A brand-new carbon-zero community building has officially opened at Bedford Academy, marking a significant milestone for the school, its students, and the wider community.
The launch event yesterday (Wednesday) brought together 300 guests, including Lord Lieutenant Susan Lousada, and the Mayor of Bedford Borough, alongside students, families, and local organisations to celebrate the completion of the £12.2m facility.
It follows two years of planning and development in partnership with Bedford Borough Council to create a building which includes classrooms, a fitness suite, community spaces, and staff areas.
Students were also involved, with a new logo for the building designed by Year 7 student Priya Dhap, now featured on uniforms and signage across the site.
Speaking at the event, Chris Deller, Headteacher of Bedford Academy, described the opening as a “landmark moment” not just for the school, but for Bedford as a whole.
Reflecting on his appointment in 2018, he recalled the challenge of transforming a school that had been struggling with performance, behaviour, and reputation.
“When I took over, lots of people in our community didn’t really want to go to their community school,” he said. “We started talking about a culture shift, doing things the right way and in the right order.
“And the fundamentals came down to building a school that our community could be proud of.”
Community
He emphasised that the word “community” had been central to the project from the beginning, both in the building’s design and its future use.
“This new building is a celebration of how rich and diverse our community is. It’s a space we will enjoy not just during the school day, but through after-school events, weekend activities and more,” he said.
The new building is already in use for sports, events, and the school’s community café, with facilities such as extra changing rooms and shared access designed to welcome local people.
Bedford Academy now has 1,500 students, up from 1,100 just a few years ago. That number is expected to rise to 1,800 by 2029.
Mr Deller thanked GSS Architecture and Ashe Construction, as well as school, trust and council staff for delivering the building ahead of schedule. He also praised students and parents for their continued support during the school’s ongoing transformation.
David Morris, Chief Executive of HEART Academies Trust, which oversees Bedford Academy, paid tribute to the staff and leadership team for their work in helping the school thrive.
“Exceptionally proud”
“This isn’t just about a new building,” he said. “This is about the culture and community that has been built here over the past six or seven years. The demand to come to this school is because of what’s been achieved, and I’m exceptionally proud of that.”
The Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Susan Lousada, added her praise, saying: “I want to congratulate you for all that you’ve done for this school.
“It is astounding for those within the school, the academy and the trust. You’ve really put this at the heart of the community.”
The building is certified Net Zero Carbon in Operation, featuring:
- PV panels, air-source heat pumps, and an airtight façade
- Circular economy practices that saved 1 tonne of greenhouse gases
- New cycle spaces, EV charging, and expanded parking to support sustainable travel
There were also community and career initiatives during the building’s development and construction, including:
- Diversity initiatives involving female and ethnic minority subcontractors
- Over 500 pupils engaged on-site to inspire future careers in construction
Bedford Academy was founded in 2010, taking over the former John Bunyan School.
Its first major new building was completed in 2012. The new carbon-zero community building will now support the school’s growth for years to come, providing a shared space for education, health, wellbeing and local connection.
