Attending the ceremony was representatives from Spencer Academies Trust, Derbyshire County Council, SCAPE, project manager Concertus and Morgan Sindall. Headteacher Rebecca Chapman gathered with representatives to plant a tree in the grounds for the children to enjoy once the new school has opened.
The next phase of the project includes the construction of three new primary classrooms and four junior classrooms with a modern design, as well as the main hall, studio, library, group rooms and teaching administration areas. Additionally, the school will feature an all-weather multi-use games area (MUGA), an early years play area and an outdoor teaching space.
Clover Leys Spencer Academy is part of Derbyshire County Council's plan for education in the Boulton Moor area. While the construction is taking place, Morgan Sindall and Derby County Council facilitated a Temporary Learning Village on site of Chellaston Academy to alleviate pressure on the local school network while ensuring lessons went undisrupted.
As construction at Clover Leys Spencer Academy progresses to the next phase, Morgan Sindall reaffirms its commitment to delivering impactful projects that benefit communities and future generations. To date, the project has generated over £1.1 million in social value, contributed more than 58 hours of local charitable volunteer work, and provided 99 weeks of apprenticeship support at various colleges in the area.
Procured through SCAPE's direct award National Construction framework—designed to improve collaboration, efficiency and save time and costs—Morgan Sindall has demonstrated a commitment to providing quality educational facilities in the Midlands. The contractor has previously delivered four schools for Spencer Academies Trust and is currently working on a sustainable newbuild and expansion project at Rushcliffe Spencer Academy in West Bridgford, which will create 560 new student places.
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Councillor Alex Dale, Derbyshire County Council Cabinet Member for Education, said: "This is a key moment in the school’s construction and we’re delighted to join together with our partner organisations and teaching staff to celebrate progress with the development. We've overcome some significant hurdles to get to this point and it’s taken a lot longer than we’d originally envisaged so we’re extremely grateful to parents, the school and the trust for their patience while we’ve worked through the issues.
"I'd also like to thank everyone for their hard work towards the progress we can now see in building this fantastic new school, which I know will be enjoyed and bring so many benefits to pupils, their teachers, families and the wider community for generations to come. We're committed to giving Derbyshire children the best possible start in life and our significant investment in providing them with high-quality education in this modern, innovative and exciting new building is part of that ambition."
Rebecca Chapman, Headteacher at Clover Leys Spencer Academy, said: "Our current Early Years, Year One and Year 2 pupils are eagerly awaiting the September start in their brand-new building on Boulton Moor. Over the year they have watched the school being built whilst patiently imagining what awaits them.
"We know that the move into the Clover Leys building will unite the Boulton Moor community with our school, helping children to make links and partnerships with their neighbourhood. Our strong school values of friendship and respect will continue to strengthen and thrive as the Boulton Moor children find a sense of their belonging and society within our new school."
Richard Fielding, Area Director for Morgan Sindall Construction in the Midlands, commented: "We are proud to be part of Derbyshire County Council's vision for educational development in the area. Through our collaboration with Concertus and other partners, we are committed to delivering high-quality facilities like Clover Leys Spencer Academy that support the council's strategic plan. It has been a privilege to continue our collaboration with the Spencer Academies Trust, and to work with Derbyshire County Council and the existing school community to ensure minimal disruption while carrying out this brilliant project."
Tom Marshall, Operations Director at Concertus Design & Property Consultants, stated: "Creating the new 210-place primary school at Clover Leys Primary School represents further development of a thriving area in Boulton Moor. This school ensures that every child in the community has the opportunity to blossom into their fullest potential. We look forward to working with Derbyshire County Council and Morgan Sindall and building a school that everybody can be proud of for years to come."
Mark Robinson, Group Chief Executive at SCAPE, said: "With £1.1m of social value generated, the Clover Leys Spencer Academy is an excellent example of how the construction industry can deliver tangible benefits and leave a positive legacy in the communities they operate. At SCAPE, we ensure social value is at the heart of every project we deliver, and we are proud to have worked on such a significant project with Morgan Sindall that will support the local area for many years to come."
