The construction of a new sixth form teaching facility at Abbeyfield School in Chippenham will begin this week as part of a major expansion scheme to accommodate more pupils and meet growing demand for secondary school places.

Wiltshire Council is investing £9.5 million in the project, which will be delivered over three phases and create teaching space for an additional 450 pupils and 39 staff. Abbeyfield School currently accommodates 900 pupils aged 11 to 16 and 171 post-16 students.

Phase 1 will provide capacity for up to 150 pupils from September 2027, with the timing of later phases dependent on how quickly new housing is delivered in Chippenham.

The final development will include new, two‑storey floorspace and facilities will include a new hall, a sixth form study area, changing rooms, and classrooms,

Phase one includes a hall/performance space with a post 16 area, five classrooms and toilets. Phase 2 will be a further six classrooms and four science labs while phase three will incorporate two art rooms, three DT rooms and a further three classrooms.

There will also be additional parking spaces, a new covered bike store and staff and visitor car park. A package of off-site infrastructure improvements will help to support safe and accessible travel to and from school. The main contractor for the site is Morgan Sindall.

Cllr Jon Hubbard, Cabinet Member for Education, said: “”It’s good news to see work beginning this week on this important project. This expansion is a vital investment for Chippenham’s future, ensuring we can provide high-quality school places where they are needed most. Abbeyfield School is a valued part of the local community, and these improvements will help create a modern, welcoming learning environment that supports young people to achieve their full potential.”

“Nick Norgrove, Headteacher for Abbeyfield School, said: “This is a truly exciting moment for our school community. The new Sixth Form building and performance hall will provide outstanding facilities that support our students both academically and creatively. This development has been in the pipeline for several years, so it is wonderful to see the build finally starting and to know that our vision is becoming a reality. We are particularly excited to be working alongside Morgan Sindall to ensure that our pupils benefit from a range of engagement activities throughout the build. From understanding the different careers available within the construction industry to developing awareness of employment opportunities and workplace skills, this project will enrich our curriculum and provide real-world learning experiences that inspire our young people.”

“As the first phase of the wider development programme, the project signals the start of an exciting new chapter for Abbeyfield, creating facilities that will support the ambitions and aspirations of students for many years to come.”

Robert Williams, Area Director for Morgan Sindall Construction’s South West, said: “We’re thrilled to be going onto site with the first phase of Abbeyfield School’s expansion. The new facilities will allow the school to grow and offer a more comprehensive Sixth Form experience to students wanting to go into further education.

“We’re already familiar with the site, having spent significant time recently clearing the site and relocating slow worms, grass snakes and orchids. We are looking forward to working closely with existing schools in the local area to provide employer engagement opportunities for pupils.”