Bedford Academy celebrates grand opening of £12m community building

The new facility has been built to meet growing demand from families choosing the school and to reflect continued success in raising aspirations, improving outcomes, and transforming life chances for young people across Bedford.

It provides 16 new classrooms, a dining area, changing rooms, and a community café, supporting Bedford Academy’s growth to 1,800 pupils by 2029.

The event welcomed around 300 guests, including Lord Lieutenant, Susan Lousada, and Mayor of Bedford Borough, Tom Wootton who joined students, families, and local organisations.

Guests enjoyed a vibrant programme of activities, including a ribbon cutting ceremony led by Priya Dhap, a Bedford Academy student who designed the new school logo.

There were also performances from a steel pan band and student flash mob, a staff football tournament on the Academy’s 3G pitch and guided tours of the innovative new community building.

Chris Deller, headteacher of Bedford Academy, said: “The opening of this new building is the direct result of Bedford Academy’s success and growing popularity with families. Year on year, we have improved outcomes, bucked national trends, and raised aspirations. This facility will allow us to meet the increasing demand for places, while continuing to provide our students with the very best opportunities to thrive.”

David Morris, CEO of HEART Academies Trust, added “This project demonstrates HEART Academies Trust’s vision in action, transforming lives in Bedford by creating the spaces and opportunities our young people deserve.

The new community building is not just about additional space, but about ensuring Bedford Academy can continue to build on its success and serve the growing number of families choosing our school.”

The building is certified Net Zero Carbon in Operation, featuring:

> PV panels, air-source heat pumps, and an airtight façade

> Circular economy practices that saved 1 tonne of greenhouse gases

> Over 500 pupils engaged on-site to inspire future careers in construction

> Diversity initiatives involving female and ethnic minority subcontractors

> New cycle spaces, EV charging, and expanded parking to support sustainable travel.

The £12 million community building was delivered by Ashe Construction for Bedford Borough Council, with design by GSS Architecture.

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