Woodfield Academy Opens New Doors After Major Redevelopment
Coventry school for pupils with SEMH needs moves into state-of-the-art facilities following extensive construction and refurbishment.
By Aisha Mahmood
••3 min read
AI
Generic image of a modern school building with new outdoor play areas.
Pupils at Woodfield Academy have officially moved into their new home on the former grounds of Woodlands Academy in Coventry, following a significant redevelopment and construction project.
The extensive works, which received planning permission in 2022, included demolitions, new window installations, the construction of a new car park, and the creation of new outdoor play spaces. These modern, dedicated learning environments are designed to support children and young people with social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs.
Throughout the redevelopment, Clegg Construction, the company delivering the works, involved students through site visits and drone walkthroughs, allowing them to witness the progress and feel connected to their new space.
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"I’m delighted to see all the extensive work that’s taken place at Woodfield Academy. The Council is proud to have supported such an important project. We want all pupils to thrive and achieve their full potential, and the support and opportunities the new school provides will help them do that."
Nico De Groot, Principal at Woodfield School, described the move to the Woodlands site as a landmark moment. For the first time, the entire school community, from primary pupils to Year 11s, will learn together on one permanent site in a building specifically designed around their needs. He highlighted the calm, purposeful spaces that will allow for the development of provision, curriculum broadening, and specialist support for young people with SEMH needs.
The move also coincides with the school becoming Woodfield Academy and joining the Sidney Stringer Multi-Academy Trust. De Groot expressed excitement about the partnership, expertise, and opportunities this brings for pupils and staff, thanking Clegg Construction, the trust, Coventry City Council, and the school community.
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"The Trust are delighted to finally welcome Woodlands into our family of schools. The MAT have worked with Coventry City Council, the Staff of Woodlands since November 2020. Consequently, the Quality of the Education for the young people was rated by Ofsted as Good, in November 2023. We are delighted that the children, the staff and our local community have a building that matches the quality of this education, and we would like to thank Cleggs, the developer, for such an impressive school. Our gratitude also goes to Coventry City Council for their vision and funding commitment in supporting our community. The MAT and school are planning for an official opening in January, where we hope many of the people, involved in this project, will celebrate this amazing school."
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"Clegg Construction is proud to have played a key role in the refurbishment of the former Woodlands Academy. The project presented an exciting opportunity to transform an existing building into a welcoming, inclusive and supportive environment designed around the needs of its pupils. Working collaboratively with Coventry City Council and the wider project team, we are pleased to deliver a high-quality facility that will provide lasting benefits for children, families and the wider community."
The redevelopment is part of Coventry City Council's ongoing commitment to improving education provision and ensuring children with additional needs have access to high-quality learning environments.
