Background: Hawthornes and Sir Geoff Schools were constructed side by side as part of a simultaneous new-build project. Hawthornes provides specialist education for autistic pupils, while Sir Geoff supports pupils with SEMH needs. The main contractor required a competent fencing contractor to deliver a wide range of fencing and gate systems across both sites, covering security, safeguarding, segregation, access control coordination and sports areas.

Solution: Alltype Fencing Specialists Ltd tendered for the works and were successfully appointed to deliver the full fencing and gate package across both school sites. The project required a wide range of fencing types, each serving a different purpose, including perimeter security, internal segregation, bin stores, MUGA areas, timber screening, substation protection and controlled access points.

The main perimeter was secured using 2.4m high 868 mesh fencing, including two cantilever sliding gates and one automated double-leaf gate. Across the two sites, we installed more than 50 gates in total, each with different locking arrangements depending on its location, use, fire route requirements and access control strategy. Gate handing and opening directions were carefully coordinated to suit fire escape routes, operational requirements and access control specified by the M&E contractor.

The works also included a mixture of timber and metal fencing, 3m high sports fencing, secure weldmesh fencing, internal safeguarding fencing and earthed fencing to the substation area. With over 900 metres of fencing installed, the package required careful coordination with the main contractor and other trades working across both live construction sites.

The ground conditions presented additional challenges, with areas of very boggy terrain requiring practical installation planning and site coordination. Despite these conditions and the scale of the package, the works were completed on time and to the client’s satisfaction.