Fitzalan High School Campus

Fitzalan High School set out to create a modern, inclusive campus for Cardiff – a place where 1,500 students can learn, grow and feel part of a wider community.

This £64m flagship school, delivered through the Welsh Government’s 21st Century Schools programme, needed to be welcoming, sustainable and flexible enough to serve pupils and local residents long into the future.

Engineering a campus shaped around people

From the early stages, our civil and structural engineering and transport planning teams worked closely with the client to shape a design that fitted the school’s vision. The campus centred on two interlinked buildings, including an 1,800-seat vocational training hall, all laid out to sit naturally within a busy urban plot.

We prepared the enabling works and shaped a detailed transport plan so students, staff and community users could move safely through the site. At the same time, advanced sustainable drainage systems helped manage water with care, supporting the project’s environmental goals. It was practical, steady engineering that kept the project moving.

Designing for sustainability and future use

The school needed to meet BREEAM Excellent standards, so sustainability influenced every step. We supported choices on structure, materials and energy efficient systems that reduced impact without disrupting day-to-day operation. Each decision was grounded in how the school would work in real life, from busy mornings to community evenings.

Engineering two connected buildings on a complex site required clear coordination. We shaped structural solutions that supported flexible teaching spaces, from science labs to drama rooms, and created layouts that encouraged movement, connection and natural light. Thoughtful design helped the large campus feel welcoming and easy to navigate.

A sustainable, community centred school for the future

Completed in 2024, Fitzalan High School now provides 88 classrooms, nine science labs, a drama studio, a sports hall and a large dining space. The campus also includes high-quality sports and leisure facilities, from a 25-metre swimming pool to four multi-use games areas that open up opportunities for local residents.

The result is a high-performing, future-ready school that supports wellbeing, skills and community life. A place built for people and the planet, designed to serve Cardiff for generations.