Excitement grew as the beam was lifted by a crane!

 

Applebee Wood School, a specialist provision for students aged 4-16, celebrated another major milestone in the construction of its new school building this week. Students, staff, and representatives from The Sea View Trust, the Department for Education and contractor Tilbury Douglas gathered for a ceremonial "Steel Signing," leaving their permanent mark on the framework of the school’s future.

The new two-storey facility, currently under construction on the existing school grounds, is being delivered by Tilbury Douglas as part of the Department for Education’s (DfE) School Rebuilding Programme. This significant investment will replace aging facilities with a modern, purpose-built environment designed specifically to meet the diverse needs of Applebee Wood’s students, all of whom are supported by Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).

This development follows an exciting period of growth for Applebee Wood School, which officially joined The Sea View Trust in September 2025. Since joining the Multi-Academy Trust, the school has benefited from a collaborative network of support, driving continuing improvements in educational provision and ensuring every learner has the resources to thrive.

The Sea View Trusts CEO Angela Holdsworth: “The opportunity to combine the Trust’s specialist expertise with this incredible new infrastructure, will ensure Applebee Wood School becomes a true beacon for SEND provision both in South Ribble and across the wider Northwest region."

Applebee Wood Pupils signed the steel beam. Well wishes and names were added to the beam - to become a part of the new school building that will serve the current pupils as well as generations to come!

Building for the Future The ceremony saw pupils, School and Trust staff and representatives from Tilbury Douglas and the Department for Education gather to sign a steel beam which was then lifted into position by a crane, forming an integral part of the new structure. This event allowed the Applebee Wood community to make their mark at the very heart of their future school building.

Looking forward to the opportunities the new school building will provide, Headteacher John Cockerill shared, “Today marks an exciting milestone in our school’s journey as our children and staff took part in the steel signing for our new building. It was a wonderful moment of pride and anticipation, giving everyone the chance to leave their mark, quite literally, on the future of our school. Seeing the structure take shape before our eyes has brought a real sense of excitement and possibility to our community.”

The Signed Steel Beam hoisted into position

Partnership in Construction The project is being delivered by Tilbury Douglas, a leading UK building, infrastructure, engineering and fit-out business. Working in close partnership with the DfE, Tilbury Douglas brings extensive experience in delivering high-quality, sustainable learning environments that also support specific educational needs.

Martin Horne, Regional Director – Northwest at Tilbury Douglas, commented: “Our team is committed to delivering a high-quality facility that has been carefully designed around the sensory and accessibility needs of its students, signalling the start of an exciting new chapter for the Applebee Wood community.”