A new specialist secondary school building for Acre Wood Academy in Crowborough has reached a major milestone, with the project recently celebrating its topping-out ceremony.
The £15.6 million project is being delivered for Procurement Hub member East Sussex County Council by framework partner Willmott Dixon, working alongside London South East Academies Trust. Procured through Procurement Hub’s Major Projects Framework, the new building will provide 60 specialist places for young people aged 11-16 with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
The project will bring Acre Wood Academy’s primary and secondary provision together on one site, creating a purpose-built learning environment designed around the needs of its pupils.
Creating a specialist learning environment
The new school has been designed with accessibility, safety and the individual needs of pupils at its core. The facilities include ramped and lift access throughout the building, secure outdoor areas, covered breakout spaces connected to classrooms, as well as dedicated PE and social areas.
With the building now at its maximum height, work will continue on the internal fit-out, external finishes and landscaping, with completion expected in early 2027..
Supporting public sector education projects
Projects such as Acre Wood Academy demonstrate how Procurement Hub’s Major Projects Framework can provide public sector organisations with access to experienced construction partners through a compliant and efficient procurement route.
MPF2 supports a broad range of public sector construction projects across England and Wales, including education, housing, healthcare and other community facilities. The framework has been developed to help clients deliver projects that provide strong commercial, environmental and social outcomes.
The framework is also recognised through Constructing Excellence’s Gold Standard accreditation, reflecting its focus on best practice in construction procurement.
Delivering facilities that benefit communities
For East Sussex County Council and the Acre Wood Academy community, the new building will provide specialist facilities designed to support pupils' education, development and wellbeing.
As construction progresses towards completion, the project highlights the role that effective procurement and collaboration between public sector organisations, framework providers and contractors can play in delivering high quality facilities that meet the needs of local communities.
Find out more about our Major Projects Framework and how it can support your next construction project.