Construction of Stoke-on-Trent’s newest high school has hit a significant milestone as the building starts to take shape – and pupils have left their mark on the project.
Installation of the steel frame has now begun at Co-op Academy Florence MacWilliams in Meir, which is set to be completed by September next year.
Pupils from the founding Year 7 cohort were invited to write their names on the lift shaft to mark their involvement in the project at a special steel-signing ceremony, which was attended by Dr Chris Tomlinson, CEO of Co-op Academies Trust, headteacher Elizabeth Clewlow, chair of governors Pauline Smith and main contractors Bowmer + Kirkland.
The academy – which opened its doors to 120 Year 7 students in September – is currently operating from a temporary building. When complete, the three-storey facility will house modern teaching spaces, specialist science labs, a dining hall, theatre and offices, all designed to meet the academy’s net zero sustainability targets.
The school will also offer community sports facilities through lettings, while local residents will also benefit from a permanent pedestrian crossing and purpose-built public rights of way.
Dr Chris Tomlinson, CEO of Co-op Academies Trust, praised the rapid progress, saying:
“Co-op Academy Florence MacWilliams has made a very positive impact in its first few weeks, and this milestone reflects the dedication and vision of everyone behind the project.
“The overwhelming response from families, with so many selecting us as their top choice for 2025, highlights the success of our founding Year 7 cohort and the hard work of our staff.
“Our new school building not only supports our sustainability goals but also ensures that we continue to provide exceptional learning environments for our students, along with vital community facilities that will benefit future generations.”
Bowmer + Kirkland Project Manager, Dejan Stojsavljevic, added: “Today is a great day for all of the project team but also for Co-op Academy Florence MacWilliams and the wider community. Installation of the steel frame will mean that the school will start to take shape, marking an exciting milestone in the construction journey.”
