Rebuilding a STEAM centre of excellence on a live, 19-acre school site
Willmott Dixon has been appointed by the Department for Education (DfE), on behalf of The Mosslands School in Wallasey, to deliver a £61m rebuild of one of Merseyside’s longest-established secondary schools. The 19-acre redevelopment will create modern, flexible learning environments for up to 1,500 pupils at the 11–18 school, with the existing buildings demolished once the new campus is complete.
Secured through the DfE Construction Framework 2021 (High Value Band, Lots 1 & 2), the scheme reflects our strong track record in education delivery – with £700 million secured to date on the current DfE framework, alongside recent projects for the University of Staffordshire, Bridgend College and the College of North West London.
Designed by Ellis Williams Architects, the new three-storey, 12,450m² building is arranged around a dramatic full-height central atrium, with teaching and specialist spaces threaded off it. As a STEAM centre of excellence, the campus places science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics at its heart – with a dedicated design technology zone, a flexible theatre, and modern provision for a 6th Form and a Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) facility. Beyond the classroom, two sports halls, a replacement all-weather pitch, a multi-use games area and new car and cycle parking open up wider opportunities for sport, performance and community use.
Net Zero
Sustainability runs through the design. The new campus will be Net Zero Carbon in Operation (NZCIO), supporting the DfE’s and the school’s environmental ambitions, with roof-mounted photovoltaic panels, air source heat pumps and ground source heat pumps cutting energy demand for decades to come.
Working in a live environment
Delivered on a live, occupied site, the programme is carefully sequenced so that learning continues uninterrupted while the new building rises. Working with our local supply chain, the project will leave a lasting legacy in Wallasey – supporting 20 T-Level students, delivering over 200 apprenticeship weeks and engaging with community projects across the area.
What people are saying
“Creating a contemporary, sustainable school that will provide inspiring learning environments for up to 1,500 pupils is something we are extremely proud to be delivering. This new campus will benefit students, staff and the wider community for years to come, and we’re pleased to be playing our part in making this happen.”
Mike Poole-Sutherland, North West Director, Willmott Dixon
“This is a building that the students and community of Wallasey deserve. It will transform the learning environment and open up a world of possibilities for our students. It also builds on the proud history we have in providing technological excellence, and we are committed to ensuring the building provides opportunity for community engagement and education.”
Mr Whiteley, Headteacher, The Mosslands School
“We hope the wide range of exciting spaces – including a dramatic central atrium, flexible theatre, sports halls and a design technology zone – will provide an aspiration to all the users.”
Dominic Williams, Project Director, Ellis Williams Architects