On Friday (16 January) a steel signing ceremony was held to mark an important milestone in the construction of the new Alconbury Weald Church Academy school.
The ceremony marks the point where the building’s foundations and primary superstructure are completed. The next phase of construction will focus on exterior walls, roofing works, windows and doors being installed, along with the start of internal works.
The County Council has been working with Urban&Civic, Alconbury Weald’s master developer; and main contractor Morgan Sindall to deliver the school, work commenced in June 2025 and is due to be completed in Spring 2027.
The Alconbury Weald Church Academy will open as a 4-form entry (600-places) secondary school, with capacity within its core buildings, to expand to an 8-form entry (1,200 places) in the future in order to meet the demands of a growing community. The school will be run by Diocese of Ely Multi Academy Trust (DEMAT).
The steel signing ceremony was led by Cllr Peter McDonald, Chair of Cambridgeshire County Council, alongside representatives from Morgan Sindall, Atkins Realis and DEMAT.
Other attendees, who also signed the steel work, included Ben Obese-Jecty MP, representatives from Urban&Civic – who as master developer have funded the majority of the school, and Cllr Ross Martin, the local member of Cambridgeshire County Council.
Finally, a number of children from local primary school, Ermine Street Church Academy, who could be amongst the first attendees of Alconbury Weald Church Academy when it opens, were also able to sign the steel work.
The signed steel beam was the final piece of the frame to be positioned on the roof, as part of the main structure of the school building.
Cllr Peter McDonald, Chair of Cambridgeshire County Council, 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 The Diocese of Ely Multi-Academy Trust (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.”
Nigel Hugill, Chief Executive of Urban&Civic, 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."
Once complete the school will include performing arts spaces, a separate sports block, and external sports facilities which will include an all-weather pitch, multi-use games areas, a cricket wicket and playing fields.
Additionally, the school has been designed with solar panels and other elements that take into account the council’s aspirations around sustainability and energy efficiency, in order to reduce energy use and CO2 emissions.
