After two and a half years of disruption, staff and students at Aylesford School, Warwick are celebrating finally being able to move back into their school buildings next week.

The school has undergone a "major transformation" following extensive asbestos removal works and structural repairs.

Contractor, Stepnell has "worked closely" with the team at Aylesford school to phase the works so much of the new buildings can now be used again.

This major step will see 17 classrooms including dedicated SEND spaces, six science laboratories and prep room, IT suites and flexible learning areas, reception, student services and welfare facilities handed over.

Stepnell has been working with the school since August 2024 when some of the school was forced to close.

"Further challenges in the condition of the buildings identified as the programme developed have added further items to the scope of works," the school said.

"Aylesford have worked closely with the Department for Education to secure additional funding to address the increased scope to allow works to continue and to address critical needs as the reinstatement programme developed.

"The increased scope of works meant that the original completion date of November 2025 was delayed to June 2026."

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The school has been disrupted for over two years (Image by Beth Walsh Photography)

During January the school has been working to get the new buildings ready for use with new furniture, signage, IT and other services installed.

On Wednesday (4 February) parents were invited to look round.

On Monday 9 February teaching will being in the science laboratories and after February Half term, all the remaining areas in these areas will be fully reoccupied for teaching.

"Continuing to operate a live school alongside such an extensive and challenging project has been no mean feat and finally, after over two years of disruption we are reaching a milestone in this project," the school added.

"Throughout the programme, Stepnell have recognised the importance of getting our pupils and staff back into these teaching spaces, and they have worked tirelessly to complete parts of their works earlier where possible."

The final areas of the school will be completed and handed back by Stepnell in June 2026; these include the Assembly Hall, further office spaces, the staffroom, meeting rooms, the Gym and fitness suite, changing facilities, further student toilets and the Design & Technology and Food Technology spaces.

Aylesford has also been working with the Department for Education and Wernick on the removal of the temporary classrooms which have been in place since December 2023.

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This will be done during the Easter holidays with a period either side for preparation and making good of the surfaces where the units have been in situ.

"We expect there to be minimal impact on the day-to-day running of the school during this process," the school continued.

"We recognise the disruption that the essential buildings closure has caused over several years.

"The resilience and patience of parents, students and staff, in continuing to support the school over this period is greatly appreciated.

"We are all excited to see the new and improved Aylesford School and are looking forward giving students in these fantastic new spaces to learn in."

The works at Aylesford have been completed in phases (Image by Beth Walsh Photography)