Gleeds is providing project management and technical advisory services to the Department for Education (DfE) for the delivery of Tulip Academy, a new two-storey Special Educational Needs (SEN) school in Spalding, Lincolnshire. Replacing outdated facilities, the new building will accommodate pupils aged 11 to 16 with a range of learning difficulties and disabilities, providing high-quality, purpose-built teaching spaces that promote inclusion and wellbeing.
Located on Neville Avenue in Spalding, Tulip Academy is being delivered on behalf of the DfE for the Community Inclusive Trust (CIT Academies). The scheme will provide a new two-storey SEN secondary school, replacing outdated facilities with a modern, inclusive learning environment designed to meet a range of learning difficulties and disabilities.
Gleeds has supported the DfE from feasibility through to the installation of temporary accommodation and demolition of existing buildings whilst the new block was constructed, providing guidance across stakeholder engagement, procurement and contract administration. Works commenced in December 2023 to provide temporary accommodation for pupils, enabling the demolition of three existing blocks while retaining a fourth. The retained block had been recently constructed, and the design approach for the new school was carefully developed to complement this existing building. Material selections and architectural detailing were specified to harmonise with the retained block, creating a cohesive campus aesthetic that gives the impression of a unified development delivered in a single phase. Construction of the new school began in July 2024, with final completion in summer 2025.
Challenges
As a live school environment and a residential area, delivering the project required bespoke planning, managing restricted access and construction logistics safely. Ensuring the safety and well-being of SEN pupils, staff and residents has been a key focus throughout. Tulip Academy also represented one of the first projects under Spec 21 for the DfE, bringing new requirements that demand robust due diligence and proactive alignment with evolving standards during procurement. Not to mention, the project presented specific SEN design and performance challenges. Design considerations, including bespoke acoustic solutions, were delivered through close collaboration with the School and Trust to ensure the final design met both technical requirements and user needs. For example, acoustic panel heights were increased to prevent access by pupils, balancing sensory needs with safeguarding considerations. Durable materials, specialist room layouts, bespoke fixtures and fittings also were assessed to achieve optimal solutions, which demanded a collaborative approach.
Solutions
To manage the complexities of working within a live environment, the project team established regular coordination meetings with the School and Trust from the outset. The Trust brought significant value to the project, This collaborative approach ensured the design successfully balanced the specific needs of SEN pupils, the Head Teacher provided day-to-day operational insights, and the Trust gave broader strategic vision for the educational provision. In addition, a robust stakeholder management plan, including letter drops and community engagement to notify residents of night works. Not only this but, leveraging experience from previous DfE projects, the team ensured early alignment with Spec 21 requirements. This proactive approach allowed procurement to commence swiftly, supporting programme efficiency and capturing all updated design aspects through structured client engagement. Recognising the unique needs of SEN facilities, early issuing of design scopes to address fire safety, acoustic performance and architectural design requirements, was essential. This mitigated delays and allowed sufficient time to develop and test suitable technical solutions.
Throughout construction, Gleeds deployed Visualise, offering real-time visibility of progress through digital records, visual tracking and live reporting. Enhancing communication between on-site and remote teams, reporting was streamlined and provided a comprehensive visual archive for validation, lessons learned and future reference. The new school building handed over ahead of programme with minimum defects. Looking to the future, the new school will achieve net-zero carbon in operation, with a sustainability strategy that includes photovoltaic panels, natural ventilation with heat recovery (NVHR) units, cross ventilation and air source heat pumps. External works have been designed to meet the DfE’s biodiversity and urban greening targets. The decision to replace a planned green roof with a sensory garden enhances outdoor learning opportunities and pupil wellbeing while maintaining ecological performance.
Project legacy
The successful delivery of Tulip Academy has been warmly received by both the School and Trust, with the new facility already making a tangible difference to pupils and staff. The Headteacher at Tulip Academy reflected on the project's completion: "We extend our thanks to everyone who played a part in bringing this vision to life. This purpose-built school, with its specialist facilities, stands as a testament to what can be achieved when we put learners first. Guided by our mission of 'Making Every Moment Matter', we are proud to offer a space where children with a range of complex needs can thrive, grow, and prepare for a future filled with possibilities. The support of Tilbury Douglas, Gleeds, and the DfE has helped create a place where every moment will truly matter." The collaborative approach adopted throughout the project ensured that the building not only met technical and budgetary requirements but genuinely reflected the aspirations of those who will use it daily, creating an environment purpose-designed for SEN education.
