INCA Case Study: Willow Grove Primary School, Bedford

Willow Grove Primary School, Wixam, Bedfordshire

The Willow Grove Primary School in Wixams is a state-of-the-art, Net Zero Carbon (NZC) education facility, delivering innovative, flexible learning spaces for Bedford’s expanding community. Designed as a 4FE (Four-Form Entry) school, the project accommodates up to 840 pupils, ensuring that Bedford Borough Council can meet the growing demand for high-quality primary education.

Developed through the SCAPE 5 National Framework, the project integrates cutting-edge sustainability measures, advanced learning technologies, and community-focused amenities. The school features a multi-use games area (MUGA), drained sports pitches, and extensive outdoor learning spaces, creating an inspiring, adaptable learning environment.

Constructed using a steel primary frame and high-performance cladding, the project combines durability, efficiency, and architectural excellence, ensuring a future-proofed educational facility that meets Net Zero Carbon in operation standards.

Project Delivery & Challenges Overcome

Delivering a high-performance education facility on a constrained site required a collaborative, problem-solving approach. Key challenges successfully addressed included:

• Managing a complex construction programme within a growing residential area, ensuring minimal disruption to the local community.
• Integrating Net Zero Carbon strategies, requiring careful coordination of energy-efficient technologies, renewable power generation, and low-carbon materials.
• Ensuring a smooth transition for new pupils and staff, with extensive stakeholder engagement, teacher training, and digital integration.
• Coordinating multiple funding and procurement streams, balancing public sector budget constraints with high-quality delivery expectations.

Key Features & Educational Benefits

The new Willow Grove Primary School delivers a modern, adaptable, and environmentally responsible education facility, designed to foster student engagement, well-being, and academic success.

Sustainable & Net Zero Carbon Design:

• BREEAM Excellent certification, ensuring low-carbon operation and energy efficiency.
• Building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) panels, generating renewable electricity on-site.
• Advanced insulation, triple-glazed windows, and passive design principles, optimising thermal efficiency and natural daylighting.
• Net Zero Carbon in operation, ensuring that the school remains a low-energy, cost-efficient facility for future generations.

By integrating smart energy systems, sustainable materials, and innovative construction techniques, the project ensures a low-carbon footprint while maximising educational outcomes.

The Willow Grove Primary School in Wixams is a state-of-the-art, Net Zero Carbon (NZC) education facility, delivering innovative, flexible learning spaces for Bedford’s expanding community. Designed as a 4FE (Four-Form Entry) school, the project accommodates up to 840 pupils, ensuring that Bedford Borough Council can meet the growing demand for high-quality primary education.

Developed through the SCAPE 5 National Framework, the project integrates cutting-edge sustainability measures, advanced learning technologies, and community-focused amenities. The school features a multi-use games area (MUGA), drained sports pitches, and extensive outdoor learning spaces, creating an inspiring, adaptable learning environment.

Constructed using a steel primary frame and high-performance cladding, the project combines durability, efficiency, and architectural excellence, ensuring a future-proofed educational facility that meets Net Zero Carbon in operation standards.

Project Delivery & Challenges Overcome

Delivering a high-performance education facility on a constrained site required a collaborative, problem-solving approach. Key challenges successfully addressed included:

• Managing a complex construction programme within a growing residential area, ensuring minimal disruption to the local community.
• Integrating Net Zero Carbon strategies, requiring careful coordination of energy-efficient technologies, renewable power generation, and low-carbon materials.
• Ensuring a smooth transition for new pupils and staff, with extensive stakeholder engagement, teacher training, and digital integration.
• Coordinating multiple funding and procurement streams, balancing public sector budget constraints with high-quality delivery expectations.

Key Features & Educational Benefits

The new Willow Grove Primary School delivers a modern, adaptable, and environmentally responsible education facility, designed to foster student engagement, well-being, and academic success.

Sustainable & Net Zero Carbon Design:

• BREEAM Excellent certification, ensuring low-carbon operation and energy efficiency.
• Building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) panels, generating renewable electricity on-site.
• Advanced insulation, triple-glazed windows, and passive design principles, optimising thermal efficiency and natural daylighting.
• Net Zero Carbon in operation, ensuring that the school remains a low-energy, cost-efficient facility for future generations.

By integrating smart energy systems, sustainable materials, and innovative construction techniques, the project ensures a low-carbon footprint while maximising educational outcomes.

Community & Social Impact

The Willow Grove Primary School project is not just about delivering a new school—it’s about enhancing the wider Wixams community and providing long-term benefits for students, families, and local businesses.

• By integrating educational excellence, sustainability, and community engagement, the project leaves a lasting legacy for Bedford’s growing population.

Client Feedback

“This project represents a major step forward for education in Wixams, providing an innovative, sustainable learning environment for generations to come. Willmott Dixon’s commitment to delivering a Net Zero Carbon school, alongside their engagement with local stakeholders, ensures that this will be a flagship educational facility for Bedford.”

Bedford Borough Council Representative

The project has been praised for its high sustainability standards, community engagement, and forward-thinking educational design, reinforcing its status as a model for future school developments.

Legacy & Future Impact

The Willow Tree Primary School project is a flagship example of Net Zero Carbon school construction, setting a new benchmark for sustainable education infrastructure in the UK.

Construction Details

Rendserve were employed by Wilmott Dixon Construction to supply and install the Knauf Warm Wall Plus Insulated Render system which was supplied by CRT International. The project consisted of 2300m²  of 170mm mineral fibre insulation to the SFS/Y-Wall substrate finished with Silicone Conni 1.5mm in a vibrant bright orange and contrasting light grey colour scheme. The U-value required and achieved was 0.13W/mK.

The project was delivered within programme and on budget to the delight of all involved.