Millbay Academy New Build

A New Chapter for Our School

Further to the building contractor, ISG, entering into administration on 20th September 2024, the Trust has been working hard with stakeholders to move the project forward. We are currently in receipt of tenders and we are hoping to be able to appoint a building contractor shortly to attend to the outstanding construction works.

In the meantime, we are delighted to see students and staff thriving in our newly developed spaces, which have already had a transformative impact on learning and daily life at the school. The new Wing Classrooms have created a dynamic and engaging environment where students can collaborate and explore new ideas. LAB 4 is equipped with cutting-edge facilities that inspire curiosity and innovation. Our Reception Area has provided a welcoming and professional space, making a fantastic first impression on visitors and streamlining daily operations. Adjacent to this space is our brand-new First Aid Room, ensuring that students have a safe, well-equipped space where they can receive care and support when needed.

These new areas have truly elevated the school experience and we have already seen the positive effects they are having. Staff are enjoying the enhanced teaching environments and students are making the most of these inspiring spaces, which have injected fresh energy into their learning. We are so proud of how these additions are already shaping the future of our school and we can’t wait to see what’s next!

Exciting Building Works Update at Millbay Academy

We hope you all had a restful half‑term break, while students and families were enjoying some well‑deserved time off, our site has been a hive of activity! A huge thank you goes to our dedicated staff who have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to make some fantastic improvements to our school.

New Classrooms and Offices

We’re delighted to share that our brand‑new classrooms and offices in the North Wing are now complete and ready for learning. These spaces will become the permanent home for Maths and Health & Wellbeing. We’ll be officially opening the new area on Friday 7th November. This will give us the chance to walk students through the space, introduce expectations and let staff add those personal touches, to bring the warmth and purpose to these spaces.

Playground Improvements

We’re also excited to announce that our new playground has been signed off and is ready for use! This has been a big one for us and the students have adapted so brilliantly over the last year with limited outdoor space. Over the coming months, we’ll be working with our Student Ambassadors to introduce new activities, furniture and equipment to make break times even more enjoyable - think outdoor stage, reading corners and fitness circuits! We’re hoping to work with community partners to make this happen and welcome conversations with local organisations to that end.

Looking Ahead

Other areas of the school are also progressing well, with further classrooms, offices and kitchen facilities due to be completed in stages. In the meantime, lunch service will continue as before using our temporary kitchen and student arrivals will remain via Martin Street until we transition to the new Sawrey Street entrance. Look out for communications on that over the coming days. We’re so excited about these improvements and the opportunities they bring for our students, and take great pride in having invested in our physical environment at such a scale. Thank you for your continued support as we grow and develop our facilities, we can’t wait to see our community making the most of these new spaces!

Building Works Update – Exciting Progress Ahead!

We are delighted to share some positive news about the ongoing building works at school. Significant parts of the project are now confirmed to be on schedule, which means there will be some exciting changes in place when students return after half term.

What’s Ready After Half Term

• Playground Access Restored: The large playground will be open again for students to enjoy. The final tarmac layer will be laid on 21st October, with tree planting and landscaping all now completed.
• New Classrooms: Freshly completed classrooms on the first floor will be ready for our Maths department to move into their new home.
• Upgraded Spaces: New balustrade glazing will be installed giving our Creative Industries areas a smart and modern finish.
• Heating & Ventilation: Further upgrades to ensure that the working environment is comfortable in all seasons.

Work Still Underway

• Small Atrium: This area will remain out of action a little longer due to delays caused by recent flooding but with maintenance work now complete.
• Kitchen Areas: Flood-affected areas of the kitchen are progressing well, though we are still awaiting confirmation of a completion date. Meanwhile, all food will still be prepared fresh onsite in our temporary kitchen unit.

A Note of Thanks

We want to thank all staff, students, and families for their patience, flexibility and positivity during this period of change and upgrades to our school building. Your support has been invaluable in helping us move forward, and we are excited about the improvements these works will bring to our school community.