FS1008 Rugeley John Taylor School

Transforming a former power station into an all-through school for the next generation

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Gleeds supported the Department for Education (DfE) in delivering a transformative educational development on the site of the former Rugeley Power Station. As lead technical advisor and cost advisor, Gleeds helped overcome environmental, infrastructure and programme challenges to develop a new 1,442-place all-through school for the John Taylor Multi-Academy Trust. The project will open in phases, welcoming its first students in September 2025, with final completion in 2026.

The Rugeley John Taylor School project involves the construction of a new three-storey, 1,442-place all-through school. The facility encompasses nursery, primary, secondary and sixth form provision for the John Taylor Multi-Academy Trust. Situated on the site of the former Rugeley Power Station, the scheme forms a key part of the area’s regeneration, transforming a once industrial landscape into a hub for learning and community growth. The project represents a cornerstone of the DfE’s investment in sustainable, future-ready educational environments.

As lead technical advisor and cost advisor, Gleeds utilised the expertise of our project management and cost management teams in Nottingham. The role covered the full project lifecycle, from feasibility, tendering and procurement, to design development and construction. We also managed the wider technical advisory team, ensuring effective coordination between multiple stakeholders including the DfE, the Trust, BAM and Engie.

3

storeys

1,442

student places

2026

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Challenges and solutions

Delivering a major new school on a former power station site brought complex challenges. Environmental constraints quickly emerged when protected species, including nesting peregrine falcons and plovers, were discovered on site, delaying the works. Gleeds worked closely with the contractor team to adjust the construction sequence and introduce alternative access routes, while ensuring work continued safely under ecological supervision.

Due to delays in the delivery of the main access road and statutory services, alongside the site’s NGED classification as a ‘hot site’, further complications arose. These issues had the potential to impact the critical September 2025 opening. By resequencing works, facilitating temporary access and utilities solutions, and coordinating with stakeholders to review and implement additional earthing measures, Gleeds helped mitigate disruption and recover valuable programme time.

Commissioning risks, including broadband delays and an incomplete effluent waste discharge design, were addressed through practical temporary measures such as tanked waste disposal and temporary power provision. Throughout, Gleeds maintained rigorous progress monitoring and proactive coordination between parties, ensuring the project remained on course despite site’s conditions.

The outcomes

The school successfully opened to Year 7 students in September 2025, meeting the DfE’s key deadline. The project remains on schedule for full completion in 2026, when the final sections of the school building, Sports Block and all external facilities will be handed over.

Ultimately, transforming an industrial brownfield site into a modern educational campus delivers a lasting community asset, providing a high-quality learning environment for children from nursery to sixth form and supporting the ongoing regeneration of the Rugeley area.

Completion of the final sections in 2026 will see the delivery of external areas, including sports pitches, multi-use games area and playgrounds, alongside final internal finishes. The project stands as a model for how brownfield regeneration can deliver long-term social and educational value.

John Taylor Rugeley has been a really enjoyable scheme for the Gleeds team to work on. It hasn't been without its challenges; some were foreseen given the site's previous use as a power station, and others unforeseen such as discovering nesting plovers and peregrine falcons. A nursery, primary school, secondary school and sixth form now sits on the site of former contaminated land for thousands of young people to benefit from for years to come. Seeing the excitement from the Trust and school staff puts the hard work into perspective.

Josie-Mae Richards
Project manager, Gleeds

The relationship between the Gleeds TA team, DFE, BAM and the Trust, has ensured the successful opening of Rugeley John Talyor ATS.  The school will be a major asset to the families in Rugeley. Gleeds have brought a wealth of experience and knowledge to this project and have provided a balance of challenge and support to the client and contractor. This has been, and continues to be, a complex project. However, Gleeds have always presented solutions to risks and issues, on which we have been able to agree a way forward. It has been a pleasure to work with the TA team.

Mark Friday
Project director, DfE
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