A key milestone in the construction of Alconbury Weald Church Academy was celebrated with a steel signing ceremony. The event marked the completion of the building’s foundations and primary superstructure, paving the way for the next stage, which will see exterior walls, roofing, windows and doors installed, alongside the start of internal works.
The school is being delivered by Cambridgeshire County Council in partnership with Urban&Civic, the master developer for Alconbury Weald, and main contractor Morgan Sindall. Construction began in June 2025 and the school is scheduled to open in Spring 2027.
Alconbury Weald Church Academy will initially operate as a four-form entry secondary school, providing 600 places, with the capacity to expand to an eight-form entry for 1,200 pupils as the local community grows. The school will be run by the Diocese of Ely Multi Academy Trust (DEMAT).
The steel signing was led by Cllr Peter McDonald, Chair of Cambridgeshire County Council, alongside representatives from Morgan Sindall, Atkins Realis and DEMAT. Attendees also included MP Ben Obese-Jecty, members of Urban&Civic who have funded the majority of the project, and local councillor Ross Martin. Children from Ermine Street Church Academy, who could be among the first to attend the new school, also had the opportunity to sign the steel beam.
The signed beam was the final piece of the frame to be positioned on the roof as part of the main structure. Cllr McDonald said: “One of the council’s key ambitions is to ensure that every child and young person in Cambridgeshire has opportunities to thrive. It’s been extremely exciting today to celebrate together a key milestone in the construction of a new school that will empower young people in this growing community to be the best they can be. Every signatory of the steel work today, has become part of this new school’s history, at the start of what I expect will be a proud and compelling legacy, providing a high-quality, aspiration-raising education to all who attend.”
Adrian Ball, Chief Executive of DEMAT, added: “We owe a tremendous debt of thanks to all those who have been involved in making our vision for Alconbury Weald Church Academy a reality. Today makes an important milestone in that process and provides the catalyst for the next phase as we prepare to receive admissions for the new school. We are looking forward to sharing more about our plans for the school with all parents and carers after the February half term.”
Urban&Civic Chief Executive Nigel Hugill said: “First and foremost, Urban&Civic stands for outstanding education and social amenities. The opening of the highly rated Ermine Street primary school coincided with welcoming our very first residents. Prestley Wood Academy followed and we now have the new secondary Church Academy due to be completed in Spring 2027. The design of the school buildings is really strong. Much thought was also given to location to create a genuine campus for education, learning and sport. Providing a wonderful environment for our students and the wider community to come together for learning, sharing and sport at the very heart of Alconbury Weald.”
When complete, the school will feature performing arts spaces, a separate sports block and outdoor sports facilities including an all-weather pitch, multi-use games areas, a cricket wicket and playing fields. Sustainability has been incorporated into the design, with solar panels and energy-efficient features aimed at reducing CO2 emissions and overall energy use.
