Tulip Academy

Following demolition, construction commenced on a new two-storey secondary Special Educational Needs (SEN) school for pupils aged 11–19, while students were accommodated in temporary facilities on site throughout the build.

The new school has been carefully designed to provide a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment that meets the diverse needs of its students. The design places a strong emphasis on accessibility, sensory friendly features, and wellbeing, incorporating a range of calming and therapeutic spaces throughout the building.

To support the specific requirements of the SEN cohort, the project incorporates a robust security and access control strategy with secure line separation, controlled entry points, and comprehensive CCTV coverage.

External works comprise soft landscaping to create a calming outdoor environment, together with new drainage infrastructure to support sustainable site management.

The project saw a social value return on investment of £6.7m (43%).

The new school has been designed to achieve Net Zero Carbon in Operation (NZCiO) through an efficient M&E strategy focused on reducing energy demand and carbon emissions. Key features include Natural and Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (NVHR), Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs) for low-carbon heating and hot water, roof-mounted photovoltaic (PV) panels to generate renewable energy, and cross ventilation to maximise natural airflow and minimise cooling requirements.

Although the planned green roof was omitted, the project delivers extensive landscaping, including a sensory garden, native planting, and new habitats, achieving measurable Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) while creating outdoor spaces that support learning, wellbeing, and the school’s inclusive ethos.

Sustainability was further enhanced through the reuse of the temporary kitchen and existing furniture, fixtures and equipment (FF&E) within both the temporary and permanent facilities. This reduced waste, embodied carbon and project costs while promoting circular economy principles and making best use of existing resources.