Cygnus Academy Trust

Ash Technical Services were appointed by Cygnus Academy Trust to deliver a multi-phase programme of washroom refurbishments across Dartford Bridge Community Primary School and Westgate Primary School. The works formed part of the Trust’s wider investment strategy to modernise facilities and improve welfare provision across their estate.

Ash Technical Services were appointed to deliver a multi-site programme of washroom refurbishments. In total, we were tasked with upgrading eight toilet blocks over the summer holidays, followed by a further two refurbishments during the October half term.

The works included:

• Full strip-out of existing layouts, sanitaryware, cubicles and IPS systems

• Reconfiguration of washroom spaces to improve usability, access and flow

• Installation of new IPS (Integrated Plumbing Systems) to conceal services and simplify maintenance

• New sanitaryware, including WC pans, basins, taps, and associated fittings

• Installation of new flooring throughout, selected for durability and hygiene

• Hygienic wall finishes and decorations to create cleaner, brighter environments

• Ventilation upgrades and adjustments to ensure compliance and sufficient airflow

• Electrical improvements, including new LED lighting and hand-drying solutions

• Adaptations to drainage, plumbing and hot/cold supplies

• Final commissioning, testing, and a full clean-down prior to handover

Working across two busy primary schools during peak summer refurbishment season created several challenges:

• Tight programmes: 4–5 weeks in summer and only 2 weeks in October

• Multiple sites operating simultaneously, each with unique access, safeguarding and logistical constraints

• High trade sequencing requirements, including plumbing, electrics, flooring and IPS installation

• Lead times and procurement pressures during the busiest period in the education construction calendar

• Fixed handover deadlines, with no margin for delay before students and staff returned

Thanks to early engagement with Cygnus Academy Trust, our team developed a detailed pre-construction plan that allowed us to mobilise quickly across both sites. Materials were ordered in advance, trade packages were tightly coordinated, and sequencing was mapped out to ensure continuous progress throughout the holiday windows.

Key elements of our approach included:

• Robust logistics planning to manage access, deliveries, site welfare and safeguarding requirements

• Clear communication with the Trust, school leadership, and site managers across both schools

• Parallel working teams to maintain momentum at Dartford Bridge and Westgate simultaneously

• Early ordering of long-lead items such as IPS systems and sanitaryware to avoid downtime

• Daily supervision and coordination to ensure quality control and seamless trade handovers

• Proactive problem-solving to address unexpected issues and keep the programme on track

Across both the summer and October phases, our teams worked extended hours where required, ensuring that every washroom was completed, tested, and cleaned ahead of the students’ return.

The washroom upgrades were delivered smoothly and successfully across all phases, strengthening our partnership with Cygnus Academy Trust and supporting their wider investment in improving school facilities.

The project delivered:

• Modernised, brighter, and more hygienic toilet facilities across both schools

• Durable materials and finishes selected for longevity and ease of maintenance

• Improved layouts and IPS installations that enhance privacy and simplify cleaning

• Consistent, high-quality standards across all upgraded areas

• Zero disruption to term-time operations, with every phase handed over on time

This multi-site project reflects Ash Technical Services’ ability to manage fast-track holiday programmes, coordinate parallel teams, and deliver upgrades that materially improve the daily experience for pupils and staff.