Willmott Dixon Commences £38 Million Overhaul of Outwood Academy Kirkby

Willmott Dixon has officially initiated the £38 million redevelopment of Outwood Academy Kirkby in Nottinghamshire, aimed at creating a modern secondary school and sixth form to replace the outdated 1970s structures. This project will accommodate 900 pupils and is part of the Department for Education’s national School Rebuilding Programme (SRP).

The contract was awarded to Willmott Dixon through the DfE Construction Framework, following the approval of full planning permission by Ashfield District Council. The design, crafted by ADP Architecture, includes specialised classrooms for science, drama, and technology, as well as enhanced outdoor facilities featuring a new all-weather pitch and multi-use games courts.

In line with the DfE’s latest sustainability specifications, the new facility will utilise air source heat pumps and solar panels, ensuring a ten per cent biodiversity net gain. To maintain educational continuity during construction, a phased approach will be implemented, with a temporary teaching block in use alongside existing sports facilities until the new main building is ready for the 2028/29 academic year. Upon completion, the current buildings will be demolished to facilitate the development of additional external sports areas.

This marks Willmott Dixon’s third collaboration with Outwood Grange Academies Trust, following the successful completion of Outwood Academy Danum in Doncaster and Outwood Academy Hemsworth in Wakefield. Nick Heath, director at Willmott Dixon, commented: “Willmott Dixon has a strong track record of delivering sustainable schools across the country, including the UK’s first Passivhaus Plus school for the London Borough of Sutton. Aligning the new Outwood Academy Kirkby with the DfE’s latest output specification will help ensure the building is fit for the future. Much of the social value we deliver throughout the construction phase will be focused on helping prepare local students for their own future careers.”

Andy Scruby, Lead Principal at Outwood Academy Kirkby, expressed his enthusiasm, stating: “This is a historic milestone for Outwood Academy Kirkby. Following our recent Ofsted rating and national recognition for transformation, this new building is a pivotal piece of the puzzle. It ensures our students and our wider community will have access to the very best facilities to support their learning, creativity and physical well-being.”

A spokesperson for the DfE added: “The School Rebuilding Programme is delighted to support the future of the children of Kirkby-in-Ashfield, and the ambition of Outwood Academy Kirkby, with this significant investment. With the support of our capable partners in Willmott Dixon and Outwood Academy, we’re confident in delivering the right teaching environment to support the step-change in results that Mr Scruby and his team have laid the foundations for.”

Since joining the Outwood Family of Schools in September 2022, Outwood Academy Kirkby has made significant strides, achieving an Ofsted ‘Good’ rating in May 2025 and earning recognition as one of the top one per cent of schools nationally for transformation.

Willmott Dixon’s expanding portfolio with the DfE includes the recently awarded £39 million redevelopment of Hopwood Hall College in Rochdale, the £20.7 million Durham Academy in County Durham, and the net-zero carbon Tarleton Academy in Preston. The company also completed the Brian Clarke Academy for the DfE in Oldham in 2023 and is currently engaged in the redevelopment of the Wigan and Leigh College campus.

At the core of this project is a commitment to community investment and social value. Willmott Dixon, along with its supply chain partners, aims to create substantial social value by providing employment opportunities for local residents, offering apprenticeship training for young people, and engaging with local schools and colleges to inspire the next generation.