School Extension & Refurbishment: Expansion of King John School

New Build School Extension and Refurbishment – King John School, Essex

March 5, 2025 Rachel Finlay Comments Off

Project Overview

Bakers of Danbury successfully delivered a two-phase school extension and refurbishment project at King John School in Essex. The works included a new infill extension to create new classrooms, a refurbishment programme across various areas of the school and an M&E works programme.

King John School is a co-educational secondary academy in Benfleet, Essex with a sixth form for pupils from 11 to 18 years old. It is a large school with approximately 2000 students. It became part of the Zenith Multi Academy Trust in 2017.

Phase 1: Refurbishment Works

Refurbishment works were carried out during the summer holidays in time for the start of the new academic year. Key areas were the dining hall, corridors and two mathematics classrooms. Works included:

Ceilings: Inlay grid system suspended ceilings were installed to replace the existing ceilings.
Partition Walls: Installed with insulation and soundproofing layers. .
Fit out: New dado trunking, doors, skirting and upgraded electrics and data system.
Flooring: New carpet tiles laid in classrooms with vinyl flooring fitted to the dining hall, foyer and corridors.

Phase 2: Extension and Further Refurbishment

The second phase delivered a new infill extension, transforming a former swimming pool into a functional teaching space. This included:

Construction of 2 new drama studios, 3 additional classrooms.
Installation of MF suspended ceilings in the drama studios
Matching floor finishes across new and existing areas
Full internal decoration of refurbished and new spaces

Mechanical & Electrical (M&E) Works

A key component of the works was a £400,000 design and build M&E package. This included:

Mechanical heat recovery systems throughout
Air conditioning units in the dining hall
New power, data and lighting
Upgraded fire and security alarm systems

Summary

The 42-week project was completed to strict timeframes that aligned with the school terms. Throughout the project, the school remained open, involving careful planning to minimise disruption and ensure safety.

Why Choose Bakers of Danbury?

Bakers of Danbury bring a wealth of experience working within school environments to carry out school extension and refurbishment programmes in Essex and the South East of England.

Please contact us to discuss your tender or project requirements.