated with

planning complexity (23%), and generating

enough business (21%).

There is also concern about delivering to

existing procurement models and tightening

margins (17%), as well as frustration with

the lack of regulatory enforcement (13%).

And the recent period of high interest

rates is putting construction under pressure.

INCREASED DELAYS

Four in 10 construction professionals have

experienced project start delays (37%),

payment delays (37%), and increased

borrowing costs (36%).

A third have experienced delays in new

projects and financing difficulties, and a

quarter have seen more project cancellations.

Around one in five were concerned about

access to finance.

Worryingly, a quarter of construction

professionals say it is hard to do business in

the UK.

However, it is not all doom and gloom

as the poll of architects and construction

professionals found half of those working in

construction (52%) expect more projects to

get off the ground post election and predict

a greater range of projects and opportunities

coming their way.

Interestingly, the most bullish were

those working in construction firms with a

revenue of £50-£100m, with 61% expecting

more work.

And one in three construction

professionals say infrastructure, social

housing, and planning policy are important

to this generation of politicians.

A similar number expect clients to greenlight

projects more easily.

TIME FOR OPTIMISM

The study, which focused on industry

sentiment in the lead up to the election,

found that optimism was running high for

the new government.

Making sustainability a priority was a

consistent call from built environment

professionals, and a third of construction

and architectural specialists called for

While construction has built a reputation

for resilience, there’s an expectation

that our new Labour Government will

be good for the sector, driving growth

through unlocking the planning system

and prioritising the housing shortage

12 | AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2024 EDUCATION-PROPERTY.COM

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Election Feature • News

tax incentives and subsidies to support

sustainable projects. A similar number

wanted tougher measures on construction

waste.

A quarter (27%) also called for a green

infrastructure taskforce to support city and

transport network decarbonisation.

And one in five architects (17%) wanted

to see EPDs become legally binding, higher

than construction professionals (11%) and

engineers (14%).

The survey of over 500 industry

professionals revealed that, despite a

sluggish year of project approvals, positivity

remains — and that hope is on the horizon.

DRIVING GROWTH

Russell Haworth, chief executive of

Byggfakta Group, which owns Glenigan

and NBS, said: “While construction has

built a reputation for resilience, there’s

an expectation that our new Labour

Government will be good for the sector,

driving growth through unlocking the

planning system and prioritising the

housing shortage.

“Construction professionals want

the climate crisis to be addressed with

both carrots and sticks in the form of tax

incentives and regulation to ensure the

Former Prime Minister, Harold Wilson, once

described himself as an optimist, but one

who carries a raincoat, and this is the attitude

the construction sector needs to adopt in the

immediate aftermath of the election

UK can cope with climate change. I’m

cautiously optimistic about the future.”

But Allan Wilen, economics director at

Glenigan, warned: “Former Prime Minister,

Harold Wilson, once described himself as

an optimist, but one who carries a raincoat,

and this is the attitude the construction

sector needs to adopt in the immediate

aftermath of the election.

“In the short term, there’s unlikely to be a

big spending spree as the new Government

surveys the lie of the economic land and

allocates spending where it’s urgently

required.

“My advice is not to expect the

shopping list of manifesto promises to

be delivered overnight; we’ll likely have

to wait until the Spending Review in

autumn/winter 2024 for more clarity; even

then, with multiple departments vying

for funding, windfalls seem unlikely, and

I would say contractors need to prepare

themselves for a period of having to do

more for less.

“Where we will hopefully see early

progress is on planning, with Labour

pledging an immediate updating of the

National Policy Planning Framework and

the re-instatement of local housing targets

to unlock development sites.” n

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Education Property Issue 04 August-September 2024.indd 13 25/07/2024 17:15


Policy

New investment strategy

for Cardiff schools

A

new education investment strategy

aimed at ensuring more young

people will have opportunities to

learn in high-quality school settings now

and in the future has been published by

Cardiff Council.

The strategy, which covers the nine years

to 2033, provides a framework for future

decision making and supports Cardiff ’s

Child Friendly City status which prioritises

the rights and needs of children and

young people, putting them at the heart of

everything the council does.

And it builds on the work already carried

out across the city as part of Cardiff ’s

Sustainable Communities for Learning

programme, previously known as the 21st

Century Schools Programme.

Over the past 10 years, more than

£460m has been invested in completing

construction of three new secondary

schools, with two more underway;

nine new primary schools; hundreds of

additional specialist places for children and

young people with complex Additional

Learning Needs (ALN); and upgrading

works to many other schools across the city.

Councillor Sarah Merry, Cardiff Council

deputy leader and cabinet member for

education, said: “The education investment

which this administration has driven since

2014 has seen real progress made in Cardiff.

“We have always sought to do our best,

within available budgets, to improve the

environment for teaching and learning in

the city, and this work, and this investment,

has also played its part helping Cardiff leap

up the education ranks in Wales to produce

some of the best exam results in the country

for A-Levels and GCSEs in recent years.

“Our investment has seen many new

schools built and many others upgraded.

“Schools assessed as Category D for

condition — buildings at end of life — have

been replaced or replacements have been

commissioned and are in the process of

being delivered, and once the new builds

for Willows High School and the new

Cantonian High School are delivered, only

one category D school will be remaining,

which will be addressed in this strategy.”

However, she said ‘fresh challenges had

emerged’, including a requirement for many

more ALN spaces, and projected falls in

pupil numbers across Cardiff.

“These are significant challenges,

especially when set against cuts to local

government budgets, and it means we now

need to reset,” she added.

“The landscape has changed and if we are

to continue the good work achieved to date

The landscape has changed and if we are to

continue the good work achieved to date we

need to be clear about how we will deal with

these challenges

14 | AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2024 EDUCATION-PROPERTY.COM

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Policy

then we need to be clear about how we will

deal with these challenges.

“This new education investment strategy

will help us chart a path through the next

nine years, while keeping a steely focus on

improving education settings and education

opportunities for all our young people to

ensure every child has the best-possible start

in life.”

In a report to Cardiff Council’s cabinet

committee in May, recommendations were

made to approve the renewed vision which

aims to deliver an ‘aspirational, equitable

and sustainable’ way to invest in the Welsh

capital’s schools.

The cabinet approved the following:

• The Education Investment Strategy

Caerdydd 2024-2033, which provides a

framework for decision making across

the education system

• ‘Cardiff ’s Sustainable Communities

for Learning Rolling Programme

2024-2033’ to allow a business case

to be formally submitted to Welsh

Government for approval by the

Minister

• Note that individual proposals under

‘Cardiff ’s Sustainable Communities for

Learning Rolling Programme 2024-

2033’ will be subject to appropriate

business cases

• Note that the Cathays High School

project will no longer by delivered

through the Mutual Investment Model,

but will instead form a capital project in

the rolling programme

The report also outlines several challenges

the council will have to overcome to deliver

the ambitious strategy, including:

• Demographic changes — including

falling birth rate numbers in the city,

which could see primary schools lose

around 20% of their pupils by 2029. As

funding is based on pupil numbers this

will put an enormous strain on school

budgets, and this drop in numbers could

also later affect secondary schools

• ALN demand — this has outstripped

supply of places over many years

• National and local commitments and

targets for expanding Welsh-medium

school provision

• The education estate — although

Category D schools will have been

replaced, there are still many schools in

poor condition

• Recruitment and retention challenges —

including all levels of staffing

• An increasing number of schools facing

budget challenges

• Inequality of provision — including

access to Welsh-medium education and

post-16 education

• The wellbeing and mental health of

Property

Condition

2020 % 2021 % 2023 %

A 3 2% 8 6% 11 9%

B 37 29% 38 30% 50 39%

C 84 66% 78 61% 65 50%

D 3 2% 3 2% 3 2%

Total 127 127 129

The table shows the property condition classification of all Cardiff schools as at September 2023

The report is clear that a range of options must

be considered to ensure investment achieves

the greatest benefits

young people — which has deteriorated

since the pandemic

• Insufficient community use of school

facilities across the education estate —

with a clear need to place schools and

school facilities at the centre of local

communities

Cllr Merry said: “The report is clear that a

range of options must now be considered

to ensure any investment is prioritised to

achieve the greatest benefits for learners

and communities, ensuring there are

appropriate, high-quality school places for

young people delivered at the right time

and in the right place to best serve our local

communities.

“Future plans must address a range of

challenges such as the demographic changes

to birth rates that vary between pupil

cohorts which could see primary schools

lose 20% of their students over the next five

years.

“The significant demand for Additional

Learning Need provision has also increased

and despite the great work carried out over

the past 10 years, we can’t ignore the very

real issues around parts of the education

estate that is still in poor condition.

“Some form of consolidation will likely

have to take place as we look to safeguard

and improve.”

The Education Investment Strategy

Caerdydd 2024 — 2033 has been

developed with input from a range of

stakeholders, with children and young

people involved in shaping the direction

from the outset.

And it is the framework for decision

making across the education system that

underpins the Council’s new Sustainable

Communities for Learning Rolling

Programme, a large-scale capital investment

programme jointly funded by the Welsh

Government.

This will enable the council to build upon

recent achievements and infrastructure

improvements across Cardiff ’s schools

and inform the changing demands for the

future.

The rolling programme will also set out

the criteria by which individual proposals

for investment will be measured and set

against appropriate business cases.

Consideration will be given to

affordability and appropriate use of funds

in the immediate term that will deliver a

more-sustainable pattern of provision for

the future.

This will ensure that any investment

will need to meet the principles outlined

in Cardiff ’s Sustainable Communities for

Learning Programme to guarantee the best

use of the council’s financial resources while

balancing the competing needs across the

city brought by the challenges Cardiff now

faces.

Consideration for future investment

would be given to the following:

• Align with national and local priorities

specific to improving education

outcomes

• Improve the condition of the estate

• Reduce inequality across the city

• Deliver an appropriate balance of

specialist ALN provision

• Targeted investment through asset

renewal or new build to improve the

condition of the estate

• Ensure sustainable levels of surplus in the

estate

• Strong option appraisal process to

underpin robust decision making

• Maximise scope to ‘invest to save’ to

reduce reliance on borrowing n

EDUCATION-PROPERTY.COM AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2024 | 15

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Policy

THE LABOUR PARTY’S

KEY PRE-ELECTION

EDUCATION POLICIES

Change of tack needed

for early years funding

E

b

m

1. Increased funding for schools:

The Labour Party’s commitment to

increased funding for schools aims

to address resource disparities and

ensure that all schools can provide

high-quality education. This funding

boost will allow schools to improve

facilities, invest in new technology, and

provide additional learning resources.

2. Enhanced teacher training and

recruitment: The Labour Government

plans to invest in teacher training and

recruitment, ensuring that schools

are staffed with highly-qualified and

motivated educators. This initiative

includes better pay, professional

development opportunities, and

support for teachers.

3. Greater support for students with

special educational needs: A key

aspect of Labour’s manifesto was

the provision of greater support for

students with special educational

needs (SEN). This includes more

funding for SEN resources, specialised

training for teachers, and improved

access to individualised learning plans.

4. Improved access to vocational and

adult education: Labour’s focus on

vocational and adult education aims

to create more pathways to success

for students. This includes expanding

vocational training programs and

increasing access to adult education

courses.

5. A focus on lifelong learning:

The Labour Party emphasises the

importance of lifelong learning,

encouraging continuous education

beyond traditional schooling years.

This includes supporting adult learners

who wish to return to education

and enhancing community learning

programmes.

The new Government’s early years

funding policies should be weighted more

heavily towards low-income families and

children with special educational needs

and disabilities (SEND), the Education

Policy Institute (EPI) has warned.

Tammy Campbell, the EPI’s director for

early years, inequalities, and wellbeing,

spoke out after official statistics were

released earlier this month by the

Department for Education (DfE) on

education provision for children under the

age of five in England.

The figures showed that the number

of disadvantaged two year olds eligible

and registered for the 15-hour entitlement

continued to decrease, despite the take-up

rate increasing.

And among three and four year olds,

those registered for both 15- and 30-hour

entitlements also fell.

The reductions were put down to falling

birth rates, the transition to Universal

Credit from legacy benefits, and income

thresholds for the eligibility criteria remaining

unchanged while average incomes have

risen in recent years.

Commenting on the statistics, Campbell

said: “Today’s statistics show a fall in the

number of disadvantaged two year olds

accessing funded early education and care.

“In part, this is because of declining

birthrates — but not entirely. It also highlights

the fact that fewer and fewer low-income

Image: Carole LR from Pixabay

families are deemed eligible for funding at

age two.

“This is due firstly to a freezing of the

income threshold initially set in 2014. It

is also underpinned by changes to the

welfare benefits system, which result in

fewer disadvantaged families accessing

entitlements that qualify them for funding at

two.

“This lessened access for two year olds

from low-income families is worrying,

particularly in the context of current policy,

which focuses on expanding funding for

families higher up the income distribution.

“It is children from low-income families who

are more likely to benefit developmentally

from high-quality early education and care.

“EPI therefore recommends that early years

funding should be weighted much more

heavily towards low-income families — as

well as children with SEND, who are vastly

underserved by the current system and the

expansions.”

On the DfE’s revelation that the proportion

of early years staff without a Level 2 or

Level 3 qualification or accredited graduate

status had risen from 16% in 2018 to 22% in

2024, she added: “Given that staff are key

to quality provision in the early years, this

seems to be a move in the wrong direction.

“EPI recommends that the new

government should provide and implement

a clear strategy for ensuring a high-quality

early years workforce.”

16 | AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2024 EDUCATION-PROPERTY.COM

Education Property Issue 04 August-September 2024.indd 16 25/07/2024 17:15


9 October

IET London: Savoy Place

Exclusively for headteachers,

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The implementation of the

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“Engaging with parents

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Education Property Issue 04 August-September 2024.indd 17 25/07/2024 17:15


Finance and Property

Education ‘a frontrunner’ in

post-election property sector

Following the outcome of the General Election, we

speak to Oliver Weir of Nexus Pine about the likely

impact on the property sector

Following the General Election

outcome, education property

investors and operators will be

watching closely to gauge the impact of

the promised expansion in nursery school

places.

In its manifesto, Labour pledged to create

100,000 additional childcare places and

more than 3,000 new nurseries as part of a

wide-reaching childcare plan.

And it said it would turn classrooms in

existing primary schools into ‘school-based

nurseries’ for an estimated cost of around

£40,000 per classroom.

The money to pay for this was earmarked

to come from a highly-controversial VAT

levy on private schools.

While the source of funding may be

up for further debate, the need for new

nursery schools is not going away as Labour

also committed to sticking to the former

Government’s plans for an expansion of

early years funded childcare, with working

parents able to receive additional free

childcare hours from April of this year.

The Department for Education (DfE)

has previously said about 85,000 extra

childminder and nursery places are needed

in England for this expansion to work.

AN ATTRACTIVE MARKET

Nexus Pine acquires and manages a

portfolio of educational properties across

the country. In recent years, the educational

sector has seen increased interest in the

nursery sector, which is expected to

continue in light of the proposed early years

funding extension.

Speaking to Education Property, Oliver

Weir, investment associate at Nexus

Pine, explains: “The COVID pandemic

accelerated a number of trends in the

property investment market.

“With the ongoing pressures in the retail

and office sectors, there has been a rise in

the demand for alternatives, and education

has emerged as an attractive proposition

given the income profile and fragmented

nature of the market with the potential for

consolidation.

“Education is viewed as being defensive

in nature, in that it is supplying a required

service. At its core, the sector offers

investors an attractive blend of long-term,

inflation-linked income, strong covenant

strength, and relative stability.

“The education sector remains highly

fragmented in terms of operators, with

only a small number of large groups. In

the nursery sector, Busy Bees and Bright

Horizons have the greatest share of the

national market, with Kids Planet making

its mark in the North of England.”

OPERATIONAL RESILIENCE

But these operators cannot buy every

building which comes up for grabs, so

there has recently been a number of new

operators, investors, and lenders entering

the market, attracted by the strong cash

flows that can be generated and the

operational resilience.

Weir said: “As investors, we are working

with a number of newer operators looking

to expand their operations in the sector.

“When we are considering which

operators to work with, we look to gain an

understanding of their financial picture and

how they are funded.

“Carrying out due diligence on potential

sites for nursery businesses is key for

investors.”

And, according to Weir, there are several

‘selling points’.

He explains: “Location is fundamental

when assessing a potential acquisition.

“We will look at a number of factors,

18 | AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2024 EDUCATION-PROPERTY.COM

Education Property Issue 04 August-September 2024.indd 18 25/07/2024 17:15


Finance and Property

including the local demographic, nearby

demand, and the value of residential

properties around the site. We will also

look at what competition there is in that

locale.”

The condition of buildings also plays a

major part in decision making.

Weir said: “We consider all types of

buildings, but remain wary of potential

issues including asbestos, high alumina

cement, or the highly-topical reinforced

autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) in the

older stock.

“But what we have seen as an emerging

trend is nurseries situated in new-build

residential developments where developers

are required to deliver commercial space as

part of the scheme.

“That works particularly well for

nurseries as they are handed the property

in shell condition ready for their bespoke

fit out, allowing them to complete the

works and begin trading in a relatively short

timeframe.

“We have a couple of nurseries in newbuild

residential schemes and they are great

settings. Often the core market for these

nurseries comes from the buyers of the flats,

who might be people with young families

or those looking to start a family.”

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

The sustainability agenda is another

consideration for property investment.

Weir said: “Minimum Energy Efficiency

Standards require buildings to have an EPC

rating of ‘E’ or better in order to be let. If

this minimum rating is not met, works

must be undertaken to bring the building

up to standard and this is becoming an

increasingly important consideration for

investors.

“The previous Government proposed,

and then scrapped, plans to raise this

threshold to a ‘C’. It is likely the new

Government will explore reviving these

proposals so when we are buying buildings

we look to be forward thinking and think

about futureproofing.”

Other deciding factors when choosing

properties to invest in are parking provision

and outdoor space.

Weir said: “In London parking can be

less of an issue as parents may drop off and

commute on public transport. But, outside

of London and other major cities, parents

want parking for drop-off and pick-up.

“And, when looking at outdoor space,

size is important as you want a space

commensurate with the number of

children.

“We have seen nursery operators spend

a lot of money and effort in making their

outdoor spaces as attractive as possible and,

speaking to operators, they are very proud

of these spaces and look to fully utilise

them.”

LONG LEASES

The long leases afforded on educational

properties is driving increased interest in

the market.

Typically, these are let for 25 years, but

investors will be looking for the longest

lease periods. They will then make sure

the rent is affordable for the area and the

operator.

“There are a number of operators with

ambitious expansion plans and robust

financial backing, but there is a limited

amount of quality stock available to them,”

said Weir.

“Often when a suitable building

comes available to lease, there is strong

competition between operators wishing to

secure it, which is a good signal for investors

as to the future demand for their building.

“However, and as in all cases of a supply/

demand imbalance, this can put upward

pressure on rents. Both investors and

operators must be wary of the property

being overrented.

“This can be exacerbated if the property

is elected for VAT. As nurseries are VAT

exempt, the operators cannot claim this

additional 20% back. Therefore, it is

important to ensure that the rent is sense

checked to ensure it is affordable.

“If we are acquiring a setting with an

established trading history, we generally

look for EBITDAR cover of 1.8-2x as a

measure of this.

“But, as investors, if we do our due

diligence effectively we can ensure the

properties work for the operator and for us.

“Operators undertake thorough due

diligence themselves before making a

decision on a building, and then spend

significant money fitting out, so we take a

lot of confidence from that.

“And, if the operator doesn’t stick around,

we are confident that another will step in.” n

…in all cases of a supply/demand imbalance,

this can put upward pressure on rents. Both

investors and operators must be wary of the

property being overrented

EDUCATION-PROPERTY.COM AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2024 | 19

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Finance and Property

Property developers change

tack in challenging market

Property developers have faced continued

uncertainty, stemming from rising costs, high

interest rates, and a challenging economic

environment.

However, despite tough conditions, nearly every

developer has managed to change tack and diversify

their strategy.

Half (49%) of developers are turning towards using

different materials to reduce costs, and the same

number are exploring new areas and regions to build

in. 48% are also planning to build new property types

in order to diversify their developments, and 38%

are planning to invest in new technology, according

to newly-released research from Shawbrook’s

development finance team.

When asked why they are changing their strategies,

nearly a third (31%) of developers are doing so to meet

current demand in the market; 29% are making changes

to expand their business; and the same number are

altering their strategies to improve profit margins.

Thinking about key challenges over the next 12

months, developers cited rising costs as their biggest

concern (26%); followed closely by rising mortgage

rates (25%); and rising material costs.

Why are developers changing their strategies?

31% To meet demand within the market

29% To expand the business

29% To improve profit margins

28% To become more sustainable

28% To improve EPC ratings

28% To make the most of government incentives

28% To reduce overheads

27% To diversify portfolios

26% To improve efficiency

24% To meet government regulations

Terry Woodley, managing director of development finance at Shawbrook, said

of the findings: “Developers have faced an array of challenges and continued

market turbulence over the past year.

“However, our research shows that developers have remained agile and

resilient and have implemented changes to navigate their businesses through

recent uncertainty.

“The fact that a strong proportion of developers are planning to expand their

businesses should provide cause for optimism, and the adaptability already

displayed will be key to diversifying income streams and ensuring strategies are

robust for the year ahead.

“Given that developers listed access to funding as a concern, now could be

an opportune time to partner with a specialist lender who can offer expertise,

support and flexibility throughout a development process.”

Key concerns/challenges over the past 12 months

26% Rising costs of labour

25% Rising mortgage rates

25% Difficulty accessing funding/investment

25% Falling house prices

25% Rising cost of materials

25% New regulations

24% Cost of living impact on buyers

23% Obtaining planning permission

23% ESG/sustainability commitments

22% Lack of government support for UK housebuilding

22% Difficulty accessing labour/talent

18% Lack of government support for first time buyers

The fact that a strong proportion of

developers are planning to expand their

businesses should provide cause for

optimism, and the adaptability already

displayed will be key to diversifying

income streams and ensuring strategies

are robust for the year ahead

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Finance and Property

The evolution of

tenure structures

Jenny Nicol, associate director at Savills, explores how

tenure structures have evolved in recent years in the

children’s day nursery market

There has been a notable

transformation in the ownership

and structure of children’s day

nurseries.

The industry is shifting from small,

single-site, independent operators to

institutionalised organisations that are

increasingly attracting investment.

And, while the market remains

fragmented, groups continue to grow

organically and through consolidation by

embracing leasehold tenure structures.

Ten years ago, leasehold day nurseries

were rare, reserved for the few, often

reflecting ‘pack away’ pre-schools operating

within a church hall, or just for the verylarge

‘super group’ operators.

But the market has evolved, so much

so that it is no longer polarised reflecting

extremes, but for the masses at all levels of

the market.

A modern lease for a day nursery is

typically 20-30 years, with five-yearly

capped and collared index-linked reviews,

and with security of tenure.

LONG LIFECYCLES

These leases provide landlords with longerterm

income, regular predictable reviews,

and a highly-regulated tenant, receiving

Government-backed income and operating

within an industry where there is strong

demand and the opportunity to secure

a client with a long lifecycle of up to five

years.

For operators, leaseholds enable nurseries

to grow at speed. Groups can meet

immediate demand quickly and more easily

‘plug gaps’ within their estates without

having the burden and liability of a freehold

property.

And changes in the planning system

For operators,

leaseholds enable

nurseries to grow at

speed. Groups can

meet immediate

demand quickly

and more easily

‘plug gaps’ within

their estates without

having the burden

and liability of a

freehold property

have permitted entrance into established

commercial leasehold markets, such as retail

and offices.

The opportunity to occupy this

alternative property supply has meant no

choice but to embrace leasehold terms.

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Finance and Property

This has also benefitted landlords, as

while leases for buildings formerly classified

just for A1 or B1 use in planning terms have

shortened and are structured to include

incentives such as tenant breaks, and

rent reviews in line with the market, day

nurseries negotiate their position.

This usually provides landlords with

a more-secure, less-volatile, longer-term

income stream.

STRONG BRANDING

Securing property in affluent locations,

such as London and the South East, on a

freehold basis often means high property

values and competing with developers who

structure bids based on the end use.

Acquiring or taking a leasehold interest

instead can leave a bigger budget for other

business drivers such as the fit-out, interiors,

equipment, and branding.

Having strong branding allows for repeat

business models and the opportunity for

clients to identify with recognisable values,

supporting marketing as competition

increases.

Increased budget also allows for

investment in staff through developing

training academies, head office facilities,

and central management teams, and social

benefits such as mental health initiatives

and community projects.

The lack of financial products and investment

for those without a balanced portfolio can

result in unfavourable terms being offered, or

puts a stop to growth aspirations

We have seen such a growth in leaseholds

that they are now often the preferred

holding structure for many group operators

to enable growth.

And demand is such that multipliers

achieved for operating leasehold businesses

are closing the gap on those realised for

freehold operating concerns.

A WINNING FORMULA?

However, despite this winning formula,

there remain challenges.

Funding is not as readily available to

leasehold businesses within the nursery

sector as it is for alternative markets like

pharmacies and dental practices.

The lack of financial products and

investment for those without a balanced

portfolio can result in unfavourable terms

being offered, or puts a stop to growth

aspirations.

However, this has paved the way for

private equity interest and alternative

options such as working closely with an

investor which would purchase the real

estate and hold the investment.

Leaseholds are also a depreciating asset

where there remains the possibility for

landlords to take back the property for their

own occupation or redevelopment at the

end of the term.

The Government’s expansion of increased

funding for early years continues to fuel

demand for nursery places.

And, while this remains, there will

continue to be demand for new nursery

settings — and often the quickest way to

facilitate growth is through leases. n

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Finance and Property

Huge demand for

independent school sites

A new Christie & Co report reveals an increased appetite for

quality properties for independent SEND school provision

Huge demand continues for

property sites for independent

SEND school provision, according

to a new report from Christie & Co.

The Childcare & Education: Market

Insight Report 2024 begins with an analysis

of leasehold versus freehold childcare and

education business sales.

And it shows that the proportion of

leasehold sales increased in the first six

months of 2024, with the split in H1 2024

sitting at 78% leasehold and 22% freehold,

up from 67% and 33% respectively in 2023.

There are a number of factors which

contributed to this, including an increase in

the number of sellers choosing to retain their

properties and enjoy a rental income stream.

With the cost of capital having increased,

some buyers also prefer to take on a new

lease rather than acquiring the underlying

freehold interest in the property which,

in some locations, would command a

substantial expense.

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS —

INTERNATIONAL, DAY, AND

BOARDING

The report states: “During 2024, in the

lead-up to the General Election and off the

back of the Labour Party’s pledge to end the

tax break and charge VAT on school fees,

while there has been activity via mergers

and schools transferring in ownership,

buyers have been incredibly selective in

making acquisitions and the degree of

market activity in the UK has been largely

subdued.

“To a degree, this has mainly been due to

some buyers’ nervousness and uncertainty

around the potential change in UK

Government and what the direct impact of

that will be on independent schools.

“While some may weather the storm,

others will be less fortunate. But, with the

forward-looking outcomes difficult to

ascertain at this stage, buyers have been

cautious.”

In recent years, the makeup of the

independent school sector has changed.

There are around 2,420 independent

schools in the UK, educating 7% (circa

625,000) of all children in the UK, and the

number of independent special schools has

steadily increased, now making up 58% of

the sector compared with 45% in 2019.

With the new Government now in place,

the market is wary as to how the potential

implementation of VAT could change the

current landscape.

The report states: “With rising costs

and an ever-growing competitive market,

buyer appetite is fairly subdued for

operational schools that have seen pupil

numbers decline steadily over recent years,

often resulting in the merging of year

groups, evidencing to buyers that there is

a sign of distress and risk to longer-term

sustainability.

“The market is, however, much more

positive for better-performing independent

schools with large capacities.”

The Independent Schools Council’s

(ISC) annual school census results show an

annual average fee increase of 8% in 2024,

in line with inflation, with the majority

of day schools charging between £3,000-

£6,000 per term.

And over a third of all ISC pupils receive

some type of fee assistance.

The average means-tested bursary was

worth £12,909 per annum, an increase of

9.3% compared with last year, showing

a continuing trend in schools to support

more-disadvantaged families in accessing

high-quality education.

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Finance and Property

While schools are inspected by both the

Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI)

and Ofsted, Ofsted alone judged 75%

of non-associated schools as ‘Good’ or

‘Outstanding’ as of 31 August 2023.

This is the same as 2022, which follows

a period of consistent improvement since

2017, when they judged 68% as ‘Good’ or

‘Outstanding’.

But, since 31 August 2022, 65 schools

that Ofsted had previously inspected have

closed or left the remit.

In market terms, schools with a track

record of positive regulatory outcomes,

and those that evidence having ‘significant

strengths’, as determined by the regulator,

are frequently more appealing to parents

and buyers alike in comparison with schools

with less-favourable inspection outcomes.

“Desirability will impact both parents’

choices and the price that buyers will be

willing to pay,” the report states.

INDEPENDENT SEND

SCHOOLS — DAY AND

RESIDENTIAL PROVISION

In the first six months of 2024, Christie

& Co saw incredibly-high demand from

buyers for properties that would lend

themselves to SEND school provision, with

sales primarily comprising vacant former

preparatory school sites.

Albeit buyers have been keen to look at

a wide range of properties available to be

bought with vacant possession, from former

hotels and care homes, through to former

community assets such as libraries.

Buyers comprise existing operators looking

for growth and new entrants to the market,

keen to set up and supply services in an

attempt to aid in the acute surge in demand

for suitable SEND placements and services.

“The SEND schools sector continues

to grow due to the increasing demand for

suitable settings that support the needs

of children who are unable to access

mainstream education and/or suitable

residential provision,” says the report.

“Local authorities in England continue

to sign up for Safety Valve agreements,

which would see them receive extra funding

from the Government as they agree to

‘manage’ their high-needs SEND funding

requirements in ways that the DfE requires.

“This can include reducing the number

of ‘inappropriate referrals’ and EHCPs

awarded, along with targets to transfer

children with EHCPs into mainstream

schools.

“Some councils are facing legal challenges

over these agreements, with three potential

judicial reviews being commissioned.”

Despite this, the rising demand for SEND

services, which has fuelled heightened

Moving into the second half of the year, we

envisage a degree of market uncertainty

as to how purchasers and vendors react

to the new policies that are expected

of our new Labour government

demand from providers for suitable

properties to convert into SEND spaces,

shows no sign of abating.

The report adds: “Across the market, there

are concerns that the Safety Valve agreements

are putting the education and wellbeing of

children and young people with SEND at

risk.

“SEND advocates hope that the new

Government will prioritise needs by ending

the programme and injecting sufficient

capital so that every child and young person

has the opportunity to access the education

they need.”

THE FUNDING LANDSCAPE

A recent Christie Finance sentiment survey

revealed that 86% of funders/banks surveyed

have a positive outlook for the year ahead.

Christie Finance says that, while many

lenders view the childcare sector as a

worthwhile funding opportunity, their

willingness to support operators is largely

dependent on factors such as occupancy

levels, sustained profitability over an

extended period, and a secure regulatory

framework.

Christie Finance has also witnessed a 50%

increase in funding queries in the last 12

months.

These related to first-time buyers looking

to acquire a setting, experienced operators

looking to buy additional nurseries to expand

their groups, as well as businesses purchasing

assets, completing refits, and fulfilling their

cashflow needs.

“Many groups in the sector have been

looking to expand rapidly across all parts

of the UK, resulting in operators dipping

into cash reserves or looking for alternative

funding options,” said the report.

Commenting on the SEND education

market, Richard Green, director and lead

valuer at Christie & Co, said: “We expect the

positive market trends that we saw in the first

half of 2024 to continue in the second half

of the year, with good levels of buyer demand

as the vital need for children’s services across

the UK remains.”

Commenting on the independent schools

sector, he adds: “The marketplace in the first

half of the year was largely subdued due to

the impending election and the impact that

a new government might have on the VAT

status of independent schools.

“Moving into the second half of the year,

we envisage a degree of market uncertainty

as to how purchasers and vendors react to

the new policies that are expected of our new

Labour government.

“This could impact the market for the next

few years, though it remains to be seen.” n

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Finance and Property Deals

‘Outstanding’ nursery

sold to Bright Stars

Christie & Co has

announced the sale of

The Lighthouse Day Care

Nursery in Leamington Spa,

Warwickshire.

The Lighthouse Day Care

Nursery is an Ofsted-rated

‘Outstanding’ setting with

an excellent reputation for

providing high-quality childcare

to up to 49 children.

It occupies a prime location

in the affluent royal spa town of

Leamington Spa.

The setting has been owned

by Judy Hall for over 20 years

and, following a confidential

sales process with Jassi Sunner

at Christie & Co, it has been

purchased by Bright Stars. This

is the group’s second setting in

the town and its 112th in the UK.

Hall said: “It was a very-difficult

decision to sell my nursery

because I have loved both

creating it and then watching it

grow into the flourishing setting

it has become today.

“It has been an amazing

privilege to watch so many

incredible children develop over

the last 21 years and to get to

know and work with the staff

and parents who made it all

possible.

“There have been many happy

times and funny moments and

it was not easy to decide to step

down. However, the time was

right to make the transition and

I was very pleased to be able

to sell the nursery to the Bright

Stars nursery group because

it is committed to maintaining

the individuality of the setting

and looking after the staff —

both of which were my main

considerations.”

Kirsty Ibbott, M&A director

at Bright Stars, adds: “This

acquisition not only strengthens

our presence in the Midlands

area, but also allows us to offer

unparalleled early childhood

education opportunities to even

more families.

“The Lighthouse Day Care

Nursery will continue to operate

under its current name and

management, ensuring a

seamless transition for children,

parents, and staff.”

The nursery was sold for an

undisclosed price.

Rare opportunity in leafy London borough

Global property consultancy,

Knight Frank, has been

appointed by The Froebel

Trust to bring to market

a rare freehold education

redevelopment or

refurbishment opportunity

in the Royal Borough of

Kensington & Chelsea, for a

price in excess of £2.5m.

The property at 32 St Ann’s

Villas, W11, is a substantial

Grade II-listed building of Tudor

architectural style, previously

used as an independent school

from nursery through secondary

level.

The mid-19th-century building

accommodates classrooms,

kitchen facilities, outside play

areas, and a detached music

block to the rear.

With approximately 3,621sq

ft of interior space along with

outdoor areas, the site spans

0.074 acres and offers potential

for educational re-use or

residential conversion, subject

to obtaining necessary planning

consents.

“Educational assets of this

scale with outdoor play space

are exceptionally difficult to

source in the Holland Park

market,” said Jasper Upton,

associate in Knight Frank’s

education and charities team.

“This represents a rare

opportunity for investors,

developers, or institutional

buyers seeking an education

or residential development

opportunity in one of London’s

most-sought-after boroughs.”

The surrounding Holland Park

area offers an affluent residential

setting with garden squares and

leafy green spaces. The property

also benefits from ease of

access to leisure amenities and

has excellent transport links.

Dr Sacha Powel, chief

executive of Froebel Trust,

said: “We are delighted to have

appointed Knight Frank to bring

our remarkable Grade II-listed

asset at 32 St Ann’s Villas to

market.

“While it is with mixed

emotions that we offer this

cherished site for sale, as our

requirements have evolved we

recognise now is the opportune

time for fresh eyes.

“Our hope is that the

successful buyer will honour the

rich educational legacy here and

continue its use as an institution

of learning.

“However, as the site offers

vast potential for alternative

uses, we remain open-minded.”

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Finance and Property Deals

Education provider relocates

to urban quarter

Global Banking School (GBS),

part of Global Education

(GEDU), has moved into its

new Leeds campus at MEPC’s

urban quarter, Wellington

Place.

The higher education provider

has completed its move from

its previous, smaller base at

St George House Campus to 1

Wellington Place, where it has

taken the entire four-storey

building comprising 26,000sq ft

of space.

GBS delivers vocational,

undergraduate, and

postgraduate programmes

across a range of industries

including finance, accounting,

business, construction, tourism,

and healthcare and has 10

campuses across London,

Manchester, Birmingham, and

Leeds, with its Leeds location

opening in 2022.

It now has a total of over

30,000 students across the UK,

with further campuses in Dubai

and Malta.

GBS says it is relocating to

improve its student experience,

including through higher-quality

learning spaces, better transport

Image: Bevan Cockerill

links, proximity to food and drink

outlets, and inspiring outdoor

spaces.

Previously office space, 1

Wellington Place received

approval for change of use as

a training facility in November

2023.

The new space includes

classrooms with upgraded

technology features including

floor box charging, IT suites and

student support services, and

dining facilities.

James Kennedy, deputy chief

executive of GBS, said: “Studying

in a brand-new, state-of-the-art

facility, located alongside leading

businesses within professional

services, finance, and more,

gives our students unparalleled

collaborative opportunities to

launch their careers to new

heights.

“We are committed to

providing the highest quality of

education to all our students,

regardless of where they choose

to study, so ensuring they all

have access to the best-possible

learning locations right across

the UK is critical.

“This is a prime location, with

links to public transport, car

parking, bike storage, and is

located just off major roads

including the A1, M1 and M62,

making it easier than ever for

our Leeds students to commute

each day.”

Paul Pavia, head of

development at Federated

Hermes MEPC, the developer

and asset manager behind

Wellington Place, added:

“Wellington Place has firmly

established itself as an

outstanding business hub in

Leeds city centre.

“We’re now excited to expand

on this success by being home

to such a well-regarded higher

education provider.

“GBS is helping to develop the

business leaders of the future,

many of which could potentially

remain at Wellington Place

among the leading organisations

based here.”

The agent letting for Wellington

Place was Savills.

Prominent Surrey school site sold

Knight Frank has announced the sale of

the former Belmont School at Holmbury

St Mary, near Dorking, Surrey.

The property was put on the market

in March on behalf of Glen Carter and

Phillip Sykes of RSM UK Restructuring

Advisory LLP, who were appointed

joint administrators of Belmont School

(Feldemore) Educational Trust Ltd.

For the last 70 years, the school has operated

as a co-educational day and boarding school

with a nursery, prep, and senior school.

And it will continue its legacy as an

education provider as Cavendish Education

has purchased the asset after it was

marketed for a guide price of £7m.

The buyer plans to open a new school on

the site, marking its first establishment in

Surrey.

This addition will bring Cavendish

Education’s portfolio to 16 schools,

with existing locations across

London, Hampshire, Kent, Berkshire,

Gloucestershire, Cambridgeshire, and the

East Midlands.

The new school will cater specifically

for neurodiverse children and young

people, addressing a growing need in the

education sector.

Simon Coles, chief executive of Cavendish

Education, said: “We are absolutely

delighted to have acquired this fantastic

school site and can’t wait to share our

plans with everyone.

“The demand for more schools like ours

is growing, and we are excited to open

a specialist independent provision here,

meaning we can do more for even more

young people who may have previously

struggled in the mainstream system but

could thrive with a different approach.”

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Finance and Property Deals

Family-owned nursery

sold for the first time

Family-owned Kingsmead Day Nursery

in Winchester, Hampshire, has been sold

to national operator, Grandir UK, for an

undisclosed sum.

Established in 1989 by Helen Gaskell, the

nursery has steadily grown to become a

fundamental part of its local community.

Gaskell started the nursery when she had

her own children, Emily and Chris, who,

now grown up, have worked alongside her

to make the nursery the success it is today.

At any one time, the nursery takes up

to 57 children and has been recognised

for providing quality provision through a

platinum #justquality award.

It is conveniently located in the centre

of Winchester, next to a large car park,

making it the ideal option for local and

commuting parents.

Gaskell recently decided to sell to retire

from the sector and Emily and Chris plan

to focus on other interests and careers

outside of the sector.

Following a confidential sales process

with Sophie Willcox at Christie & Co, the

nursery has been purchased by Grandir

UK, taking the group to 83 settings across

England.

Lydia Hopper, chief executive of Grandir

UK, said: “The nursery has enjoyed an

excellent reputation in Winchester and

we are looking forward to continuing to

provide an environment where the children,

families, and nursery team can learn, grow,

and thrive together.”

Willcox added: “Kingsmead is a unique,

special nursery.

“Helen and Emily’s passion shone through

at our first meeting, and I was not surprised

to be inundated with interest from a variety

of buyers so quickly.

“We went under offer within two weeks of

marketing the setting and were in receipt of

multiple offers during that time.

“The quality of provision, strong team, and

a well-maintained asset were attractive for

many buyers and I am glad to have found

the right party to carry on their legacy.”

Chalk Nursery Group takes over five settings

Christie & Co has announced

the sale of Katey’s Nursery &

Pre-School, a prime group of

five childcare settings in south

west London.

Originally set up in 2010, the

group has gone from strength

to strength and now provides

the highest level of childcare

to over 273 children across

five settings that are located in

Kingston, Ham, Hampton Court,

Teddington, and Brentford.

Following a confidential sales

process with Nick Brown and

Sophie Willcox at Christie & Co,

the group has been purchased

by Chalk Nursery Group which

is backed by Downing LLP.

Katey’s will act as the

cornerstone investment of Chalk

Nursery Group, with a vision to

provide a high-quality, caring,

family-orientated environment,

while focusing on delivering the

best outcomes for every child.

Sinead Johnson, chief

executive of Chalk Nursery

Group, said: “I am proud to have

joined Chalk Nursery Group,

and to have made our first

acquisition.

“Katey’s Nursery and

Preschool embodies our

vision of high-quality care and

education, delivering the very

best outcomes for children.

“The early years sector is

well placed to thrive with

the continuing cross-party

support and recognition of its

educational and social benefits

for children and I am excited

to be working with Downing

to provide additional nursery

places for more children as we

grow the group.”

Katey’s Nursery & Pre-School

was sold for an undisclosed

price.

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Building Design

The Learning Tree Nursery, Romford. Image: Delve Architects/Fred Howarth

How difficult

commercial spaces

can be utilised for

‘dynamic’ nurseries

Delve director and co-founder, Alex Raher, discusses the

untapped potential of transforming empty commercial

spaces into early years educational settings

In England we have one of the highest

childcare costs in Europe — putting

immense pressure on working parents to

decide whether it is affordable to return to

work or juggle childcare themselves.

In addition to this, most local councils

are worried about their ability to cater for

future demand.

Earlier this June Labour pledged 3,000

new nurseries for the UK, a welcome target

as we desperately need more nurseries to

accommodate an ever-growing demand.

But, in order to deliver these new

spaces in the most-cost-effective and

environmentally-friendly way — we

should look to retrofit existing commercial

buildings into beautiful, fun nurseries for

families, communities, and children.

RETAIN AND RE-USE

In an effort to reduce the environmental

impact of construction, retrofit is now being

The Nest Nursery, east London.

Image: Delve Architects/Fred Howarth

As an architect, designing nurseries is a joy and a privilege, with creative

freedom to test, explore, and create educational spaces that might be

too unconventional or awkward for other commercial businesses

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Building Design

Grimsbury Manor Nursery

pursued as the first option above the 20thcentury

model of demolish and rebuild.

Although this can be complicated for

housing, the dynamic nature of how

a nursery operates can lead to myriad

different spaces being utilised.

A nursery can have split levels and

mezzanines or make clever use of nooks and

crannies and dropped ceilings, with giant

joinery, climbing areas, and even soft tactile

spaces for active play.

The ‘shell building’ needs basic services

(M&E, ventilation, cooking space, and

toilets) and the interior fit-out doesn’t have

to be overly expensive.

A simple, child-led and tactile approach

works best — using natural, sustainable

materials and a subtle approach to colour

and acoustics to create nurturing, not loud,

spaces.

While not all nurseries have access to

direct external space, it is always possible

to consider light, greenery, and natural

materials in the design.

THE DRIVING FORCE

As an architect, designing nurseries is a

joy and a privilege, with creative freedom

to test, explore, and create educational

spaces that might be too unconventional or

awkward for other commercial businesses.

We started working in this sector after

retrofitting a former doctors’ surgery

into a thriving nursery in west London

and have since developed our passion for

using design to help new nurseries open or

expand their businesses.

We also have first-hand experience of

finding childcare space with our own

families, which gives us empathy and a

deeper understanding of the industry.

The driving force at the heart of a nursery

is the teachers — the incredible people

who are responsible for our children’s early

education — and the role they play must

not be underestimated.

We must also emphasise early years

education is not ‘childcare’; it is the first

step of the educational path; a critical few

years where important motor and mental

skills are catalysed.

Our design approach is to create spaces

that nurture, embrace, and capture the

bright imaginations of young people.

As a practice, we realised we could offer

our skills to look at unlocking the potential

of unusual sites across urban, suburban, and

rural areas, and often conduct feasibility

studies to assess the viability of a site for an

acquisition or development.

One of our recent projects was the

transformation of a former industrial

warehouse, The Learning Tree, in Romford,

east London, with a light, spacious, and

sustainably-driven fit-out to create a

120-place nursery.

The building is a success, not just with its

local community, but also earning a coveted

award from the Royal Institute of British

Architects in May 2024.

Examples from other practices show

how a simple design approach and creative

thinking can transform existing buildings or

re-purpose existing nursery sites.

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Building Design

Grimsbury Manor Nursery

There is untapped potential to consider a nationwide retrofit strategy to

transform under-used and poorly-performing commercial, residential, or

retail spaces into nurseries

Ilys Booker Centre was re-purposed this

year by Perkins&Will, providing a muchneeded

new nursery that was previously in

the basement of Grenfell Tower prior to the

2017 fire.

Focusing on light and nature, the

designers have managed to create a dynamic

space in a tight urban environment, which

provides much better connection to the

outside space.

It is an example of a simple approach

to a nursery setting shaped by focusing

outwards, using natural materials, and

through extensive consultation with the

local community.

Nature frames the outside views and little

touches of art and colour connect the inside

and outside.

In addition, Studio Egret West took the

existing shell of the Park Hill development

in Sheffield, to deliver a clever, compact

nursery along a long rectangular footprint,

installing playful joinery and exposing

the concrete structure as part of the

conservation approach.

And Alma-nac converted a grand

Victorian house in Herne Hill, south

east London, into a bustling new nursery,

retaining the ‘residential’ feel of the

building, but filling it with fun spaces for

young minds to explore.

UNTAPPED POTENTIAL

When we look at empty commercial spaces,

why not consider them for early-years

educational provision?

Empty retail units could be reprovisioned

as they have a simple entrance/

exit arrangement that allows for careful

management and safeguarding.

Natural light is a key factor, so points

to consider would be the ability for

dual-aspect or double-height spaces, with

rooflights to bring light down.

There is untapped potential to consider

a nationwide retrofit strategy to transform

under-used and poorly-performing

commercial, residential, or retail spaces into

nurseries.

The demand is there; and we need a call

to action as an industry to shake things up

and move this forward.

If a developer can zero-rate VAT on

a building by demolishing rather than

retaining the existing fabric — why can

we not consider zero-rate VAT for deep

retrofit?

Retrofit works for educational spaces and

is our best approach to delivering nurseries

that communities across the UK need. n

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Building Design

Bedroom

Nelson Place

Kitchen

Dining room

Games snug

Mezzanine lounge

Reimagining student living

We look at how the completion of a new PBSA building in

Belfast is helping to set a precedent for higher education living

A

new purpose-built student

accommodation (PBSA) unit has

opened in Belfast, marking a fresh

approach to the design of higher education

facilities.

Student Roost has announced completion

of Nelson Place, a 12-storey development

situated close to Ulster University.

Constructed by GRAHAM and designed

by Fletcher Joseph Associates, the building

provides 774 en-suite and studio rooms

and is also home to Ulster University’s new,

state-of-the-art sports centre and wellbeing

facilities, including a spin studio, a gym with

the latest TechnoGym machines, a dedicated

cardio mezzanine, weights section, rooftop

running track, and a 600sq m four-court

badminton hall, which can also be used for

basketball and netball.

Students have free access to the sporting

hub throughout their tenancy and the

rooftop running track will also be used to

host wellbeing events such as sunrise yoga

and lunchtime and after-class circuits led

by Ulster University’s world-class team of

sporting experts.

Communal spaces include a sky lounge

with panoramic views across Belfast, a

cinema room, a bookable hosting kitchen

for dinner parties, study rooms, and a games

room.

Located just across the road from Ulster

University, Nelson Place is Student Roost’s

fifth property in the capital and positions

students studying at any Belfast university in

the heart of the city centre.

Anna Killough, regional operations

manager for Belfast at Student Roost,

said: “We’re so pleased to have completed

on Nelson Place, the largest student

accommodation building in Belfast, which

completes our student quarter in the city.

“Redefining what student living can be,

Nelson Place is setting a new standard for

the PBSA sector through its high-quality

design, sports centre, 24/7 team members,

and a focus on resident wellbeing.

“All of the property’s features have been

carefully curated to fundamentally support

students’ physical and mental wellbeing,

setting them up for success personally and

academically.”

Gary Holmes, regional managing director

for GRAHAM’s Building North region,

added: “Working collaboratively with

project partners, the team have delivered an

impressive development.

“It will be a fantastic living and social

environment for the students with

wellness at its centre, but will also play a

significant role in bridging the gap between

supply and demand in Belfast for student

accommodation.”

The design approach was informed by the

three themes of awareness, flexibility, and

participation.

A spokesman for Fletcher Joseph

Associates said: “Nelson Place provides

market-leading accommodation with a

unique offer of facilities that promote

student wellbeing and encourage

engagement with a wider ‘active’ campus.

“Adopting the three themes informed

our design solution in several ways,

primarily in the organisation of the spaces

and incorporation of visual connections

between key activity areas as smaller activity

zones overlap with break-out and social

areas to encourage active hang-outs while

participating in different activities.

“And the series of accommodation

blocks are oriented around a south-facing

courtyard. This makes full use of, and

expands, the amenity offer for both residents

and the wider student community by

keying into Ulster University’s new campus

adjacent to the site.” n

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Building Design

Alfreton Park Community

Special School. Image: Kilian o’Sullivan

Homerton College. Image: Jim Stephenson

Thames Christian School and

Battersea Chapel. Image: Nick Kane

Making a mark on the

next generation

Education design strategies come under the spotlight in the 2024 RIBA Awards

Alfreton Park Community Special School

Three education design schemes have

been singled out as among the best

architectural projects in the country

in the RIBA National Awards 2024.

The annual competition highlights

buildings across the UK which make

significant contributions to architecture.

And the winners for 2024, announced on

11 July, include the new Alfreton

Park Community Special School in

Derbyshire; the dining hall at Homerton

College, Cambridge; and Thames Christian

School and Battersea Chapel in south

London.

Designed by Curl la Tourelle Head

Architecture and built by Henry Brothers;

the £13.2m Alfreton Park Community

Special School comprises four looselyarranged

buildings nestled against the brow

of the hill.

Two teaching wings have classrooms

facing the open countryside and ancillary

breakout and specialist rooms on the

northern side.

The main communal hall sits on the

more-public side of the school, opening

out onto a semi-enclosed courtyard, and

its overhanging roof provides shelter

to children arriving to start their day.

Completing the arrangement is a discreet

reception and staff building.

The RIBA judges said: “On first arrival

at this school on the outskirts of Alfreton

in Derbyshire, it is evident that it has

been carefully crafted, both internally and

externally, to address the children’s and

teachers’ needs.

“The architects have responded to

the brief with both playfulness and

architectural quality while meeting the

stringent technical requirements of the

county council client and the building’s

users.”

The project team also included PFB

Construction, Price & Myers LLP, Method

Consulting, and Faithful & Gould.

Also making the 2024 winners list was

the new dining hall at Homerton College

in Cambridge, designed by Feilden Fowles

Architects and developed by Barnes

Construction.

The judges said of the entry: “What

architects Feilden Fowles has captured so

well in its new dining hall is a compelling

Image: Kilian o’Sullivan

Image: Kilian o’Sullivan

Image: Curl La Tourelle Head Architecture

Image: Kilian o’Sullivan

Image: Kilian o’Sullivan

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Building Design

Homerton College

Image: David Grandorge

Image: Jim Stephenson

Image: Jim Stephenson

Image: Jim Stephenson

vision of what the new college could be;

speaking to the past, present, and future of

this unusual institution.

“While drawing inspiration from the

materials and details of the college’s early

20th-century arts and crafts buildings,

the dining hall subverts the character of

traditional collegiate spaces.

“Open to the landscape, rather than

enclosed; light-filled, rather than dark,

it is suggestive of the egalitarian, diverse

community the college seeks to build, and

has become the focal point in the college’s

social and cultural life.

“Externally, its highly-distinctive,

sculptural form has succeeded in providing

the ‘emblematic centrepiece’ the college

sought as a symbol of its free-thinking

character and bold social ambitions.”

The project team also included Ingleton

Thames Christian School and Battersea Chapel

Wood Martindales, Structure Workshop,

Max Fordham, Peter Dann, Bremner

Partnership, SEED, and Hortus Collective.

The third successful entrant was the

Henley Halebrown-designed Thames

Christian School and Battersea Chapel, a

massive, brick cuboid which sits on the edge

of South London’s Winstanley Estate.

Located beside large inner-city housing

blocks and the Clapham Junction railway

tracks, the new building is described as

‘enigmatic’ and ‘both part of the city yet

apart from it’.

The judges said: “Responding to the brief

of school and chapel, the architects have

created a fascinating typology in which each

contributes to the overall form yet operates

separately, each façade playing its part.”

The school is entered from the south via

a modest courtyard, while to the east the

chapel façade breaks out from the building

line above onto a small park in a beautiful

play of forms.

And deep courtyards enable naturallyventilated

dual-aspect classrooms,

enhancing the wellbeing of the school’s 400

students, almost half of whom have special

educational needs.

The contractor for the project was

Midgard, with the project team also

included HLM Architects, HTA Design,

Pell Frischmann, Desco, Montagu Evans,

Farrer Huxley, AF Acoustics, MLM Group,

and Martin Arnold.

All three entries will now join other

national winners to be considered for

the highly-coveted RIBA Stirling Prize

for the best building project of the year

in recognition of their architectural

excellence. n

Image: Nick Kane

Image: Nick Kane

Image: David Grandorge

Image: Nick Kane

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Construction

Shoots of light for

education construction

The latest Glenigan Construction Review

reveals education project starts on site

have risen in the last quarter after a

challenging few months for the sector

Education: Detailed Planning Approvals

Source: Glenigan

Three month average

Over £100M

Under £100M

£million

600

500

400

300

200

100

0

Jun 22 Aug 22 Oct 22 Dec 22 Feb 23 Apr 23 Jun 23 Aug 23 Oct 23 Dec 23 Feb 24 Apr 24

Education: Main Contract Awards

The education construction industry continues to face

challenges with main contract awards and detailed planning

approvals declining against both the previous quarter and

last year, but project starts growing on the preceding three months

and a year ago.

According to Glenigan’s June Construction Review, totalling

£1,36bn, education work starting on site grew 3% on the preceding

three months to stand 14% up on the previous year.

No major projects (£100m or more) started during the period,

a decrease from the preceding quarter, but unchanged from a

year ago.

And underlying education work starting on site (less than £100m

in value) increased 35% against the preceding three months on a

seasonally-adjusted (SA) basis and was 14% up on a year ago.

Education main contract awards decreased 18% against the

preceding three months to total £980m, with the value remaining

40% lower than the previous year; while underlying contract

awards decreased 28% (SA) against the preceding three months

and by 40% against the previous year.

No major projects reached the contract awarded stage,

unchanged on the preceding three months and the previous year.

Totalling £1.2bn, detailed planning approvals fell 7% against the

preceding three months and last year.

However, major project approvals totalled £120m, an increase

on both the previous quarter and last year when no major projects

were approved.

Underlying project approvals fell 13% (SA) against the previous

three months to stand 17% down against last year, totalling

£1.08bn.

TYPES OF PROJECTS

School project starts totalled £1bn during the three months to May

and accounted for the largest share of education construction starts

(74%), having grown 48% on the previous year.

Universities, on the other hand, fell 32% against last year to total

£167m, accounting for 12% of the total value.

Source: Glenigan

Three month average

Over £100M

Under £100M

Education: Starts

Source: Glenigan

Three month average

Over £100M

Under £100M

£million

£million

700

600

500

400

300

200

100

0

Jun 22 Aug 22 Oct 22 Dec 22 Feb 23 Apr 23 Jun 23 Aug 23 Oct 23 Dec 23 Feb 24 Apr 24

700

600

500

400

300

200

100

0

Jun 22 Aug 22 Oct 22 Dec 22 Feb 23 Apr 23 Jun 23 Aug 23 Oct 23 Dec 23 Feb 24 Apr 24

And college project starts also experienced a weak period, with

the value having fallen 3% against the previous year to total £135m,

accounting for an 10% share of education work starting on site.

REGIONAL VARIATION

London was the most-active region for education project starts

during the three months to May, accounting for a 25% share of the

sector to total £337m, having increased 131% on last year’s levels.

Growth in the capital was accelerated by the commencement of

the £74m Downderry Primary School development in Lewisham.

Yorkshire & the Humber accounted for 16% of starts in the

sector and tripled against the previous year to total £219m.

The South East was the most-active region for detailed planning

approvals in the education sector, accounting for a 21% share, with

the value having grown 69% on a year ago to total £251m.

KEY PLAYERS

The report also provides details of the leading clients and

contractors in the sector, with the Department for Education

topping the client table, with 185 projects worth £896m, followed

by Kier with six projects worth £129m.

The top contractors were Royal Bam (15 projects worth £575m)

and Kier with 23 projects worth £466m. n

36 | AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2024 EDUCATION-PROPERTY.COM

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Back issues available online!

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Inside issue 01, February-March 2024

• Best practice in the design of educational

facilities

• Investing in the next generation of schools,

colleges, and nurseries

• Meeting the net-zero carbon challenge

• Driving efficiency in the education estate

• Market and industry insight

Inside issue 02, April-May 2024

• Special report on the design of purposebuilt

student accommodation

• How modern methods of construction are

creating a new generation of educational

buildings

• Guidance supports estates professionals to

get the most from their sites

Inside issue 03, June-July 2024

• Special report on the latest acoustic

treatments to address noise pollution in

schools

• Study reveals the impact of lighting on

children with special educational needs

• Nurseries launch petition to force

government to axe business rates levy

EDUCATION-PROPERTY.COM

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Estates and Facilities Management

Schoo

Technology offers a security

blanket for schools

Security is key for educational establishments. In this

article Jo Makosinski looks at the challenges and the

solutions available to address them

Educational institutions, from primary

schools to prestigious universities, are

treasured environments for learning

and growth.

On the other hand, they are also

vulnerable to crime and anti-social

behaviour and, as such, security is a key

priority for estates managers and those in

charge of security.

Pro-active security measures vary from

site to site, but primarily fall into three

categories — CCTV surveillance, access

control, and observation/warning systems.

Chris Clifton of Safeguard Systems

explains: “Unauthorised access is an issue

for schools — people walking off the street

or delivery drivers turning up and letting

themselves in. Also, there are rooms within

schools which only certain staff members

should have access to, for example where

cash or valuable equipment is kept.

“In this case we would typically see the

installation of intercom systems and door

or gate controls at key entry points or in

reception areas.

“To protect sensitive areas, and to manage

staff access in and around the school, we

would deploy key fob or keypad door entry

systems.”

Teachers do not go to work to get attacked by children, so while having

CCTV cameras in classrooms may feel like a breach of privacy, they are

critical as both a deterrent and to gather evidence in the event of an issue

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Estates and Facilities Management

School corridor surveillance

ACCESS CONTROL

The main types of access control systems for

schools are:

• Key fob and car door entry systems:

For receptions, the school gate, and

internal access

• Video and audio intercoms: In

reception, at the school gate, and internal

access points

• ANPR cameras: At the school gate and

external entry points

• Keypad access: For restricted areas and

car parks

The second area schools must consider is

detecting and dealing with external and

internal threats.

As mentioned above, CCTV surveillance

and observation and warning solutions,

such as lookdown systems, cover this area of

security.

Clifton said: “There are lots of threats

facing schools, in some areas more than

others, such as inner city schools.

“If a school thinks an intruder might be

carrying a weapon, such as a knife, lockdown

systems are an effective solution.

“Lock-down systems are linked to the

main access control systems and staff can

sound an alarm, and lock all exertional

doors for the school. Furthermore, a siren

will act as a means to deter the intruder

from carrying out any attack.

“There is also a growing issue with

children assaulting teachers. Teachers do

not go to work to get attacked by children,

so while having CCTV cameras in

classrooms may feel like a breach of privacy,

they are critical as both a deterrent and to

gather evidence in the event of an issue.”

Pano vu cameras can offer protection in larger spaces

schools to deter attacks on staff or pupils or

other criminal behaviour.

And this has sparked controversy as

cameras are placed in areas such as toilets

and changing rooms.

Clifton said: “I think there’s a balance

between physical privacy that any child

should have and has a right to have — if you

are spending a penny, you don’t want to think

someone is watching you — but also it is

important to deter and gather evidence of any

bullying or illegal activity, which is a particular

problem in these more-private areas.

“I would like to think that any parent

who puts their child’s physical and mental

safety at the forefront would not have

an issue with a discreetly-placed camera

covering areas of a toilet where people’s

physical privacy is not being compromised.

“The reality is also that in some schools,

13 and 14 year olds, some even younger,

are taking hard drugs and educational

establishments need to use security

solutions to help address and deter this.”

CHOOSE WISELY

When specifying CCTV cameras for

education settings, there are a number of

different systems to consider. These include:

• CCTV monitoring: CCTV

monitoring, also known as monitored

CCTV, is a robust, cost-effective form

of security. It works by fitting security

cameras with sensors. When triggered,

an alarm is raised and an offsite security

team will receive this alert. They then

review the footage and, if they detect a

security threat, the right authorities will

deal with it. This is the perfect solution

for schools which may be targeted by

criminals outside of school hours or

during holidays

• Internal and external IP CCTV

cameras: These offer high-resolution,

scalable security solutions that help

deal with a range of threats. IP CCTV

systems, otherwise known as network

security camera systems, are suitable for

internal and external school surveillance

A GROWING THREAT

In fact, according to a poll by the

NASUWT teaching union in 2023, 13%

of teachers said they had been physically

assaulted by a pupil and 48% said they do

not feel that their school’s behaviour policy

is effective and fit for purpose.

With this in mind, CCTV cameras are

becoming increasingly commonplace in

Surveillance cameras are

increasingly being used in schools

Site surveys help to find key

areas for security solutions

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Estates and Facilities Management

Door controls and intercoms can

prevent unauthorised access

• Perimeter surveillance: Perimeter

CCTV systems help schools to protect

their site from external threats. Intruders

and thieves will often scour a perimeter

for vulnerabilities. Additionally, gaps in

fencing and easily-scalable walls supply

easy access to criminals. These advanced

CCTV surveillance systems help protect

a school’s perimeter and can seamlessly be

deployed within a remotely-monitored

security system

• ANPR CCTV: Vehicle number plate

tracking systems can be used as a form of

access control as well as detecting known

suspicious vehicles. ANPR CCTV

camera systems can also be used to spot

cars exceeding the speed limit in the car

park. Worse still, sex offenders often

patrol in and around the school gates

and if any of concern are spotted, the car

registration can be stored in a database.

When spotted, an alert can then be

raised for the school’s security team to

deal with

• Thermal CCTV: These systems offer

advanced intruder and threat detection.

Thermal CCTV systems are effective

after dark and can form part of a welldesigned

perimeter protection system.

Thermal CCTV cameras systems can

also be deployed internally to track the

movements of intruders if they gain

access to the building

Offering advice to specifiers, Clifton

said: “Schools are not dripping with money

and they have finite budgets so they need

to pinpoint what the threats are and the

likelihood of these taking place balanced

against the budget they have got available

for security.

EXPERT ADVICE

“It’s about having a clear idea of threats and

objectives, so it is important for a school to

choose a security company that has a proven

track record in dealing with, and working

in, schools so that the system design process

can be shorter.

“We recently surveyed a school site and

managed to trim 20-30% from the cost of

the system as during the survey we noticed

they had a lot of security lights mounted

on existing poles. As a result, we could fit

cameras to them, thus negating the need

for the school to invest in further specialist

CCTV poles. Furthermore, the cameras

were linked via wireless bridges, so we

did not have to dig up the carpark to run

cabling across the site.”

Clifton goes on to comment on the

benefits of dealing with a specialist school

security company.

“Dealing with a specialist school security

company, and one that will come out

and do a thorough site survey, is vital in

ensuring the best-possible security system

is fitted and one that is within budget. As

experts in school security we understand

the challenges faced, and can easily

recommend appropriate systems.”

A recent project Safeguard Systems has

been involved with in the education sector

is the upgrade of CCTV infrastructure at a

Wiltshire college.

After an exhaustive site evaluation,

Hikvision PanoVu cameras were installed

to reduce cabling and camera count;

while DeepInView ANPR cameras were

recommended to address car park entry

issues, and Hikvision DarkFighter bullet

cameras were specified to safeguard the

sports centre.

Additionally, Safeguard Systems

has recently designed and deployed a

range of other solutions covering lockdown

systems, door access control ,and

a whole range of CCTV surveillance

installations for comprehensive,

public, and private schools. n

Dealing with a specialist school security

company, and one that will come out and do

a thorough site survey, is vital to ensuring the

best-possible security system is fitted and one

that is within budget

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Estates and Facilities Management

Integrated Fencing installed security fencing

at Cefn Saeson Secondary School in Wales

as part of a Secure by Design project

Five ways to keep schools

secure over summer

We look at ways to protect schools and other educational establishments

from theft and vandalism over the long summer break

It is not just in term time that schools

need security. With the summer

holidays beginning, educational

facilities across the UK are shutting

down for an extended period, leaving

them particularly vulnerable to theft and

vandalism.

Hywel Davies, construction director and

co-owner of Integrated Fencing, explains:

“While students and staff enjoy their welldeserved

break, schools can become targets

for theft and vandalism, with 2023 figures

showing that crime costs schools £26,575

per year — more than double the previous

year.

“With thousands of pounds worth of

equipment inside and no one around for six

weeks, it is easy to see why criminals would

plan to break in.

“It is essential that all schools implement

these measures, particularly those more at

risk in high-crime areas, to ensure they are

protecting the grounds and doing as much

as possible to deter thieves, avoiding lengthy

insurance claims and costs incurred from

criminal damage.”

To support estates managers, he has put

together his top five tips for preventing

these costly crimes from happening while

premises are empty for long periods of time.

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Estates and Facilities Management

security systems to ensure they are

operational throughout the summer.

4. SECURE ALL WINDOWS

AND DOORS

Checking all windows and doors on the

premises are secure before the school

closes for summer is imperative, as well

as installing high-quality locks on all

doors and windows, and where necessary,

reinforcing them with security bars or

grilles.

For added protection, apply shatterproof

film to windows, making it difficult for

intruders to gain entry by breaking the

glass.

And regularly inspect locks and repair

any that show signs of wear or damage.

1. INSTALL HIGH-QUALITY

FENCING

Installing a sturdy, reliable fence is one of

the most-effective ways to protect your

school.

Schools in high-crime areas are often

more vulnerable to break-ins, making it

crucial to invest in heavy-duty steel fencing

with anti-climb features.

In contrast, schools in safer areas might

opt for standard steel fencing, which still

provides a strong deterrent.

Steel fencing requires minimal

maintenance, primarily consisting of regular

cleaning to remove dirt and prevent rust.

Gates, however, must comply with Gate

Safety Regulations. Specifiers should look

for comprehensive maintenance packages

for both automatic and manual gates,

ensuring they remain secure and functional.

2. LOCK UP COMPUTERS

AND OTHER VALUABLE

EQUIPMENT

Schools are often equipped with valuable

technology and equipment, making them

prime targets for thieves.

Ensure all computers, tablets, and other

electronic devices are securely locked away

in storage rooms or cabinets with strong

locks.

Additionally, keep an inventory of all

valuable items and consider marking them

with your school’s identification to deter

theft and aid recovery if stolen.

3. SET UP CCTV AND ALARM

SYSTEMS

Investing in a robust CCTV and alarm

system can significantly enhance your

school’s security.

CCTV cameras act as a deterrent and

provide crucial evidence if a break-in

occurs.

Position cameras at all entry points,

hallways, and common areas and integrate

systems with motion detectors and alarms

to alert local authorities immediately if an

intrusion is detected.

Regularly check and maintain your

5. SECURE THE GROUNDS

As strange as it sounds, well-maintained

school grounds can potentially deter

criminal activity.

Overgrown bushes and trees can provide

cover for thieves, so ensure that the

landscaping is kept tidy and trimmed.

Installing adequate lighting around the

school perimeter and entrances can also

discourage intruders and motion-activated

lights are an excellent option, as they can

startle potential thieves and draw attention

to their presence. n

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Environmental

Building a sustainable future

While the green agenda remains at the forefront of the education sector’s approach to property

development and estates management, a new report reveals the number of schemes with

sustainability targets is decreasing in the sector

The NBS’s Sustainable Futures Report

2024, published in conjunction

with RIBA and Glenigan,

surveyed 568 suppliers, clients, architects,

engineers, and consultants to determine

the importance of sustainability in the

construction sector.

And it revealed that there has been a

‘notable reduction’ in projects which have

been granted planning permission or have

started on site which have BREEAM

sustainability targets.

And the health and education sectors

have been particularly hard hit due to the

squeeze on public finances in recent years.

David Bain, research manager at NBS,

said: “The need to achieve environmental

sustainability, in particular addressing

climate change, is arguably the mostpressing

challenge of our time.

“While there remain some who continue

to doubt the human impact on climate

change, the vast majority recognise it, and

the evidence plays out for all to see.

“There has been significant effort to

address the challenge and progress has been

made, but not fast enough.”

On a more-positive note for the

education sector, the specification of

renewable energy and heat pumps has been

more widespread. Almost two-thirds (64%)

of new-build education projects approved

this year include renewables and 36%

involve heat pumps.

The report found that all types of

sustainability are considered important

by the majority of respondents, with

environmental sustainability most

‘important’ to 90% of people.

And eight out of 10 believe social

sustainability and economic sustainability

are also ‘important’.

Respondents were also asked how

often their projects in the last year had

sustainability targets.

Only 16% said ‘all the time’, 33% ‘most

of the time’, 27% ‘some of the time’, 13%

‘rarely’, and 12% ‘never’.

The report states: “Once those who don’t

know are removed, we find that almost nine

out of 10 respondents worked on projects

with sustainable outcome targets.

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Environmental

“All of these numbers are higher than in

2021, when seven out of 10 respondents

had sustainable outcome targets.

“Clients were most likely to say their

projects had sustainable outcome targets,

with 97% stating this. Larger organisations

are also more likely, with 61% saying that

they had sustainable outcome targets most,

or all, of the time.”

The picture is more positive with respect

to net zero, however.

Almost two thirds (64%) said they

worked on a net zero project, compared to

just under half in 2021.

But the proportion of projects where this

is routine is still in the minority, with only

15% of respondents stating they worked on

net zero projects most, or all, of the time.

The researchers also looked at operational

efficiencies, asking if projects involved

taking sustainability measurements while

the asset is in use. Almost three-quarters

(72%) said they did, with a quarter saying

that their projects included measurements

most, or all, of the time, and the larger the

organisation, the more likely their projects

involve this.

But the report states: “This increase is

encouraging, and one might conclude

that this is a result of the increased focus

on sustainable outcomes, strengthening

of legislation, and availability of moresustainable

products.

“However, over the longer term the

results aren’t so positive — coming almost

back into line with 2012 and 2014, when

over half said that their projects were

usually, or always, sustainable.

“This might not necessarily mean we are

less sustainable than we were then.

“One possible explanation is that people

now better understand what sustainability

looks like, so what might have been thought

sustainable 10 years ago might not be now.”

And, when it comes to barriers to

sustainability, respondents cited cost as

the biggest hurdle, with 63% citing this,

To enable designers and specifiers to make

effective decisions in order to achieve these

outcomes, sustainability would need to have

been part of the strategy and briefing process

at the beginning — to create clear objectives,

define the brief, and set an appropriate budget

compared to only 51% in 2021.

Material price inflation has been

extremely high for many products, and this

has only started to come down in the last

few months.

“While this has affected products

that might not be deemed sustainable,

the overall pressure on project budgets

and margins may well have led to people

making decisions that are as cost effective

and simple as possible — rather than

researching lesser-known alternatives,

which might be more sustainable,” the

report states.

The next three barriers are lack of client

demand; sustainable products being value

engineered out; and ‘lack of government

policy/regulation’.

Project clients, investors, and financiers

remain most influential on whether

sustainability is a focus on projects.

After these, consultants and designers

are seen as most influential, but whether

their sustainable design options are taken

forward will depend on the client.

Contractors, suppliers, and

manufacturers are seen as less influential,

but do play an important role when

suggesting more-sustainable solutions and

products.

To ensure the sector stays on track, the

report calls for sustainability to be included

in project strategies and briefings from the

get-go.

It states: “To enable designers and

specifiers to make effective decisions

in order to achieve these outcomes,

sustainability would need to have been

part of the strategy and briefing process at

the beginning — to create clear objectives,

define the brief, and set an appropriate

budget.

“Survey responses suggest that there

remains a gap at this early stage, with 62%

stating that sustainability is considered as

part of the strategy and brief; 84% believe

it should be considered at this time, more

than at any other stage.

“The strategy and brief stage appears to

be where there is the largest gap between

actual and ideal behaviour.

“However, survey responses also indicate

that sustainability isn’t being considered

enough during construction and when the

asset is in use.

“This pattern of response is similar to

2021, where responses suggested that

sustainability was considered most during

the design stages and not enough during the

other project stages.” n

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Environmental

More than 1.2 million students live in rented accommodation or halls of residence,

and many face rising heating costs and problems with damp and mould

Heating halls: How universities

can offer safe and sustainable

student housing

Oliver Baker, chief executive of Ambion Heating,

speaks to Education Property about how low-carbon

heating is the key to providing affordable, safe,

and sustainable accommodation for students

Student housing has evolved

significantly over the past 50 years,

from basic living quarters converted

from office blocks and hotels to small-scale

villages with amenities tailored specifically

for the needs of those attending university.

According to Knight Frank’s Student

Property Report, an additional 263,000 fulltime

undergraduates are expected to begin

higher education between now and 2030.

And, for many, it will be their first

experience living away from home and their

expectations of what their new homes will

be like include being clean, modern, and

comfortable.

Unfortunately, the reality experienced by

attending students is quite different.

FALLING SHORT

Despite a recent shift towards moremodern

and purpose-built student

accommodation (PBSA), some students

Where energy bills are not included in the rent, some students,

already struggling to afford accommodation costs, may not turn

on their heating, leading to the issues with a lack of heating, as

well as problems with dampness and mould being exacerbated

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Environmental

Whether in newbuild

or retrofit

properties,

fulfilling existing

and forthcoming

accommodation

requirements set out

by the university,

local authorities,

and the Government

may require capital

investment to

improve building

fabric or add solar PV

or new low-carbon

heating systems

have found properties fall short of their

wish list.

Two of the biggest problems reported in

the latest National Student Accommodation

Survey were dampness and a lack of heating.

The report found that over 33% of those

surveyed have had issues with damp, and

29% experienced a lack of heating or water.

Damp within a property is problematic as

it can often lead to mould, which can have

negative health effects including respiratory

eye and/or skin irritation.

Not only are some properties

not providing graduates with safe

accommodation, but they’re often

unaffordable, as 64% of those paying rent

said they struggle with the cost at least some

of the time.

In the UK, students’ most-common

accommodation types are privately rented,

university halls of residence, private sector

halls of residence, or living at home.

Students living at home usually don’t have

to worry about what their new lodgings

might be like, but for the other 1.2 million

students living away, finding an affordable

and safe property can be problematic.

Infrared heat systems deliver significant benefits, helping to lower energy

consumption and costs and reduce a property’s environmental impact

MANAGING RISING COSTS

The National Student Accommodation

Survey found that many students have bills

included in rent — especially those living in

halls, with 56% of students saying they have

energy bills included.

This can be a great way for students to

avoid the fluctuating costs many households

are facing with their energy bills.

Where energy bills are not included in the

rent, some students, already struggling to

afford accommodation costs, may not turn

on their heating, leading to the issues with

a lack of heating, as well as problems with

dampness and mould being exacerbated.

Unfortunately, given the persistently-high

energy prices, there is a significant challenge

for property owners who cover energy

costs to satisfy the expectations of students

and educational institutions and ensure a

profitable return on their investments.

And this could become a risk to bills

being included in the future, or mean a rise

in rental prices to cover costs.

Whether in new-build or retrofit

properties, fulfilling existing and

forthcoming accommodation requirements

set out by the university, local authorities,

and the Government may require capital

investment to improve building fabric or

add solar PV or new low-carbon heating

systems.

This can be difficult in today’s current

climate, where prices across the supply chain

have increased significantly over the past few

years.

However, property owners mustn’t give

up on their responsibilities to provide

affordable and safe housing for today’s and

tomorrow’s students.

MEETING NET ZERO TARGETS

Ensuring properties have the necessary

energy efficiency measures and affordable

heating systems while balancing upfront

costs can be hard to achieve for many

education providers, student housing

developers, and landlords, especially as

there is a third element to consider.

Housing providers also need to assess

Ensuring properties have the necessary energy

efficiency measures and affordable heating

systems while balancing upfront costs can be

hard to achieve for many education providers,

student housing developers, and landlords

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Environmental

As owners of large estate portfolios, the UK’s

higher education institutions are uniquely

positioned to take the lead in decarbonisation

efforts to meet the country’s net zero targets

their environmental impact, more

specifically how their property portfolio

will meet net zero targets over the coming

years.

As owners of large estate portfolios,

the UK’s higher education institutions

are uniquely positioned to take the lead

in decarbonisation efforts to meet the

country’s net zero targets.

Consequently, they are facing increasing

pressure from funders, staff, and prospective

students to be more sustainable.

Heating, once again, is at the centre of

the challenge.

When it comes to old housing stock, the

question posed is how to replace oftendecades-old

systems with affordable lowcarbon

technology.

For PBSAs, it’s how to best manage costs

and the need to implement low-carbon

heating that is futureproofed against the

ever-changing energy landscape.

Conventional electric heating systems

don’t address the high cost of energy given

their energy performance, while convection

systems — including heat pumps — are not

as effective in combating the problem of

mould and damp.

Heat pumps can also be problematic

because of their high upfront costs, and

their size means they can be difficult to

accommodate in the smaller units inherent

in student accommodation.

Meeting all expectations can be

arduous and sometimes unrealistic, but

housing providers must find a way to

supply students with affordable, safe and

sustainable housing.

So, what is the solution to this trilemma?

HEATING SMALLER

PROPERTIES

With the Government’s net zero plans

focusing on electrification for heat, many

property owners are turning to heat pumps.

However, this technology is often

unsuitable for smaller houses and multioccupancy

buildings.

With a high upfront cost and a lengthy,

complicated, and often-disruptive

installation process, these systems require

space that is often not available in halls of

residence.

Requiring pipework, radiators, and

external condenser units, heat pumps can

also be costly to service and maintain,

adding financial pressure to already-tight

budgets.

In addition, convection systems,

including heat pumps, don’t help combat

the mould and damp that some student

properties are prone to.

In fact, the warm air they produce,

when coming into contact with cold walls,

encourages condensation and mould,

potentially harming residents’ wellbeing.

With traditional systems failing to ensure

adequate and efficient heating, and options

With traditional systems failing to ensure

adequate and efficient heating, and options

like heat pumps considered unsuitable or

impractical for many accommodation types,

many housing providers are turning to

infrared heat panels as a solution

like heat pumps considered unsuitable or

impractical for many accommodation types,

many housing providers are turning to

infrared heat panels as a solution.

LOW CARBON AND LOW COST

Infrared heat works like the sun, giving the

same feeling of direct warmth, but without

any of the harmful rays.

It works by the fabric of the building and

the materials within a room absorbing and

storing the infrared waves, rather than the

system heating the air and space — a muchmore-efficient

approach to heat.

Infrared can turn the property into a heat

store, with significant benefits when used

with the correct control system.

For example, Ambion Heating provides

the only control system specifically

designed for infrared, and importantly it is

not based on a thermostat.

The unique control system uses constant

dynamic pulsing, rather than a ‘zoning’

on/off approach used by other systems,

to dramatically reduce energy usage and

maintain a room’s temperature within 0.1C

of its target, 24 hours a day.

The system works best by constantly

pulsing across a flat demand profile, with no

morning or evening energy spikes in usage.

With this method, the system can achieve

around 25% savings in the unit cost of

energy using a flexi tariff.

The results of using dynamic pulsing, plus

the infrared panels, are significant, as users

can expect to use up to 60% less electricity

when compared to conventional systems.

Low-carbon heat panels can also reduce

carbon emissions by up to 60% in flats or

studios when compared with conventional

heating systems.

They are also fully futureproofed to

partner with solar and battery solutions for

a complete net-zero approach.

This heating solution can not only

help lower energy consumption, and

therefore costs, but also reduce a property’s

environmental impact.

A further benefit of low-carbon heat

panels use is they can be fitted in a new

purpose-built building or retrofitted to

replace an existing gas or electric heating

system using the electrical mains wiring.

Living in a warm and safe environment

is critical to our health and wellbeing,

something higher education institutions

are committed to supporting their students

with.

And, despite some accommodation

issues, there’s an incredible opportunity to

address these challenges and intelligently

futureproof the student housing sector,

bringing affordable, sustainable, and safe

homes to residents. n

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People

JLL appoints chief executive

of works dynamics

Sue Asprey Price

JLL has announced the appointment

of Sue Asprey Price as the new chief

executive for work dynamics across

Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

Based in London, Asprey Price joined JLL

in 2017 as the head of work dynamics in the

UK and Ireland.

Prior to that, she held senior roles at large

real estate companies including CBRE.

She has more than 20 years of experience

and is known for her client service and

strong leadership.

In her new and expanded role, which she

takes over from Mark Caskey, her focus is

to deliver exceptional client service and

drive growth across the region. She will

also play a pivotal role in leading the shape

and delivery of JLL’s end-to-end integrated

corporate occupier solutions across the

region.

Neil Murray, chief executive of work

dynamics at JLL, said: “Sue is a tremendous

addition to our global leadership team.

“Her subject matter expertise and

commitment to superior client service

will help us build on the growing market

opportunities in the EMEA region.

“During her time at JLL, she has earned the

trust of her colleagues and clients and we

are confident about the continued success

of our business as we remain laser-focused

on building a better world of work.”

Asprey Price added: “I am excited to

take on this new role and I look forward to

continuing to help our clients navigate the

changing world of work.

“With our robust technology and

sustainability-driven strategy, we are

equipped to help our clients succeed in

creating unique and exciting workplace

experiences that help foster collaboration,

innovation, and culture.”

Browne Jacobson announces head

of education employment

Browne Jacobson has strengthened

its education practice with the

appointments of a partner and senior

associate specialising in employment

law.

Polly O’Malley joins the UK and Ireland

law firm as head of education employment

after eight years at Stone King, where she

was deputy head of education.

And Faisal Sameja has also been hired

as senior associate from the Association of

School and College Leaders (ASCL), where

he headed up the in-house legal team as

senior solicitor.

In her new position at Browne Jacobson,

O’Malley will collaborate with Heather

Mitchell, education employment partner, to

further grow the employment law offering

within the 100-strong education practice.

She said: “The firm has developed a

tremendous reputation for its legal and HR

services to education clients and it’s clear

there is a strong appetite from our senior

leadership to further grow the employment

offering, which has major potential, within

this sector.”

Sameja has experience in advising

education employers on issues such as

Polly O’Malley with Faisal Sameja

safer recruitment, safeguarding allegations,

dismissals, employment tribunal litigation

and representation, grievance procedures,

and restructures.

Nick MacKenzie, head of education at

Browne Jacobson, said: “The recruitment

of two high-profile lawyers in the education

sector reflects the firm’s ambition for our

education team and is another exciting

step in the delivery of our strategy to be

recognised as a clear market leader right

across the education sector.

“With our latest School Leaders

Survey illustrating how staff recruitment

and retention is one of the top three

organisational priorities in education, there

is a growing demand among schools and

academies — as well as further and higher

education institutions — for employment

and HR services.”

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People

CUBO’s Carol Thomas appointed

LBU Commission chair

Carol Thomas

CUBO EDI lead, Carol Thomas, has

been appointed the new chairman of the

Living Black at University Commission.

Thomas, who is accommodation manager

at the University of the Arts, London,

joined the CUBO board in 2023 to lead on

the development and implementation of

an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)

strategy.

The strategy aims to support EDI

transformation in commercial and campus

services and create an inspiring culture

where all students and staff can thrive.

Living Black at University (LBU) was a

ground-breaking report into Black students’

experience in UK student accommodation,

commissioned by Unite Students and

carried out by Halpin Partnership in 2022.

The research explores the experiences

of Black students across university

accommodation and private halls of

residence, amplifying their voices and

stories to the wider higher education (HE)

sector.

In 2024 Unite Students partnered with

CUBO to jointly lead a new phase of the

Living Black at University Commission. This

partnership will take further national action

to support equity, inclusion, and belonging

in student accommodation and wider

campus services across the UK.

Thomas said: “Every student deserves to

feel that they belong.

“The Living Black at University

Commission is at the forefront of creating

positive change to finally address the gap

and ensure black students feel safe, seen,

supported, and empowered to succeed.

“It’s an honour to step into the role of

chair, working together with Unite Students

to drive meaningful change across the

sector.”

E

b

m

LSI TECHNOLOGIST BECOMES

PASSIVHAUS DESIGNER

Dayle Wheeler, a chartered architectural

technologist at education design

specialist, LSI Architects, has qualified

as a certified Passivhaus designer

after undertaking a two-month course

provided by Coaction Training CIC.

The course teaches the core concepts

behind the Passivhaus standard,

considerations and methodologies for

its implementation, and the use of the

Passivhaus Planning Package (PHPP) for

achieving low energy performance.

Acting as a technical lead on many of

LSI’s ongoing projects, which include

a number of education developments,

Wheeler is already a qualified PAS

Dayle Wheeler

2035 retrofit coordinator and this latest

achievement demonstrates his continued

commitment to sustainable design and

dedication to delivering high-performance

buildings.

His recent project experience includes

a £13m transformation project at Morley

College London’s North Kensington Centre

for Skills, which provided state-of-theart

new educational facilities alongside

modern and inclusive new community

facilities.

He said: “I have been interested in the

Passivhaus design methodology for many

years so it’s really exciting to now be a

certified designer.

“The science-based approach to

designing energy-efficient, comfortable,

and affordable buildings has always

appealed to me, particularly the focus

on high-performance, fabric-first design

principles alongside a high quality of

detailing and construction.

“It’s so important that we as an industry

close the performance gap between

design and as-built and the Passivhaus

methodology has been proven to close this

gap.”

Director, Mirja Mainwaring, added: “Our

approach to sustainability in relation to the

way we design our buildings always begins

at first principles, which we believe is well

aligned to the principles of Passivhaus.

“In our experience this is an effective way

of engaging clients and project sponsors in

the importance of a considered approach

to sustainable design.

“We are delighted to see Dayle

successfully qualify as a certified

Passivhaus designer, which is further

recognition of the considerable expertise

within our design team.

“We are committed to continuing to

support our clients in responding to the

targets relating to sustainability and net

zero, by creating excellent buildings and

spaces that are good for both people and

the planet.”

50 | AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2024 EDUCATION-PROPERTY.COM

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9 October

IET London: Savoy Place

Exclusively for headteachers,

bursars and senior

management

REGISTER NOW

independentschoolmanagement.co.uk

Confirmed Speakers

Sir Anthony Seldon

Keynote Speaker

David Woodgate

CEO of Independent Schools’

Bursars Association

“Remodelling your school

business”

Kristine Scott

Harrison Clark Rickerby

“Go Commercial! The

benefits of ditching

charitable status and how

to go about it”

Daniel Cohen

MTM Consulting

“Admissions: how to get it

right & strategies to

attract more parents”

Durell Barnes

The implementation of the

Independent Schools

Inspectorate's new inspection

framework, highlighting what

to watch out for

Carolyn Reed

Reed Brand Communications

“Engaging with parents

more effectively”

Education Property Issue 04 August-September 2024.indd 51 25/07/2024 17:15


Education Property Issue 04 August-September 2024.indd 52 25/07/2024 17:15

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