Location: Oadby, Leicestershire
SMD has a new project underway at Manor High School in Oadby, Leicestershire, with the headteacher declaring it “an absolute game changer” for the school and wider community. The project represents a significant step forward in enhancing educational facilities on-site.
Client
Oak Multi Academy Trust
Approximate Value
£4M
Completion Date
Spring 2025
Sector
Contract Type
JCT Design & Build 2016
New build 
Construction of classrooms and sports hall 
External parking and fencing 
Increase capacity from 900 to 1050 
Strict timescales and multiple project partners Works will include creating a new two-storey sports hall facility, with additional classrooms, and a public car park. The aim is to open the new facilities in April 2025 as part of OAK Multi Academy Trust’s target to expand the school’s overall capacity from 900 to 1050 places in the 2025-26 school year.
SMD was thrilled to have been awarded the design and construction contract for Manor High School. Works include the construction of a new sports hall with changing rooms, classrooms, as well as external parking and fencing which will allow for community use.
Expansion of facilities will create an additional 30 places for admission into year 7 for the 2025-26 school year. Completion of the project will ensure that all local students have access to modern amenities and education.
SMD Ltd is proud to partner with Oak Multi Academy Trust and Surveyors to Education in their commitment to providing a high-quality learning environment and we look forward to delivering a state-of-the-art facility that will benefit both the school and the wider community.
Construction of new classrooms and a two-storey sports hall with changing rooms
Creating external parking and fencing
Increasing the school’s capacity from 900 to 1050 places
Following strict timescales while working with multiple project partners
Our project at Manor High School is a clear reflection of that commitment, combining high-quality educational infrastructure with meaningful community engagement and social value initiatives.
The project began with a special groundbreaking launch celebration, bringing together representatives from S2e, Oak Multi Academy Trust, the Manor High School team, and architects TMV. To mark the occasion, we presented the school with a personalised shovel engraved with the project name and start date – a lasting memento to celebrate the exciting journey ahead.
From the outset, we have worked closely with the school and surrounding community to maximise the project’s impact. One of our early contributions included the donation of several ‘Molly in Construction’ and other STEM children’s books to the infant school located adjacent to Manor High. This small gesture helped introduce young children to the world of construction in a fun and educational way.
The Manor High School project is registered with the Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS), reinforcing our commitment to high standards of respect, environmental care, and valuing our workforce. In line with this, we’ve installed an on-site health kiosk to support the wellbeing of our team, making it easy for them to access health information and check in on their physical condition.
In celebration of sustainability and environmental responsibility, we partnered with the school community to host a tree planting event. Students and staff were invited to get involved, helping to enhance biodiversity and leave a green legacy that will benefit future generations.
As part of our ongoing education outreach, we also hosted a Talks and Tour event, giving students the chance to go behind the scenes of the live construction site. They heard directly from our team about careers in the industry and saw firsthand how a major building project comes together – an experience designed to spark curiosity and open up future pathways.
We remain committed to transparent, open communication with local residents and the wider community throughout the build. The support and enthusiasm we’ve received so far has been incredibly encouraging, and we’re proud to be delivering a space that will empower Manor High School’s students for years to come.
Find out about our recent partnership with Manor High School for an interactive Careers…
A groundbreaking ceremony took place, earmarking the new project underway at Manor High School…