Arcus FM have delivered the £650k retrofit of Keelham Primary School for the Department of Education through YORbuild3 Minor Works. The project is part of the Department for Education’s (DfE) Resilient Schools Programme, focusing on low-cost, high-impact retrofit solutions. The Resilient Schools Programme is a pilot initiative developed to help schools operate more efficiently and sustainably into the future. Keelham Primary School is one of four schools selected to undertake works within this programme, benefiting from targeted interventions designed to enhance site resilience, ventilation, energy generation and overall building performance.

Project Overview:

Delivered as a Design & Build project under the JCT D&B contract and procured via the YorBuild3 Framework, the scheme was developed from RIBA Stage 3 by the project team, supported by JYM Partnership.
The retrofit works were carefully designed to secure the long-term sustainability of the school while improving day-to-day operational efficiency. The project scope included a comprehensive package of upgrades, such as:

• Replacement windows to improve thermal performance
• Installation of roof insulation to reduce heat loss
• Translucent solar canopy installation alongside roof-mounted solar panels
• Replacement of lobby doors and side screens, with new bifold doors to an outbuilding
• Installation of infill ceiling boards to minimise draughts
• Mechanical improvements including toilet extractor fans, rebalancing of the LTHW system, and a new NVHR unit (natural ventilation with heat recovery)
• Replacement of external lighting with energy-efficient LED systems

Enhancing Sustainability and Reducing Costs

The works at Keelham Primary School are expected to significantly improve the building’s thermal performance, ventilation and overall comfort for pupils and staff. Through the integration of renewable energy technologies, the school is now better positioned to reduce its energy consumption and ongoing running costs.

These improvements directly support the programme’s ambition to enable schools to reinvest savings into education rather than building maintenance. Enhanced building fabric and modernised systems will also provide long-term resilience against changing environmental conditions.

Delivering in a Live School Environment

A key success factor of the project was the ability to deliver works while the school remained operational for the majority of the programme. Ensuring the health, safety and safeguarding of students and staff was a top priority throughout.

Close collaboration with the school enabled effective planning and coordination, particularly during the return to school in September. Measures included:

• Safe segregation of construction zones
• Careful phasing of works to avoid disruption to learning
• Ongoing communication with school leadership and stakeholders

This approach ensured that the project could progress efficiently while maintaining a safe and productive learning environment.

Social Value at the Core

In line with YORhub’s commitment to delivering added value through its frameworks, social value outcomes were a key priority for Arcus FM and the scheme achieved a range of meaningful community and education benefits, including:

• A community project supporting the refurbishment of a local church kitchen
• Two work experience placements for students from Camphill SEN College
• Continued support and development of existing apprentices within the supply chain

These initiatives demonstrate a people-driven approach, ensuring that the benefits of construction extend beyond the school itself and into the wider community.

Supporting Resilient, Future-Ready Schools

The retrofit works at Keelham Primary School exemplify the objectives of the Resilient Schools Programme—delivering practical, scalable interventions that improve sustainability while maintaining affordability.

By combining technology-led solutions with a collaborative, community-focused delivery model, the project provides a blueprint for future school upgrades across the education estate. The project demonstrates how supporting public sector clients in achieving sustainable futures through innovative, resilient construction solutions, places people and communities at the heart of development.

CEYH Awards

The Keelham Primary School project earned Arcus FM a ‘Highly Commended’ at the CEYH Awards 2026, held at Leeds Armouries in June.

Visit Arcus FM website