North Hertfordshire College has campuses located in Stevenage and Hitchin in Hertfordshire. Having already completed the new sports centre at the Hitchin campus, Saunders were approached to assist with a funding application for the T Levels facility in Stevenage. The college made a successful application for funding to adapt, refurbish and renovate existing classroom and non-teaching space at the campus to create a Science, Technology and Innovation T-Level Centre, suitable for delivery of the T-Level curriculum commencing in 2023. T-Level curriculum is supported by local and leading businesses to offer students industry experience as part of their studies, and are recognised by universities and other education providers to enable students to gain the skills necessary for skilled employments or higher apprenticeships.

The accommodation provided complements existing teaching spaces: a lecture hall, health suite (a mock hospital ward), science laboratory, classrooms, a mock domestic flat (a training space) and IT suites. The college has created additional spaces to support the T-Level curriculum by enclosing underutilised circulation space, creating teaching space from surplus existing space. As part of the refurbishment, ventilation improvements were made to meet post-Covid air quality standards.

“We’re really pleased with design and space planning of the T levels facilities as they are making a big difference to how the curriculum is being delivered. The refurbishment project was delivered with minimal disruption, within an active college environment around exam periods to a very high standard of workmanship. It provides our students with a realistic industry environment in which to train and gain confidence before progressing into their chosen career and has strengthened our linkages with local employers. Saunders have worked closely with the College throughout the project from application to secure the funding through to completion of the space to the design parameters agreed. Our students love the new facilities and many visitors have commented on the spaces refurbished as part of this project and the opportunities and experiences this provides to our students during their time with us.”

Lizzie Jones, Executive Director of Corporate Services, Hart Learning Group