A brand-new £2.5 million teaching facility at South Hunsley School, delivered by local company Helix CMS, in partnership with The Education Alliance Trust (TEAL), has officially been launched following a special opening event on Tuesday 2nd September. The project was procured through the Small Works Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) which we manage on behalf of contracting authority Red Kite Learning Trust. The event welcomed invited guests, stakeholders, and partners to celebrate the completion of the landmark project, which represents a major investment in education infrastructure for the Humber region.
The two-storey state-of-the-art development demonstrates Helix’s ongoing commitment to supporting local education trusts and building inclusive environments that reflect safeguarding, accessibility, equality and diversity standards.
Spanning over 743sqm, designed by Alessandro Caruso Architects (ACA), the new teaching facility includes eight modern classrooms, a reception hall, administrative offices and toilet facilities. Its design maximises natural light, improves energy efficiency and ventilation, and creates an uplifting environment that enhances the student learning experience while adhering to biodiversity net gain and environmental requirements.
By adopting modern methods of construction, including the offsite fabrication of steel frame structures, Helix CMS was able to deliver the project faster, more efficiently, and with significantly reduced waste. The building incorporates a range of sustainable features designed to minimise its environmental impact and maximise long-term performance, including:
- External wall insulation and high-performance windows to improve thermal efficiency.
- A PV solar array on the roof to harness renewable energy.
- Timber shingles integrated into the façade, creating a natural connection with the surrounding landscape.
- Concrete floor plates providing high thermal mass for efficient heating and cooling.
- Retention of existing trees, complemented by new tree planting to deliver biodiversity net gain.
Ross Bellingham, Commercial Director at Helix CMS said: “Projects like South Hunsley represent why Helix exists – to deliver spaces that make a real difference for local communities. This is a brilliant example of what local partnerships can achieve. Working alongside ACA, South Hunsley School and TEAL, we have created a facility that reflects both the immediate needs of South Hunsley and the long-term vision for inclusive education spaces in our region. We are immensely proud to have played a part in shaping the future of education here in the Humber.”
Alessandro Caruso, Principal of ACA Architects, added: “Our vision was to create a building that not only provides high-quality teaching spaces but also embodies sustainability and wellbeing. By working closely with Helix CMS, South Hunsley School and TEAL, we’ve been able to design a facility that futureproofs education at South Hunsley while minimising its environmental impact.”
Collaboration and care in a live school environment
Delivered to a fast-track programme, the project required careful planning to minimise disruption to day-to-day learning as construction progressed on a live site. The Helix team implemented robust safeguarding protocols, enhanced DBS checks, and bespoke inductions for every operative and visitor.
By embracing collaboration at every stage – from design through to delivery – Helix, ACA and TEAL created a building that balances functionality, sustainability and design value while ensuring pupils and staff remained informed, engaged and safe throughout construction.
Social Value beyond the build
In addition to construction, Helix CMS delivered a range of social value initiatives:
- Time capsule project: School pupils created memories and drawings to be buried in the grounds of the new building to remind future students of the importance of school community
- Work experience: Year 12 and 13 pupils gained hands-on experience both on-site and in Helix’s offices leading to a Construction Apprenticeship for one South Hunsley Pupil.
- Student Site tours: More than 240 Year 9 pupils explored the live construction site, inspiring the next generation to consider careers in construction.
These initiatives reflect Helix’s commitment to leaving a positive legacy beyond the build itself. Michaela Blackledge, Head teacher of South Hunsley School and Sixth Form said: “Today marks the realisation of a vision and I am immensely proud of a facility that will stand for generations as a beacon of what communities can create through strong partnerships.”
Investing in education across the Humber
Supported by £1 million S106 funding from East Riding of Yorkshire Council, in line with the Brough South Development planning application, the South Hunsley project is part of a wider commitment of local investment in education and infrastructure.
Councillor Victoria Aitken, cabinet member for children, families and education said:
“I am delighted that South Hunsley School is benefiting from a fantastic new teaching block. The new block is part-funded through Section 106 housing developer contributions, and is a great example of how communities and educational infrastructure can benefit from new housing developments. The council negotiated the contribution as part of the planning process with the developers, to create lasting benefits for local young people and their families.”
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