PRESS RELEASE.

A First for Jarvis at Barnfield West Academy, Luton

Jarvis have recently completed the conversion of the former Halyard High School to become Barnfield West Academy, the first in Luton of the new independent, free schools championed by the Government's initiative to improve secondary education.

Jarvis commenced the project earlier in the summer, providing a makeover of the building in time for the start of the school year. New flooring and ceilings were installed as well as new signage and redecoration. The work was done under a framework agreement with Luton Borough Council, under which Jarvis also maintains local schools.

The Academy has been very pleased with the results of the conversion, Rachel de Souza, the Principal said of the work; "We are establishing Barnfield West Academy as a centre of excellence. The improvements to the building will benefit both the staff and students by providing an updated and improved learning environment to help us to achieve our goals". Academies aim to provide students with an innovative and practical learning experience which enables student's to forge foundations in enterprise and technology. Each academy has a sponsor who invests £2 million in the development of the school.

The Academy has been sponsored by Barnfield College, Luton. Known as a centre for excellence in teaching and learning, students will benefit from the college's employer links and the academy and college's commitment to enterprise and employability will greatly enhance the regeneration of the local community.

Jarvis has extensive experience of working within the education sector and has successfully completed building projects for partners throughout the South-East.