Designing and Delivering Smarter through AI
4 December 2025Delivering the First SEMH School on the Isle of Sheppey
Credit: Simon Harvey
By Joe Shepherd, Managing Director – Public Sector, Reds10
In 2024, Reds10 delivered the first dedicated Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) school for the Isle of Sheppey. With the opening of Nore Academy on the island, for the first time, local students with acute SEMH needs no longer have to travel to the mainland for appropriate education. We are so proud of this project we delivered in partnership with the Alternative Learning Trust (ALT), which marks a new chapter in inclusive, community-based education for the Island.
Overcoming Challenges for a Student-centric Approach
At Reds10, we believe that every child deserves access to an environment that supports their learning and wellbeing. Nore Academy was designed with this ethos at its core. The school accommodates 120 secondary-phase students and is located on the same site as Estuary Academy, a new Alternative Provision (AP) school, alongside neighbouring Halfway Houses Primary School. This co-location presented unique logistical and safeguarding challenges, particularly during construction, but working amidst a live school environment is our team’s bread and butter. Instead, this quickly became an opportunity to collaborate with the ALT to meet the specific needs of the SEMH students, while navigating complex site conditions.
One of the most significant challenges came late in the project with a change in school trust leadership. With less than three months to handover, the ALT assumed responsibility from the Sabden Trust. This transition required agile project management, clear communication, and a shared commitment to the school’s vision. Thanks to our inherently flexible delivery model and constant dedication to collating and sharing data, we ensured the project remained on track and aligned with the needs of its future students.
A Better Way to Build with the Results to Prove it
Central to the success of Nore Academy was our use of industrialised construction, specifically our volumetric off-site solution. This approach allowed us to deliver a high-quality, bespoke facility in a compressed timeframe, while also enhancing the Department for Education’s Output Specification. The design incorporated features tailored to SEMH learners, including calming sensory spaces, adaptable classrooms, and secure outdoor areas, all of which were created with trauma-informed design principles in mind.
Reds10 ensured a seamless journey from construction to operation through consistent updates and collaborative planning. Our team endeavoured to give the school site access at the earliest possible point which allowed a sense of ownership from the outset. Support extended beyond handover, including assistance during the pre-opening Ofsted inspection, meticulous planning for staff training, and a phased handover to guarantee a smooth transition. A rapid response call-out facility was available throughout ensuring confidence and readiness from day one.
Nore Academy clearly demonstrates how thoughtful design, collaborative delivery, and innovative construction can come together to meet urgent educational needs with the speed and efficiency underserved communities’ demand. As we look ahead, Reds10 remains committed to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in education infrastructure and delivering schools for those who need them most.