Last week, the Multi Academy Trust, Oasis Community Learning and GRAHAM held a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the start of construction for Oasis Academy Temple Quarter. A new mainstream secondary school set to serve communities across East and Central Bristol.
Appointed by the Department for Education, GRAHAM will deliver the new academy on Silverthorne Lane, within the Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone -one of the UK’s largest regeneration sites. Designed to accommodate 1,600 pupils, the school represents a significant step forward in providing high-quality education facilities for the city.
The scheme includes the creation of a modern main school building alongside the conversion of a smaller listed building, known as the boiler shop, which will be transformed into the academy’s new sports hall.
The new school has been carefully designed to provide an inspiring learning environment, combining specialist teaching spaces with facilities that support student wellbeing and foster a strong sense of community. Once complete, it will not only meet the growing demand for school places but also create a legacy for future generations of learners in Bristol.
The ceremony featured keynote speeches from Oasis Founder Rev Steve Chalke MBE, Oasis Academy Temple Quarter’s Head of School Richard James and Regional Director Peter Reavey, from GRAHAM. Students from the academy also attended the event, helping mark the occasion and celebrate the future of their new school. A number of community representatives were also present.
Richard James, Head of School at Oasis Academy Temple Quarter, said: “Today’s groundbreaking ceremony is a proud moment for Oasis and for East Central. It marks the beginning of a new chapter, one that will see our students and community benefit from a permanent, purpose-built space designed for learning, growth and connection. Standing on the site today, surrounded by our community, you could really feel the excitement for what’s to come.”
“This site was formerly one of the largest steel works in Europe, and for many years, hard work has been carried out here. It is our intention to continue that legacy, ensuring our students grow into confident, curious and compassionate individuals.”
Peter Reavey, Regional Director at GRAHAM, added: “It was fantastic to be on site today to celebrate the start of construction for Oasis Academy Temple Quarter. Groundbreaking ceremonies are always special, but this one felt particularly meaningful given the scale of the project and the passion of the school community. We’re proud to be delivering a facility that will serve generations of young people in Bristol.”
The permanent academy building is forecasted to open in September 2027.