What are the benefits of project management during school construction?

A comprehensive estate maintenance plan is vital to keeping school buildings in good condition throughout their lifecycle. But even with all the preventative maintenance in the world, buildings age and reach a point where major refurbishment and modernisation projects are essential. 

School construction, whether it’s a new build, extension, renovation or demolition, is fraught with challenges. You must adhere to strict timelines and budgets, be aware of the often conflicting needs of multiple stakeholders, and meet strict quality assurance and regulatory standards. That’s why the assistance of an external project manager with specific experience working in educational facilities can be so beneficial. 

What is a construction project manager?

A construction project manager oversees the planning and delivery of building works and ensures they are completed in a safe, budget-friendly and timely manner. They are responsible for seeing the project through from the pre-design phase through to completion, making it the most important role throughout the building process. 

What does a construction project manager do?

A construction project manager is responsible for ensuring the day-to-day and overall success of the building work. In school construction projects, their responsibilities may include but are not limited to the following:

• Coordination and communication – Project managers connect all the relevant parties, from the contractors and architects to school management and the governors, to encourage collaboration and keep everything in sync.
• Risk management – Every construction project carries significant risks, such as unforeseen delays, overspends and structural challenges. Health and safety risks are also particularly prevalent in school construction projects, where the safety of students and staff is always the top priority. Project managers must identify and manage these risks to keep the project running smoothly. 
• Time and budget management – One of the most important jobs of a project manager in education is to ensure the timeliness of delivery, as any delays can significantly impact the academic calendar. Given the strict budgetary constraints of schools, they must also identify opportunities to save money wherever possible and reduce the risk of cost overruns without compromising on quality.
• Quality assurance – Budgets might be tight but the quality of school construction must be of the highest standard to protect pupils’ safety and ensure the longevity of the facilities. Project managers ensure this by conducting regular inspections and implementing rigorous quality control processes.  
• Stakeholder engagement – School construction projects often involve diverse stakeholders, from school boards and community members to those involved throughout the supply chain. Engaging with these stakeholders and keeping them onside is a key part of the project manager’s role.
• Sustainability – Sustainability plays a growing role in education construction. Project managers must understand the sustainability goals of the school and consider the changes they can make to ensure their objectives are met.    

Do you need a project manager for school construction?

With budgets being tight, there’s a tendency for schools to try and manage construction projects directly. To do so, they must commit sufficient resources to oversee the project from start to finish and ensure the safety of the staff and students.

The role of an internal project manager is commonly taken on by the head teacher, premises manager or even a school governor. While this can reduce the costs and might be sufficient for smaller projects, for large-scale works, it’s beneficial to take on an independent project manager with the skills, capacity and experience to provide expert support throughout the process.   

The benefits of project management in school construction

Streamlining operations

Project management is a guiding force that keeps the disparate elements of construction projects moving in the same direction. With so many moving parts, it’s easy for these to spiral out of control, leading to cost overruns, delays and compromises in quality – none of which schools can afford. Project managers use tried and tested software and tools to optimise workflows, minimise waste and keep everything on track.  

Ensuring regulatory compliance

There are specific building design standards that school buildings must meet. For example, new school buildings must meet certain acoustic requirements and Building Control Bodies will conduct checks to ensure those are met. Working with a specialist education construction project manager mitigates those compliance risks and keeps your project on track.   

Safeguarding students

School construction brings a unique challenge to ensure students and construction workers remain apart. Specialist project managers know it’s best to work outside school hours. If that’s not possible, they take steps to ensure the health and safety of students and perform background checks on all workers.

Minimising disruption

An important part of a project manager’s role is to find the right balance between completing the project on time and reducing the impact on educational activities. Experienced project managers will also handle the logistics and reduce the disruption associated with expanding or relocating education facilities. 

Providing expert advice

Specialist project managers in education construction understand the latest techniques and innovations in school building design. They provide recommendations that allow you to benefit from cutting-edge solutions and sustainability improvements that enhance the learning environment while reducing operational costs. 

Identifying funding opportunities

Your school may not have to meet the cost of the extension or renovation itself. Experienced project managers know what funding is available and whether you can apply. The Post-16 Capacity Fund and T-Level Capital Fund are two grants that fund improvements to the quality and size of your facilities. 

Expert support for your school construction project

Whether you’re planning a renovation, extension or new build, our experienced project managers for school construction can provide specialist support. Find out more about our project management services and get in touch to discuss your requirements with our team.