Lincroft Academy is a 11–16 secondary school that joined Meridian Trust in 2021. The campus had legacy constraints from its former middle-school layout: outdated buildings, limited space, and dining/PE facilities that no longer met demand for 1,000+ students. Meridian Trust initiated a multi-phase investment programme to deliver modern, efficient, high-capacity accommodation aligned to a high-quality learning environment and expanded community use.
M&J Group is proud to announce the successful completion and handover of the Phase 2 redevelopment works at Lincroft Academy, marking the culmination of more than two years of collaboration, coordination and high-quality delivery across the entire project team.
Delivered as part of a wider investment programme to modernise and expand the academy campus, the £12.5 million development provides a contemporary educational environment designed to support both current and future student needs.
The project forms part of Meridian Trust’s long-term commitment to improving educational facilities across the region and follows the successful completion of Phase 1 works at the academy.
The Phase 2 development centred around the construction of a new three-storey teaching facility incorporating:
The new building was designed to provide flexible, modern learning environments while complementing the existing academy campus.
Following groundworks involving CFA piling and ground beams, works commenced with the erection of the structural steel frame, installation of cellular beams to the ground floor creating the primary structure for the three-storey facility.
Following completion of the steelwork package, the programme progressed through a carefully coordinated sequence of:
The completed external envelope marked a significant milestone in the programme, bringing the building to life and enabling internal trades to progress efficiently towards final completion.
A project timelapse was produced to document the transformation of the building from initial steel erection through to the completed structure, showcasing the scale and complexity of the works delivered on site. (See Timelapse Here)
A key aspect of the project was the delivery of construction works within a live educational environment.
Maintaining the safety of students, staff and visitors remained a priority throughout all phases of construction. Careful planning, phased logistics management and close coordination with the academy ensured that works progressed safely and efficiently while minimising disruption to daily school operations.
Strong collaboration between all stakeholders, consultants, subcontractors and site teams was essential to maintaining programme momentum and achieving successful project delivery.
The wider redevelopment programme at Lincroft Academy also included the successful delivery of Phase 1 works, which comprised:
Together, both phases have significantly enhanced the academy campus and created a modern educational setting capable of supporting future growth.
The successful handover of the Phase 2 development represents another high-quality education sector project delivered by M&J Group.
Through strong collaboration, detailed planning and a commitment to quality throughout every stage of construction, the project has delivered a modern, future-focused facility ready to serve students and staff for years to come.
Capacity and wellbeing: The new accommodation relieves historic overcrowding and unlocks timetabling flexibility, complementing the dining block and activity studio that now provide welcoming social and performance spaces for students and community events.
Inclusion: Upgrades across the site include new pastoral bases and a sensory room within the Academy’s Autism Spectrum Learning Provision, improvements that the Trust signals will continue as part of the wider masterplan.
Community alignment: Facilities are designed to serve both curriculum delivery and out-of-hours community use, consistent with Meridian Trust’s values.
“This transformation marks a significant milestone for Lincroft Academy… Our new facilities not only meet the current needs of our students but also enhance their overall educational experience.” – Principal Emma Appadoo.
“The investment… exemplifies our commitment to providing high-quality learning environments.” – Richard Spencer, Executive Principal, Meridian Trust.
“A project that shows what’s possible when ambition is matched with delivery.” – Martin Hair, Director of Estates & Facilities, Meridian Trust
“I’m proud of the building we’ve handed over and what the team has achieved together.” – Ryan Kalla, Construction Manager, M&J Group
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