New BAM-Built Kent School Cuts Energy Bills and Boosts Local Careers
New BAM-Built Kent School Cuts Energy Bills and Boosts Local Careers
BAM UK & Ireland has completed the teaching facilities at the new £32.8 million Orchards Academy in Swanley, Kent, which is now officially open. The project, scheduled for full completion in summer 2026, will accommodate 750 students and provide 6,214 m² of modern, sustainable teaching and sports facilities.
The academy features hundreds of solar panels to reduce energy use and costs, along with a green roof that enhances environmental performance and supports biodiversity. BAM has also employed low-carbon concrete and recycled materials during construction, cutting carbon emissions by 133 tonnes.
Supporting people, skills and community
The project has also boosted the local economy by creating valuable employment opportunities for people across Kent, providing nearly 40 apprenticeships and several work placements that helped students and jobseekers gain valuable skills and experience. Three new apprentices were recruited specifically for the build, while 36 existing apprentices gained valuable on-site experience. 13 work placements were also delivered and seven T-level students have successfully completed their 45-day placements. In addition to creating a high-quality learning environment, the project team supported the local community by donating leftover materials to community organisations.
Sports and external facilities
While the education building has been successfully completed and handed over, BAM remains on site to safely demolish the former end-of-life school buildings and complete the sports and external facilities.
BAM’s works have included temporary facilities and enabling works to maintain uninterrupted education, alongside purpose-built classrooms, specialist faculty spaces, a new indoor sports hall, and improved outdoor provision with both a retained AstroTurf pitch and new soft sports pitches.
BAM used a ‘kit-of-parts’ construction solution throughout the structure and external fabric of the building to help deliver the teaching accommodation nine weeks ahead of programme and in time for the start of the new school year. Close collaboration with the school was essential to maintain continuity, with daily management of the live environment and sensitive phasing of works to minimise disruption, particularly during exam periods.
“Delivering Orchards Academy has been about more than constructing a new school. Central to its success has been our commitment to working collaboratively with the academy, adopting a partnership approach that has been truly valued. Making a positive impact has been a key priority, from creating a sustainable building that will support pupils and staff for many years, to offering apprenticeships and placements that help young people begin their careers in construction. This project demonstrates the difference we can make both in the education sector and in the wider community.”
Daniel Brenchley BAM Construction Manager
Hannah Carter, Headteacher, Orchards Academy said:
“BAM’s work on our new school has been exceptional, not only in the quality of the building, but in how they collaborated with us throughout. Their communication and willingness to understand our educational priorities meant the project was structured around what mattered most. They were flexible, responsive, and deeply aware of the school’s role in our community. We couldn’t have asked for a more professional partner.”
Freddie Grundy, BAM T-Level student working on the site said:
“At BAM, I gained firsthand experience of the challenges and opportunities in construction projects. The team at Swanley Orchards site have all helped me develop a better understanding to what really goes on behind the scenes to create a great building. From being in the office to out on site my knowledge has increased by a mile. I have gained so much being a BAM T-Level student and I couldn't thank them enough.”
