Evolution5 Awarded New Sixth Form Block at Forest Bridge School

Forest Bridge School: SEN Education Construction

Evolution5 is proud to announce our appointment as main contractor for the construction of a new standalone sixth form block at Forest Bridge School in Maidenhead. Commissioned by the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (RBWM) and delivered under an NEC4 contract, the project supports the school’s growing intake of sixth form students.

Our appointment reflects the confidence in Evolution5’s proven track record of delivering complex, live projects across the education sector. With a deep understanding of the challenges schools face, from budget pressures and safeguarding requirements to the need for minimal disruption. This is particularly important in a SEN school, where additional considerations, such as noise sensitivity, visual distractions, and changes to routine can have a significant impact on pupils’ wellbeing.

A Collaborative Approach Under NEC4

Due to the sensitive and high-impact nature of this project, the NEC4 contract was a complimentary choice to support the collaborative and transparent working relationship required. It’s emphasis on partnership, open communication, and proactive problem-solving, aligns with Evolution5’s way of working, helping to ensure the best outcomes for this specialised build.

NEC4 sets out clear, simple processes that help everyone involved in a project work as a team.

Key features include:

• Collaboration first: All parties commit to working together to achieve the best outcome.
• Early warning system: Potential problems are raised early so they can be solved before they cause delays or extra costs.
• Flexibility: Different contract types within the NEC4 suite can be adapted for projects of all sizes and complexity.
• Clear communication: Structured updates, agreed programmes, and decision-making processes keep projects on track.

For the Forest Bridge School project, NEC4 supports the strong partnership between Evolution5, the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, and the school. This is essential for delivering work safely and sensitively in a live SEN environment.

Working at a Live Sen School Environment

Forest Bridge School provides education for autistic pupils with a 1:1 staff-to-pupil ratio, requiring a construction approach that prioritises safety, predictability, and minimal disruption. Evolution5’s strategy was shaped around safeguarding, sensory considerations, and maintaining the school’s daily routine:

• Off-Grounds Compound: With support from RBWM, the site compound is in an adjacent car park, completely outside the school boundary. This removes the need for deliveries or workforce access through school grounds.
• Solid Hoarding & Viewing Panels: An 8-foot solid hoarding shields pupils from construction activity. Built-in viewing panels allow teachers to safely and gradually introduce pupils to the project on a one-to-one basis.
• Noise & Sensory Planning: High-impact works such as piling were scheduled during the summer holidays to avoid distress. Only minimal visible activities, such as crane lifts, will occur during term time.
• Playground Restoration: Essential drainage works connecting to the new block required playground excavation. These works are being completed and reinstated before pupils return to school in September.

Site Challenges & Practical Solutions

Like all live school projects, Forest Bridge presents unique logistical challenges:

• Historic Ground Risk: Although previous contamination and Japanese knotweed had been addressed, the team remained alert during excavation. No issues were found, although over 1,500 golf balls had to be removed and disposed of appropriately (a legacy from the site’s former use as a driving range).
• Community Coordination: When the local fairground required heavy vehicle access through the recreational fields, Evolution5 created a temporary route through its compound and reinstated the area afterwards. Helping to maintain positive relationships with community stakeholders.
• Tight Deadlines: Drainage works within the playground needed to be completed before term resumed. Careful sequencing ensured that all essential services were connected, and the playground fully reinstated on time.

SEN Design Considerations

While the new building follows standard construction methods, it incorporates features that align with the school’s ethos and SEN requirements:

• Level thresholds throughout for full accessibility.
• Cool-down rooms designed to provide calming spaces for students.
• Wildflower meadow landscaping in front of the building to create a quiet outdoor retreat.
• A biodiversity roof to enhance sustainability and environmental performance.

Specialist Construction. Sensitively Delivered.

With completion scheduled for Spring 2026, the new sixth form block will provide Forest Bridge School with the facilities it needs to support its growing community. For Evolution5, this project is more than just a construction contract, it’s an opportunity to deliver a space where every student can thrive, built with care, expertise, and collaboration.

The team brings significant experience in SEN education construction. This expertise ensures that every decision considers both the technical and human aspects of the build, especially important when working in environments that serve vulnerable students.

Contact our expert team today on 023 8040 5073 to discover how we bring care and attention to detail to every education project we undertake.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Evolution5 building at Forest Bridge School?

Evolution5 has been appointed as the main contractor to deliver a new standalone sixth form block at Forest Bridge School in Maidenhead. The project, commissioned by the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, will provide modern facilities for the school’s growing sixth form community and is scheduled for completion in Spring 2026.

How does Evolution5 minimise disruption when working in a live Sen School Environment?

Evolution5 uses a tailored construction strategy that prioritises safety and sensory considerations, whilst keeping to strict timelines. Measures include locating the compound off school grounds, using solid hoarding with viewing panels, scheduling noisy works during holidays, and reinstating playground areas before pupils return.

What SEN-specific design features are included in the new sixth form block?

The building will include level thresholds for full accessibility, cool-down rooms for student wellbeing, a wildflower meadow for a calm outdoor space, and a biodiversity roof to enhance sustainability and support the school’s ethos.

What challenges has Evolution5 overcome on the Forest Bridge School project?

Challenges have included managing historic ground risks, coordinating with community events like the local fairground, and completing essential drainage works under tight deadlines. Through careful planning, sequencing, and stakeholder engagement, these challenges were met without disrupting the school’s operations.