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As part of joining the Sapientia Education Trust, SET Ixworth School received funding from the Department of Education (DfE) to improve its facilities. One priority was giving students a practical outdoor space to use in all weather conditions, particularly during busy breaks and lunchtimes.
The requirement
The school wanted a strong, reliable canopy that would fit neatly into the existing courtyard, providing students with a weatherproof area to eat, socialise and enjoy fresh air all year round. It had to be large enough to accommodate groups of students, without feeling overcrowded. It needed to be ready for the start of the new term in September, so with the summer holidays already underway, everything had to be carefully planned and installed quickly.
The challenge
The biggest challenge was the tight schedule. With the school closed for the summer, we had to design, get approval and install the canopy before the students returned in September. In addition, at the time of ordering and before the installation, the country was running up to an election and Parliament had effectively been dissolved. This made decisions increasingly slow and difficult.
The solution
We have worked with Sapientia Education Trust before, which meant we were able to move quickly on the canopy without issues. We proposed a freestanding Connekt back-to-back canopy, measuring 12,500mm x 7,500mm. Supported by five central posts, it meant the students had plenty of space without feeling cramped.
The Connekt system’s durable, low-maintenance design makes it ideal for a school setting. Its Melinex gel-coated roof offers protection from rain, wind and the sun’s harmful UV rays, so the space is usable year-round.
Our team moved fast, working through the holidays to make sure everything was installed on time and ready for the school year.
Results
The new canopy has made a big difference to daily life at the school:
- Sheltered space all year: Students now have a covered area to enjoy breaks, meals and fresh air – whatever the weather.
- Built to last: The durable canopy needs little upkeep and will serve the school for years to come.
- Delivered on time: The project was completed on time and before the start of term, meeting the DfE’s funding requirements.
The new canopy has met all expectations, providing SET Ixworth School with a versatile outdoor space that improves the daily lives of students. With its reliable, low-maintenance design, the canopy will offer long-term benefits for years to come.
