Back to School: Showcasing LPL’s Work in the Education Sector
As students, teachers, and staff prepare for the start of the new academic year next month, we’re taking a moment to reflect on some of the projects LPL Construction Services has delivered in the education sector – one of our six core sectors.
At LPL, we understand the unique challenges that come with construction in educational settings. Working to strict term-time schedules, managing live operational environments, and ensuring minimal disruption to teaching and learning all require careful planning and expert coordination. Our approach is always focused on delivering high-quality results while keeping schools running smoothly and safely.
Whether it’s a new build or a complex refurbishment, our in-depth knowledge of the education market enables us to design and implement solutions tailored to each project’s needs – ensuring safety, sustainability, and efficiency are at the forefront.
Cambourne Village College
Working as a subcontractor to Kier, LPL delivered extensive civil engineering works for the new Cambourne Village College.
The project involved constructing six new teaching blocks, car parks, roads, a large attenuation pond, MUGA pitches, and a sports field.
Key challenges included diverting and overpumping the existing storm drainage system to keep it operational while installing a brand-new drainage network. This included excavating a 3,600m³ attenuation pond complete with liner and headwalls, laying over 4,100 linear metres of drainage pipes, and installing 7,500 metres of ducts.
Above ground, our team placed nearly 7,000m³ of concrete, along with 4,000m² of paving slabs and block paving – ensuring the site was completed to the highest standard and handed over on time.
Services undertaken:
- Existing drainage works & diversions
- New drainage installation
- Attenuation pond with liner and headwalls
- Paving & block paving
- Road surfacing
- MUGA pitch installation
- Sports field turfing
Woodbridge Road Academy
At Woodbridge Road Academy, LPL delivered a two-phase programme to clear the site and lay the foundations for a new school building, alongside extensive external works.
In phase one, our team cleared an existing car park, recycled 1,151m³ of reinforced concrete and over 7,000m² of tarmac, and laid the foundations and ground floor slab for the new building. Sustainability was a priority, with all removed materials recycled in line with environmental goals.
Phase two saw the foundations and ground floor slab for the new building completed at speed – including an impressive single concrete pour of over 350m³ in just one day, covering 1,250m².
Services undertaken:
- Foundations & poured concrete slab
- Drainage & services
- Roadway surfacing
- Sustainable construction & materials recycling
- Breaking out concrete & tarmac
Creating Social Value in Education
Our commitment to the education sector goes beyond the construction phase – we actively engage with the communities surrounding our projects to create lasting social value.
Last year, LPL participated in the SEND Careers Day hosted by Castledon School at Wat Tyler Country Park. This event brought together multiple schools from across Essex and gave us the opportunity to promote career pathways within the construction industry. Speaking to students who had watched our work progress from their classrooms, and seen our vans and plant in action, was a rewarding reminder of how visible our projects are within local communities. Supporting careers for students with special educational needs and disabilities is a key part of our CSR strategy, ensuring we leave a positive impact beyond the build.
We also provided hands-on support for Castledon School’s new wellbeing and forest school area. Our team members also generously volunteered their time to build a new wellbeing area for the school. We were proud to support their efforts by providing all the necessary plant and materials free of charge, ensuring this positive impact on the pupils’ school lives will last long after the project’s completion. This direct engagement with staff, pupils, and the local community reinforces our belief that construction is not just about infrastructure – it’s about connection.
Building for the Future of Education
Our work in the education sector goes beyond bricks and mortar – it’s about creating environments where students can learn, grow, and thrive. From innovative drainage solutions to large-scale groundworks, sustainable practices, and meaningful community engagement, we’re proud to help schools prepare for the future.
As pupils return this September, these projects – and our community involvement alongside them – stand as a testament to what’s possible when construction expertise meets a deep understanding of the education sector’s unique needs.
