Interserve has been appointed by the Department for Education (DfE) to build a replacement school, the Ladder School, and to refurbish the Walsall Studio School
The school contracts are two of six current DfE school projects for the West Midlands team and this latest preferred bidder status follows similar successes in Bristol, Hereford, Warwickshire, Middlesbrough and Manchester.
Both schools in Walsall were procured by the DfE through the Education & Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) framework on behalf of the Mercian Trust; an academy trust that operates six schools in the West Midlands.
The school will have a tailored three-year key stage four programme of GCSE subjects and practical vocational courses, followed by an innovative post-16 offer enhanced with significant employer involvement.
Interserve will also be responsible for the refurbishment and extension of the existing Walsall Studio School. It is anticipated that The Ladder School will start on-site at the start of 2021, both completing within twelve-month programmes.
Improved facilities for students
Simon Butler, regional director at Interserve, said: “Interserve Construction’s appointment by the Education & Skills Funding Agency on this project is a real testament to the expertise within our team and our excellent track record in delivering a series of successful schools in the region.
“We are delighted to be working in Walsall to deliver the new school, providing greatly improved facilities for students as well as an enhanced learning environment.”
