Looking along the school's new facade, which comprises four attractive pavilions.

An £11.8 million construction project that has completely transformed Thomas Becket Catholic Secondary School in Northampton was completed on site three months ahead of schedule, and in time for the start of the autumn term.

The project, which was designed for Northampton Catholic Diocese by GSS Architecture, provides an impressive range of new and improved teaching and support facilities. GSS's design team was headed by partner Tom Lyons, supported by fellow partner Will Assheton and team leader Jonathan Hunter.

Thomas Becket was formerly an upper school with around 780 pupils, but changed to a 1,150 pupil comprehensive school to meet the requirements of the town's move to two-tier education.

"What we have done is to effectively provide a brand new school," said Tom Lyons. "There are a number of new buildings and substantial improvements to many existing buildings," explained Tom. "There's a new teaching block for English and a two-storey pavilion for design technology, IT, graphics and food technology. The sports hall has been doubled in size to accommodate four badminton courts, and there's a new dining hall and new catering facilities. Other additions include two music suites and a brand new library."

"It was a very complex project because the builders had to work around the students," said Tom, "And that meant constantly moving things around. But it now means that the school has facilities that are second to none."

The extensive school grounds have been landscaped, and new roads constructed along with substantial car parking and dedicated bus bays. The whole area has been designed so that pedestrians are separated from moving traffic.

The main building contractors were Bluestone, who became part of Morgan Ashurst at the end of July. Structural consultants were Brian Cole Associates of Wellingborough, and services consultants were Building Services Design of Corby.