Integration @ Badgers Hill learners start term in brand new building

Learners at the Badgers Hill Integration facility in Calcot started this term in their brand new purpose built building. The £2.2 million project, funded by West Berkshire Council, has seen Integration @ Badgers Hill completely rebuilt as part of our alternative provision for young people unable to access mainstream education. Integration is one of six special units run by iCollege in West Berkshire supporting young people in alternative settings to achieve their highest possible education outcomes, develop a strong positive attitude, develop self-confidence and prepare them for their chosen future.

The old single storey modular unit with two classrooms was completely removed from site and has been replaced with a wonderful new two storey building with four classrooms, social, office and group spaces, plus environmental elements within the building including photovoltaic (solar) panels  and air source heat pumps.

 Heather Codling, West Berkshire's Executive Member for Children, Education and Young People's Services says, "The Badgers Hill rebuild is an impressive achievement and I'm delighted to see it ready for learners to start the new term there.

 "There are many reasons that young people come out of mainstream education and may need either short or long term support to guide them back, or to receive their education in a way that meets their individual needs. This is certainly a beautiful learning space and I feel sure that the learners will continue to thrive within this vastly improved learning environment."

 The iCollege Head Teacher, Jacquie Davies says, "We're absolutely delighted with the new building and are looking forward to teaching in this lovely space. Integration @ Badgers Hill now has four well designed classrooms that enable us to keep our classes small and continue to be fully engaged with our learners 100% of the time. We also have a small outdoor space, 1:1 engagement spaces and areas where people can socialise and interact. The building is light, airy and very welcoming. I'm sure our learners will love learning here."

Watch our video of the new Integration @ Badgers Hill building