Home / Insights / Case Studies / Queen Elizabeth Academy
Queen Elizabeth Academy needed additional classroom space to support its 2026 intake, with a solution that could be delivered quickly while the school stayed open. Working directly with G F Tomlinson, a Midlands-based construction firm, Premier Modular provided a £2.5m permanent modular building, giving the Academy 630m² of new space across two storeys.
Originally considered as a panelised solution, the project moved to modular construction when it was determined that the programme needed a faster approach. Manufacturing the building offsite helped accelerate the construction process and reduced the amount of work needed on the live school site.
The completed building creates comfortable, practical spaces for teaching and learning, giving pupils and staff a modern, purpose-built environment designed around the needs of the Academy. From delivery of the modules to the building being ready for the school to use, installation took just over 14 weeks.
“Working with Premier Modular has been a really positive experience. From the early stages, the team were approachable, responsive and willing to work through challenges with us. Their knowledge of modular construction was invaluable, particularly given the site constraints and tight programme. It felt like a true partnership throughout, with everyone focused on finding practical solutions and delivering a high-quality school for the pupils.”
Building on a busy and active school site meant the project team had to carefully manage construction around pupils, pedestrians and staff. Deliveries of the large modular units required detailed planning, while persistent rain created difficult ground conditions. This led to the creation of a new access road to safely maintain access to the site.
The Premier Modular team also had to work around the school’s timetable, with exams and quiet periods limiting when noisy construction activities could take place. This was particularly important during the final four to five weeks, when equipment such as saws and drills couldn’t be used at certain times.
The use of offsite construction helped keep much of the manufacturing work away from the school, reducing the amount of activity required on site. Careful coordination of deliveries and installation supported the project team in working effectively around the school’s day-to-day activities.
The 630m² building provides seven classrooms, a central toilet area, an accessible toilet and an office across two storeys. With 20 modules making up the structure, the design provides a straightforward and practical layout for the Academy’s additional teaching needs.
The building was originally planned with a rendered exterior, but a full mechanical brick-slip system was chosen instead. The technique provides a more durable finish, better suited to a school environment, where external walls can be exposed to knocks and general wear and tear.
Inside, 2.6m ceiling heights help create open, airy teaching spaces, with plenty of natural light provided through aluminium windows.
Acoustics were an important consideration throughout the project; the building exceeded the minimum requirements of BB93, the acoustic performance standard for schools, creating an environment that supports concentration and learning. Suspended and plastered ceilings were also incorporated to manage sound and reverberation in and around the space.
Key features include:
Alongside the need for speed, the project focused on creating a building that would be sustainable to run. It also explored how the building could operate efficiently in the long term, with features designed to reduce energy use and support the Academy’s sustainability goals.
In collaboration with NZB (Net Zero Buildings), Premier Modular incorporated offsite manufacturing, a combination of natural and mechanical ventilation, an external heat pump and solar panels to generate renewable energy on site.
Together, these measures support the Academy’s aim of reducing its carbon footprint and creating a building that’s cost-effective to run.
Find out more about Premier Modular’s permanent modular solutions by speaking to our specialist team today.
Skip to content