While the summer holidays may be in full swing, work hasn’t slowed down at Joseph Norton Academy’s new home in Deighton.
The construction team has been busy making significant progress on the state-of-the-art school, which is taking shape ahead of welcoming pupils from the current Scissett site.
Once open, the academy will change its name to Josie Thirkell Academy, providing a modern, inspiring environment for 132 pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs to learn, grow and thrive.
From solar panels and new classrooms to sports facilities and outdoor learning areas, here’s a look at what’s been happening on site over the summer.
What’s been happening
External building works
The colourful exterior featured in our previous blog has now mostly been transformed, with brickwork nearly complete and the building’s finished appearance starting to emerge.
External doors and windows are all in and the roof is complete.
Solar panels have been installed across the expansive roof to help reduce energy costs and increase sustainability for years to come.
All this progress means scaffolding can start to come down from around the building, which will give us a clearer view of the finished structure.
The finishing external touches are underway, with steelwork and concrete installation to support canopies over the main entrance way and classroom gardens.
Inside the building
With internal walls now complete on the ground and first floors, it’s becoming much easier to picture daily life in the new school, with classrooms, breakout spaces, dining facilities and staff areas all taking shape.
The second fix electrical and mechanical fitting continues, with things getting ready to install ceilings and finishing the flooring.
Outdoor play areas
We’re excited to see the surfacing for the MUGA (multi-use games area) is underway.
A MUGA is an outdoor space where pupils can take part in a variety of activities using the single surfaced court, including PE activities and sports like football and tennis. A perimeter fence has been installed around the MUGA.
As well as the MUGA, pupils will be able to explore outdoor adventure play equipment which has been installed.
The installation of this equipment is a huge step forward in the project. It’s an indication that most of the heavy external earth works are complete, allowing for these softer elements to go in, and is one step closer to completion.
Groundworks and landscaping
Work has also progressed on the school’s outdoor learning area, with topsoil now in place. A retaining wall has been erected, and kerbing is starting to outline the outdoor wellbeing spaces.
Did you see our flythrough?
Did you see our flythrough earlier this year? If not, here’s another chance to take a peek inside.
Join pupils of Joseph Norton Academy as they take you on a narrated tour and share a glimpse into their new school.
A huge thank you to the amazing pupils who helped bring this video to life with such enthusiasm.
What next?
- Finishing off the internal electrical and mechanical installation
- Ceiling and floor installation inside the building
- Paving footways
Follow the story
Read the previous build update from June 2026
For more information
Visit our Joseph Norton Academy webpage for more information about this project.
Improving SEND services
This investment is part of our wider commitment to transforming support for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).