Wigan school opens brand new carbon neutral building

The new year 7 students were first to arrive in the state-of-the-art Brychall High on Warrington Road, Ashton-in-Makerfield. Work began in 2022 on this pioneering eco-friendly structure that features an outstanding learning environment for every child, in every subject area.

The school that has been at the centre of the Ashton community since 1588 boasts a proud history of academic success and supportive pastoral care. Receiving a ‘Good’ from Ofsted in 2022, the school continues to shine and in such a modern environment there is a bright future ahead for generations of students and staff. The outstanding provision includes 6 new Science labs alongside Graphics and Design Technology workshops. Sports and Arts curriculum subjects will benefit from the fully equipped to professional standard theatre, studio and outdoor and indoor sport arenas.

The buzz of excitement from the students is evident as they explore their school for the first time- it really does have the ‘wow factor’.

Headteacher Alan Birchall said, ‘We are delighted to welcome our students into their brand-new school today. We have worked closely with BAM our building-partner and the Department for Education to create an unrivalled learning environment that really does give every child access to the best possible experience and outcomes. Taking with us our traditions and core values we will be making learning more exciting through modern and forward thinking practice; readying our young people for the world of the future. Today marks the start of an exciting new chapter for our school and we are looking forward to seeing our students make the most of this exceptional building.

A new eco school for Byrchall was confirmed by the Department for Education in 2021, in the handover statement they shared their pleasure at seeing such ground breaking plans come to fruition.

‘On Tuesday 27th August 2024 the Department for Education(DfE) officially handed over the new Byrchall High School building.

The DfE Project Director was Alison Chalmers, and was previously supported by Michele Rampling, and more recently by Lauren Neary. The DfE commissioned BAM Construction Ltd for the build, with Dave Oldfield as Project Manager for BAM.

This is the completion of 4 years of work to arrive at this exciting day. Today BAM Construction Ltd completed the project for the Department for Education. After all the official checks and documentation was completed, Alison and Lauren handed the keys to the Headteacher, Alan Birchall. The building looks absolutely fantastic’

Attached photographs credit- Kevin Hayden Photography