We were appointed by Wokingham Borough Council to deliver the new Bohunt Wokingham Sixth Form (BW6) Building through the Westworks Development and Construction DPS under a JCT Design and Build Contract, 2024 Edition.
Jointly funded by Wokingham Borough Council and the Bohunt Education Trust, the new building at Remount Drive, Arborfield, was designed to expand the school’s post-16 provision, providing high-quality accommodation for an additional 300 students. The facilities include modern teaching spaces, administration areas, social spaces, a café and specialist support accommodation.
Working from the client’s developed RIBA Stage 3+ design, we assembled an experienced consultant team, including PDP Architects and SWJ Consulting Engineers. Building on established relationships, we challenged elements of the original proposals to improve buildability, identify efficiencies and reduce construction risk, while maintaining the design intent and protecting programme certainty.
During pre-construction, we worked closely with the client, design team and specialist supply chain to explore value engineering opportunities. Alternative construction methods, structural systems, ground improvement techniques and foundation solutions were assessed to establish the best balance of cost, programme and long-term performance. We also ensured that furniture, fixtures and equipment (FF&E) requirements were fully integrated into the design, creating a learning environment ready for use from day one.
Working within a live school environment
Delivering the project on an occupied school campus required careful coordination and a flexible approach. Following discussions with the school, demolition and foundation works were rescheduled to the summer holidays to minimise disruption to teaching and learning. Early procurement of critical packages and advancement of design information enabled construction to commence promptly once access became available.
The constrained campus, shared parking facilities and daily movement of students, staff and visitors presented additional logistical challenges. We developed a detailed logistics strategy incorporating controlled delivery periods, dedicated traffic management and carefully planned material storage. Temporary site modifications also improved construction access while protecting the quality of the completed external environment.
Potential disruption from connections to the existing services network was addressed in advance of the main build. Plant room modifications, service alterations, CCTV and sprinkler works, and utility disconnections were carefully coordinated to reduce interfaces with the operational school.
Our long-standing M&E partner, T&K Services, supported early design coordination, procurement and risk management throughout the project.
Quality, facilities and the finished environment
As construction progressed, the building moved through final fit-out, testing and commissioning. Works included mechanical and electrical installations, lighting, photovoltaic systems and building management systems, alongside specialist teaching facilities, retractable hall seating, a café servery, ICT installations and furniture.
Externally, new landscaped entrance areas, permeable paving, planting, cycle storage, reconfigured parking and attractive outdoor social spaces completed the development.
Throughout the works, the school remained fully operational. Regular engagement with staff and students, weekly coordination meetings and enhanced safeguarding arrangements ensured that construction activities were safely integrated with the school’s day-to-day operations. Visits from sixth form ambassadors also gave students the opportunity to see their new learning environment take shape.
A successful handover and a building to be proud of
Francis Construction completed the building works in August 2026, handing over the new Sixth Form building to Wokingham Borough Council and Bohunt Education Trust ahead of students starting the new academic year.
The completed development provides a contemporary, high-quality learning environment, significantly expanding post-16 education provision within the local community.
The quality of the finished building has also been recognised by our own team. Francis Construction held its annual company team meeting in the new auditorium, giving colleagues the opportunity to experience the completed facilities first-hand. The building made a real impression, with everyone admiring the quality of the project and the transformation it represents.
