INCA EWI Case Study: Drakelow Park Flying High Academy, Burton On Trent

Drakelow Park Flying High Academy is the fourth brand new school to be opened by the Flying High Partnership, with doors set to open in September 2026. Located in the heart of the Drakelow Park housing development in South Derbyshire, the school will serve a growing community and provide an exceptional learning environment for local children.

The new primary school sits alongside a major housing development on the site of the former Drakelow power station in Derbyshire, close to Burton-on-Trent. The school was originally intended to be constructed in traditional brick and block construction, however, the main contractor for the scheme, Clegg Construction, approached the architect One Creative, about constructing in SFS steel frame and utilising the Alsecco Ecomin 400 system with lightweight Meldorfer brick slips, a system they have used successfully on previous new build schemes.

The architect engaged positively with Caparol and from discussions with the local planners, it was deemed desireable for the brick colours and textures to reflect the disused stable blocks located close-by and destined to become refurbished retail units. Caparol matched the old red brickwork on the stable blocks perfectly, and suggested the Flemish and Old English Garden Wall brick bonds for the three different brick colours being used – red, buff and Staffs blue.

The installation work carried out by the installer K E Peck was of the highest quality resulting in wonderful facades for the school, with wall finishes that are attractive, durable and thermally high performing. It demonstrates the tremendous benefits that EWI systems can provide for future school building programmes.