Modular Classrooms, Waltham Forest

Customer

Highams Park School

Sector

Education 

Product

Modular Building (Education Facility)

 

Pickerings were appointed to provide a modular building solution to accommodate pupils during the demolition and reconstruction of the existing Highams Park School buildings.

To meet the school’s needs, we supplied a total of 164 Principal modular bays, including foundation piers and above-ground service connections. The installation was carried out in three phases:

• Phase 1: 68 bays

• Phase 2: 53 bays

• Phase 3: 43 bays

 

The project presented several logistical challenges that Pickerings successfully managed:

•  Restricted access: The site was located down a narrow residential street. We conducted trial runs with hauliers to mitigate risks and ensure smooth delivery, avoiding road closures and disruption for local residents.

•  Limited turning space: Phases two and three faced tight turning circles on site. Our experienced team carefully coordinated vehicle movements to avoid disruption.

 

The completed two-storey modular building was designed to support up to 1,411 occupants 

(750 ground floor / 661 first floor) and included:

• 25 general teaching classrooms

• 5 ICT-rich classrooms

• Dedicated Year 12 study area with breakout zones

• Reception and lobby

• 23 staff offices

• Fully equipped kitchen and food prep area

• Dining hall for up to 300 pupils

• Multiple staff kitchenettes

• Library

• Student and staff toilets

 

A key design feature was the internal courtyard, enabled by our Principal modular system - eliminating the need for connecting linkways and maximising usable space. Pickerings delivered a full Mechanical & Electrical (M&E) package, ensuring the building was energy-efficient and compliant with building regulations. 

The project was successfully handed over to the client at the end of August, on programme and in time for the pupils to return to school after the summer break.

The newly established temporary school building has been met with widespread approval, offering state-of-the-art facilities that support both learning and well-being. Feedback from students, staff and parents during the recent open evening was overwhelmingly positive, reflecting a shared confidence in the quality and potential of the new environment.

Richard Palmer, Chief Operating Officer, Highams Park School