DfE Woodham Academy completes

By Beth Meer - WOODHAM ACADEMY COMPLETES MAJOR PHASE OF CLIMATE-READY CAMPUS AS DFE RAMPS UP NET ZERO TARGETS

Woodham Academy in County Durham has completed the latest phase of its £39 million redevelopment, creating a new outdoor environment designed to support the UK’s push for greener, healthier schools.

The project is part of the Department for Education’s school rebuilding programme, which aims to cut emissions across school estates by 75 per cent by 2037 and reach net zero by 2050[1]. Current projections suggest only 20 per cent of schools will meet these targets without significant acceleration[2].

OOBE led the landscape design for the scheme, working with the school, the DfE and other partners to deliver multifunctional spaces that encourage active travel, increase biodiversity and build climate resilience. This phase saw the transformation of 8.1 hectares of grounds, including the creation of a new playing field for school and community use, secure cycle parking, 24 newly planted trees and a biodiverse green roof on the main building to support pollinators and manage rainwater. Redesigned circulation routes have improved accessibility and safety for pupils and visitors.

A spokesperson for Woodham Academy said: “The redesigned grounds have transformed how our students interact with the outdoors. There is now significantly more space for play and outdoor learning, which has had a clear positive effect on physical activity and social wellbeing. We are also pleased the local community can access these spaces beyond school hours, strengthening community ties.”

Emma McNicholas, Director at OOBE, said: “Landscape design is critical to meeting the Department for Education’s net zero targets. At Woodham Academy, every element of the outdoor environment – from planting to active travel infrastructure – was considered for its role in supporting climate resilience, biodiversity and student wellbeing. It’s a great example of how sustainable design can deliver real benefits for both education and the wider community.”

Phase two, the final phase of the Woodham Academy redevelopment, is now complete. Woodham Academy is one of several school projects OOBE is delivering for the DfE, including St Helens and Benton Park Academy, as part of a nationwide commitment to net zero school estates.

[1] Department for Education. (2023). School Rebuilding Programme: Sustainability and Carbon Reduction Goals. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/school-rebuilding-programme

[2] Environmental Audit Committee. (2023). Only 20% of school estate will be net zero compliant by 2050, MPs warn. Retrieved from https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/department-for-education-philip-dunne-gillian-keegan-mps-raac-b1122299.html