Interserve completes new £45m Springwell Leeds Academy

Interserve, the international support services and construction group, has delivered Springwell Leeds Academy, which will provide a world-class specialist learning environment for pupils aged between four and 19 with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs.

The £45m development, spread across three sites, has been funded by Leeds City Council to transform specialist SEMH education in Leeds. The council has worked collaboratively with the Wellspring Academy Trust, Leeds Local Education Partnership (LEP) and Interserve Construction, to ensure the unique requirements of Wellspring’s SEMH delivery model and the SEMH pupils are met.

Interserve has been on site since September 2016 constructing the three new buildings which will include specialist teaching areas, sensory rooms, outside learning areas and sports pitches, as well as multi-use games areas.

They include the former East Leeds Family Learning Centre, the former Merlyn Rees High School site and the Tinshill pupil referral unit which are all being redeveloped. The current provision at Oakwood Lane for pupils with behavioural, emotional and social difficulties will also be part of the scheme.

Councillor Lisa Mulherin, executive member for children and families, said: “The creation of Springwell Leeds marks a progressive and exciting time for specialist learning provision within the city, and the £45m investment demonstrates our continued commitment to ensuring all pupils are supported to succeed and reach their full potential.”

Springwell Leeds Academy will be run by the Wellspring Academy Trust, a multi-academy trust and approved Department for Education Academy sponsor that is focused on improving life chances for pupils and communities in the Yorkshire and Humber region. Experts in the education of young people with SEMH needs, the Wellspring Academy Trust is the only SEMH provider in the north of England to be rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted.

George Franks, managing director at Interserve Construction, said: “This school demonstrates a significant investment by Leeds City Council into the education of pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs.

“Interserve has worked with Leeds City Council and the Leeds Education Partnership for several years to deliver numerous projects around the city and we look forward to continuing this relationship as the council continues to invest in its education facilities.”

Scott Jacques, executive principal of Springwell Leeds Academy, said: “We are delighted to be working with our partners at Leeds City Council and Interserve to deliver this unique project which will ensure that the City has access to world class provision for children with social, emotional and mental health needs.

“Our students, parents, carers and staff have all followed the construction process closely and are really excited at the prospect of moving into these incredible new buildings.”