Katherines Primary Academy

Requirement

Katherines Primary Academy in Harlow required urgent temporary accommodation after the Department for Education (DfE) identified Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) in the main school roof. Due to the School Rebuilding Programme, the affected buildings needed to be vacated, requiring a phased approach to maintain educational continuity for 264 pupils.

Phase 1 provided standard classroom accommodation to meet immediate needs, while Phase 2 delivered a full-scale temporary school solution until a permanent rebuild could commence. The new buildings needed to include all essential educational and welfare facilities to support the entire school community.

Wernick, already a trusted supplier under the MTC framework, was chosen for the project, having successfully delivered Phase 1. Their ability to meet the demanding timescales and coordinate with key stakeholders ensured the project could progress smoothly into Phase 2.

Project name: : Katherines Primary Academy
Location: Brookside, Harlow, Essex CM19 5NP
Sector: Education
Client: Department for Education
Supplied by: Wernick Hire, Wernick Buildings, Wernick Power Solutions
Accommodation Type: PMflex
Number of Modules: 73

Solution

The onsite works, including groundworks and finishing, were done to the highest of standards by Wernick’s own specialist construction team. A total of 73 modular units were delivered to site to create a fully functioning temporary school across two buildings—one single-storey and one double-storey structure. The accommodation was designed to match the school’s operational requirements, ensuring pupils and staff had a safe, spacious, and high-quality learning environment.

The single-storey building includes:

A commercial kitchen with a roller shutter
A multi-use hall with storage for hall furniture
Offices, reception, and toilet facilities

The double-storey building includes:

Classrooms for reception, nursery, infants, and juniors
An internal platform lift and two staircases
Offices, staff rooms, a medical treatment room, storage, and hygiene facilities, including a shower room with a hoist

Externally, the project featured a large tarmac playground, secure fencing and gates, a controlled access system, storm drainage, and two new canopies—one linking the buildings and another connected to the double-storey structure. A soft play area and fire escape pathways ensured a safe, fully functional school environment.

Overcoming Challenges

Due to delays in securing permanent UKPN power, Wernick Power Solutions provided a temporary generator and battery backup system, maintaining full functionality for approximately three months until UKPN power was connected. This ensured minimal disruption, although the internal platform lift remained uncommissioned during this period.

Wernick worked closely with Mace and the school leadership team throughout the design and installation phases to ensure that the solution met both educational and operational requirements while remaining adaptable to the available modular bay configurations.

We are very satisfied with the accommodation. Wernick delivered Phase 1 successfully, so continuity for Phase 2 was key. The team maximised space, ensured a smooth installation, and brought pupils and staff back together. This is my third project with Wernick, and I appreciate the team’s support in making it happen.

Antony Baxter

Project Director