- First dedicated SEMH school on the Isle of Sheppey, providing local specialist provision for the first time.
- 87% offsite modular construction, minimising disruption and enabling rapid delivery.
- Net Zero Carbon in operation, with trauma informed design supporting pupil wellbeing and behaviour.
In 2024, Reds10 delivered the first dedicated Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) school for the Isle of Sheppey. Before the opening of Nore Academy, local pupils with acute SEMH needs had no choice but to travel to the mainland for suitable education. The new school marks a milestone for inclusive, community‑focused provision on the island.
Nore Academy provides specialist education for Year 7–11 pupils with SEMH and ASD needs, offering a warm, caring and highly supportive environment designed to help students reach their full potential. Reds10 was appointed as main contractor through the Department for Education’s Off-Site Schools Framework, delivering a full turnkey solution including design from RIBA Stage 2, planning, offsite manufacture and construction.
DELIVERING A FUTURE READY LEARNING ENVIRONMENT
Constructed using Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), 87% of the building was completed offsite in Reds10’s Yorkshire factory, significantly improving programme efficiency and minimising disruption to neighbouring schools — including Estuary Academy and Halfway Houses Primary School.
Internally, layouts were designed through deep collaboration with the Alternative Learning Trust and HLM Architects, drawing on extensive collective experience in SEMH educational design.
These features create a holistic environment that nurtures emotional regulation, confidence and readiness to learn.
The school includes:
- Two specialist teaching zones for Art, Construction, ICT, Food Technology and Science
- A dedicated forest school base room with direct access to external forest school facilities
- Distinct year‑group zones, giving pupils secure, defined general teaching areas
- A therapy cluster including a sensory room and spaces for external practitioners
- Double‑height sports hall and dining facility
- External spaces for community activities, multi‑sports and horticulture
DESIGN & LAYOUT HIGHLIGHTS
Internal Design
Trauma‑informed design principles shaped every aspect of the school’s interior. Flexible rooms, calm colour palettes, and strategic zoning help create a sense of safety and predictability, all crucial elements for SEMH learners. Teaching, therapy and breakout areas were configured to support both structured group learning and individual intervention.
External Environment
The building sits comfortably within its local context, using a natural material palette that is warm and welcoming. Secure outdoor areas and the forest school environment provide vital opportunities for sensory regulation, social development and hands‑on learning.
SUSTAINABILITY AT THE HEART OF THE BUILD
Nore Academy has been designed to achieve Net Zero Carbon for regulated energy, supported by:
- A highly thermally efficient building envelope
- Fully electric building systems
- An on‑site solar PV array
- Passive design strategies to reduce energy demand
These features ensure the school operates efficiently and sustainably, reducing long‑term costs and environmental impact.
OVERCOMING CHALLENGES WITH A STUDENT CENTRIC APPROACH
Delivering a school tailored to SEMH needs requires more than meeting specifications—it demands an understanding of how space influences behaviour, wellbeing and educational outcomes.
Key complexities included:
- Maintaining Operations in a Live School Environment
Located alongside Estuary Academy and Halfway Houses Primary, the project required stringent safeguarding measures and carefully phased logistics. Reds10’s experience in live environments ensured smooth, disruption‑free delivery.
- Adaptability During Leadership Change
Late in the programme, school trust leadership transferred from The Sabden Trust to the Alternative Learning Trust with under three months to handover. Thanks to agile project management and transparent communication, the project remained aligned with ALT’s vision and fully on schedule.
- Flexible Behaviour‑Supportive Design
Rooms required adaptable layouts, mobile furniture and spaces designed for rapid reconfiguration—supporting behaviour management and therapeutic intervention.
A BETTER WAY TO BUILD
The success of Nore Academy demonstrates the benefits of industrialised construction:
- Faster delivery in an area with urgent educational need
- More consistent quality and precision through offsite manufacturing
- Reduced disruption to local schools and residents
- A bespoke facility aligned with DfE Output Specifications and enhanced through specialist SEMH design features
Beyond construction, Reds10 supported a smooth transition into operation—from pre‑opening Ofsted readiness to training support and ongoing rapid‑response assistance.
IMPACT & INNOVATION
Nore Academy represents a transformative investment in the Isle of Sheppey community. It shows how thoughtful design, collaborative delivery and MMC innovation can come together to meet specialist educational needs with speed, quality and care.
Reds10 remains committed to delivering educational environments where every child feels supported, understood and empowered to succeed.
