Reimagining
the schools of the future
Reimagining learning spaces where young minds can thrive
We’ve been shaping learning environments for over 60 years and have been a strategic partner of the Department for Education (DfE) since 2008, not just building schools but creating places that empower young people and support the communities around them.
Our work in education reaches beyond the buildings we deliver. It’s about designing spaces that inspire curiosity, nurture wellbeing and unlock opportunity, while also supporting brilliant education and care outcomes through an education estate that is safe, sustainable, suitable and sufficiently sized.
We collaborate closely with DfE, Trusts and Local Authorities to understand the unique ethos and needs of every school, so we can deliver environments that truly deliver their vision.
Learning environments that nurture planet and potential
We’re proud to be leading the way in sustainable school design. Through Wates Adapt:NxtGen Digital Design Solution, we achieve schools that meet the Government’s Net Zero Carbon goals, utilising modern methods of construction to reduce emissions, improve quality and efficiency and deliver long-term value for money.
Every school we build is a chance to do things better. We invest in innovation, research and social value to ensure our projects leave a lasting legacy, from creating inclusive learning spaces, to supporting T Levels, apprenticeships and engagement with the communities we work with.
We don’t just build for today. We build for the future, for the pupils, teachers, families and ecosystems that will grow and thrive in the places we create.
What makes our education offering different:
We offer a full range of services that help create inspiring, sustainable and inclusive learning environments where students and educators thrive. From strategic estate planning and stakeholder engagement to sustainable design, inclusive spaces and future-proofed infrastructure, our work ensures that every space is not only inspiring but also safe, adaptable, and aligned with the evolving needs of education.
When we deliver as one, we thrive together.
We design and build schools that reflect the unique ethos and needs of each community. From early years to further education, we create spaces that support wellbeing, learning and growth. It’s not about building the same schools over and over. We take a fabric-first approach and use our robustly tested kit of parts, held in our digital library, to ensure high predictability of quality, cost, programme and environmental impact.
When we listen and learn, we thrive together.
We modernise and transform existing education spaces to meet evolving needs. Whether it’s a full refurbishment or a targeted fit-out, we deliver with care, quality and minimal disruption.
When we build for everyone, we thrive together.
Our use of offsite manufacturing enables faster, safer and more sustainable school delivery. By assembling key components in controlled environments, we reduce disruption on site, improve quality, and cut carbon emissions, all while speeding up delivery.
When we honour our heritage, we thrive together
Through our Adapt:NxtGen model, we deliver schools that meet Net Zero Carbon in Operation (NZCiO) standards. This fully supports the DfE 10-year School Rebuilding Programme.
When we honour our heritage, we thrive together
Why choose Wates
Proven experience in education.
School-first approach.
Transparent problem solving.
Committed to net zero.
Smarter, faster, more cost-effective delivery.
Social value embedded from day one.
Dedicated to training young talent.
Strong in sustainability.
Inclusive, collaborative and effective teams.
Thriving partnerships
We work hand-in-hand with the Department for Education (DfE), local authorities and multi-academy trusts through key public sector frameworks. We do this by building trusted partnerships that deliver consistency, compliance and shared success, helping us build places that truly reflect the needs of those who use them.
Since 2019, we’ve been proud to serve as the DfE’s partner in the Cabinet Office’s Strategic Supplier Relationship Management. Together, we explore new ways to collaborate, share contractor insights, and shape policy and initiatives that improve how schools are delivered across the UK.
Reimagining the future of schools
At Wates we see things differently which means that we can do things differently. From digital design libraries to low-carbon materials, we’re always exploring new ideas to improve outcomes and value.
Our specialist team dedicated to schools ensures consistency and up-to-date knowledge of evolving DfE design requirements and educational delivery methods. Continued improvement and investment in school-specific research and development ensures we deliver the very best solution, for every school.
You can’t touch everything we build, but you can feel it
Every project is a platform for positive change and working in educational environments gives us a unique opportunity to talk to young people about what they want to do when they leave school.
We create social value through apprenticeships, volunteering, and partnerships with local organisations, helping communities thrive long after the build is complete.
“We’ve been a key partner of the Department for Education since 2011. This long-standing and successful partnership has been built on the excellent relationships we’ve developed with the DfE’s teams, technical advisers, and the schools themselves. Together, our ongoing commitment to delivering the best learning environments has seen us drive innovation in advanced standardisation, delivering the greatest social value and the smallest environmental footprint where our next generation of young people can thrive.”
Steve Beechey – Group Public Sector Director
The power of reimagining
Our Experts
Reimagining places for people to thrive.
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