About the project
GRAHAM is delivering a major redevelopment of The Castle Rock School in Coalville, Leicestershire for the Department for Education (DfE).
The £37m project will see significant investment in new and upgraded facilities across the existing secondary and sixth form campus. Plans include the construction of a new, two-storey school building, and refurbishing and remodelling a retained building. Several outdated blocks will be demolished to make way for modern, high-quality accommodation for up to 1,550 pupils. The programme also includes new outdoor learning and play areas, a three-court multi-use games area (MUGA) including the provision of new sports pitches, and wider improvements across the school site.
Key project milestones
- Enabling works commence – February 2026
- Replacement of the all-weather pitch surface – March to May 2026
- Remodeling of grass sports pitches – May 2026 to November 2027
- Erection of the new building structural frame – June 2026
- New building watertight – November 2026
- New building occupation – January 2028
- Demolition of redundant buildings – March to July 2028
- Completion of external works and MUGA – December 2028
Steel signing ceremony
GRAHAM celebrated a significant milestone with a steel signing ceremony marking the start of Castle Rock School’s new building’s structural steel frame installation.
The ceremony took place on site on 10 June, attended by senior GRAHAM figures as well as representatives from the Department for Education, Lionheart Educational Trust, and pupils from The Castle Rock School, who signed the structural steel to leave a lasting personal legacy on the new building.
“The steel signing is a landmark moment on any construction project, and at Castle Rock, it feels particularly special. Our team has made tremendous progress since enabling works began earlier this year, and reaching this structural milestone is a real testament to the skill and commitment of everyone on site. We are delivering far more than a new building: we are helping to transform the learning environment for 1,550 young people in Coalville. That sense of purpose drives everything we do, and we look forward to seeing the project take shape over the coming months.” Ronan Hughes, Regional Director, GRAHAM
“The steel signing marks a symbolic milestone for everyone involved in this project. It represents not only the progress of a new building, but our shared commitment to investing in the future of education in Coalville. We are grateful to the Department for Education and to our construction partners, GRAHAM, for their expertise and dedication in bringing this vision forward. We look forward to continuing this journey together as the school takes shape.” Kath Kelly, CEO, Lionheart Educational Trust
“At Castle Rock School, we are proud to provide a supportive and ambitious environment where our students thrive and achieve. This new building will build on that success, giving our young people even better facilities, and opportunities to go even further. Seeing the structure come to life is hugely exciting and represents a lasting investment for our current students and futures generations in the local area.” Roma Dhameja, Associate Principal, The Castle Rock School
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Early handover milestone
GRAHAM has handed over the new all-weather artificial grass sports pitch two weeks ahead of programme.
The 100m x 60m pitch, installed to International Hockey Federation (FIH) standards, which includes three smaller cross-play pitches, marks the first sectional completion of the project.
Here to help
Our site team is always on hand to help. Please contact us at any time if you have questions or concerns, or would like any further information:
Email: buildingsouthcustomerrelations@graham.co.uk
Tel: 02895 071 034 (24/7 customer care team)
Pamela Green, Social Impact Business Partner
Tel: 07391192584
Email: pamela.green2@graham.co.uk
Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS)
GRAHAM is a Partner Member of the Considerate Constructors Scheme.
This scheme aims to improve the image of the construction industry by following a Code of Considerate Practice, which covers a number of things including site safety and considering the impact of works on the local community.