St Vincent’s Catholic Primary School, a 1960s-built school required fire safety upgrades to meet the current regulations. Multiple assessments of the school identified critical deficiencies that placed the school at risk.

The main issues included non-fire rated doors throughout the building, missing or damaged intumescent strips and smoke seals, excessive gaps around door frames, breaches in compartmentation where services passed through walls, and non-fire rated glazed partitions along escape routes. Floor level changes created gaps exceeding 10mm under doors, whilst the fire alarm panel was positioned too high for Fire Service access.

These deficiencies meant fire and smoke could spread rapidly through the school, significantly reducing evacuation times and placing staff and students at risk.

Our Approach

Munday & Cramer worked with the Trust to develop a strategy and scheme to ensure that the required allocation could be made from SCA funding. The works were scheduled during the school holidays and weekends to minimise disruption to teaching.

A particular challenge involved a cherished school mural positioned where non-compliant glazing required replacement. Our solution helped preserve this important piece of school heritage whilst ensuring the school says fully compliant. The mural was carefully documented and removed, the non-compliant glazing was replaced with a fire-rated wall meeting current standards, and the mural was then reinstalled.

Non-fire rated glazed partitions were removed and replaced with fire-rated walls, all service penetrations were properly fire stopped, and the under-stair cupboard was upgraded with fire-rated construction. The fire alarm panel was relocated to eye level for Fire Service accessibility, and floor levelling works eliminated trip hazards and excessive gaps.

All works were delivered in accordance with the Fire Safety Order 2005, Building Regulation Approved Document B, and BS 9999, with independent certification provided for quality assurance.

Project Delivery

The successful completion of Phase 1 demonstrated effective collaboration between design team, contractor, and client. Comprehensive planning identified all issues early, enabling accurate programming and costing. Sure Building and Construction Ltd’s experience in occupied school environments ensured works progressed safely and efficiently, whilst regular communication with school leadership minimised impact on education.

Outcomes

Phase 1 has successfully delivered improvements to fire safety throughout the school. The fire protection system now meets current building regulations, providing improved protection for pupils, staff and visitors. The fire safety risk assessment score has been significantly reduced to a low-to-medium risk profile. 

Proper fire-rated walls, doors and stopping now ensure effective containment of fire and smoke, protecting escape routes and maximising evacuation time. 

With Phase 1 successfully completed, planning is underway for Phase 2 of the fire safety improvements scheduled for summer 2026.