Devizes School
Devizes School & Sixth Form Centre is situated on the rural outskirts of Wiltshire and is part of the White Horse Federation Multi-Academy Trust. As a key educational institution for secondary and sixth-form students, the school faced increasing challenges due to ageing infrastructure. In 2021, Kenneth & Edwards Ltd appointed Central to undertake essential roofing works to address widespread water ingress, protect the school’s structural integrity, and improve the long-term performance and appearance of the buildings. The £500K flat roofing project would span six months and cover a total area of 1,215m².
- Client
- Kenneth & Edwards Ltd
- Timescale
- 4 months
- Date
- May 2020
- Budget
- £500k
- Project Manager
- David Alden , Herefordshire
- Project Location
- Wiltshire
After
Before
task
Across several school buildings, the roofing system showed significant signs of deterioration from natural wear and prolonged exposure to weather. Multiple locations were experiencing leaks, causing internal water damage and raising concerns about safety and energy performance. The school’s goal was to improve waterproofing, ensure compliance with modern safety standards, and futureproof its facilities without disrupting daily learning.
approach
Working on a live school site required careful planning and control. Central ensured that all work was carried out with minimal disruption to teaching, with strict management of noise, working hours, deliveries, and site access. Safety was a continuous focus, both for site operatives and the school community. On completion, permanent edge protection was installed for safe long-term maintenance access. Full system guarantees were provided, giving the client peace of mind for the future. The success of the project reflected strong collaboration between Central, the client, the school, and the system manufacturer, resulting in high-quality, durable roofing that will serve the school for years to come.
solution
Central carried out a full refurbishment using the BMI Icopal bituminous membrane system. Following manufacturer specifications, the team first prepared the existing surfaces by removing loose materials and debris to allow for a clean overlay. Equipment such as cables, ventilation units, ductwork, external lighting, CCTV systems, and solar panels were protected and temporarily removed or raised. Once the waterproofing layer was installed, solar panels were tested and reinstated. The work also included replacing 11 rooflights, repairing windows, and reinstating roof hatch ladder fixings – enhancing both functionality and safety across the roof space.