New Cassidy + Ashton designed state-of-the-art sixth form in Bolton opens to pupils

The purpose built, two-story expansion at Rumworth School cost £5m and has been specially designed by architecture, planning and surveying practice Cassidy + Ashton with 14 modern classrooms plus flexible spaces for learning.

Large windows ensure classrooms are welcoming and well-lit, while students requested a more grown-up décor to make the sixth form feel different to other parts of the school. Several large rooms provide space for group activities and each floor has pastoral spaces, hygiene suites and extra storage.

The extension comes after the school has seen a growing number of pupils wanting to continue their studies.

About 100 students are currently in the school’s sixth form but with the new building, this is expected to rise to about 150 within three years.

In addition to design consultancy, Cassidy + Ashton also led the planning application for the new facilities.

Simon Barlow, associate architect at Cassidy + Ashton, said: “Having been involved in the new building from its inception through to completion, its heartening and highly rewarding to see the final result and the positive responses and usage from the school, its students and Bolton council.

“The development is a continuation of our positive and successful relationship with Eric Wright Construction and the extension provides an accessible and adaptable stacked suite of accommodation including teaching spaces, learning resource, group rooms and wellbeing spaces.

“The project responded to high levels of environmental performance targets in a complimentary and aesthetically pleasing manner to the existing school context, encompassed by an extensive and considered engagement with the school and Bolton council. Credit to all who were involved in this delivery.”

Students at Rumworth follow one of five specially developed pathways covering sports, arts, catering and hospitality, horticulture and construction, or independence and community inclusion.

New flexible spaces have allowed teachers to offer extra courses so that students can explore the things that interest them and the school is busy setting up a hair salon, digital hub and arts area.

Nationally, over 95 per cent of school leavers with special educational needs struggle to find jobs and the school is determined to use the possibilities created by the new sixth form to help students into work and to be as independent as possible.

The project was procured via Clear Futures, which has a partnership with Bolton Council. Eric Wright Construction was the construction partner for the extension.

Mark Green, construction operations manager, Eric Wright, said: “We’re proud to have delivered the expansion works at Rumworth School. The works have increased capacity and will improve resources for group activities at the outstanding school.

“The new two-storey teaching block has created 14 additional classrooms and several large rooms for group activities, and we’re delighted to deliver this project for our clients Bolton Council and Clear Futures.”

Rumworth School headteacher, Jennifer Dunne, said: “We are thrilled with our new sixth form building. It gives the students their own space within the school where they can develop the skills they need to be as independent and employable as possible in their future lives.

Bolton Council’s executive member for children’s services, Cllr Martin Donaghy, said: “Having a state-of-the-art new sixth form is a massive boost for the school and for Bolton.

“With demand for places rising, the school is doing a fantastic job in supporting children with special educational needs who want further education and I fully support them in their efforts to ensure every young person reaches their full potential.”