Kibworth Mead Academy
Kibworth Mead Academy
Kibworth Mead Academy, a secondary school in Leicester and a member of The Mead Educational Trust, is renowned for excellence in teaching, leadership, and student outcomes. The academy serves students aged 11 to 16 and is dedicated to “Work Hard, Be Kind, Be Proud.” By fostering an appreciation for history and critical thinking, the academy prepares students to engage with the world beyond school.
However, the school faced a significant challenge in the form of recurring flooding, which became a critical issue following a freak storm on July 20th, 2021. Hailstones the size of golf balls caused widespread damage across Kibworth, and the academy was not spared. Drainage systems were overwhelmed, leading to water entering classrooms and damaging the school’s infrastructure.
The Challenge
The flooding on July 20th, 2021, was not an isolated incident. Kibworth Mead Academy had experienced surface water flooding almost every year, and a previous land height survey revealed that the surrounding terrain contributed to the volume and speed of runoff. The 2023 flooding during a GCSE maths exam highlighted the situation’s urgency, as the school had suffered repeated disruptions due to inadequate drainage.
Project
Location
Contractor
Landscape Architect
Kibworth Mead Academy, a secondary school in Leicester and a member of The Mead Educational Trust, is renowned for excellence in teaching, leadership, and student outcomes. The academy serves students aged 11 to 16 and is dedicated to “Work Hard, Be Kind, Be Proud.” By fostering an appreciation for history and critical thinking, the academy prepares students to engage with the world beyond school.
However, the school faced a significant challenge in the form of recurring flooding, which became a critical issue following a freak storm on July 20th, 2021. Hailstones the size of golf balls caused widespread damage across Kibworth, and the academy was not spared. Drainage systems were overwhelmed, leading to water entering classrooms and damaging the school’s infrastructure.
The Challenge
The flooding on July 20th, 2021, was not an isolated incident. Kibworth Mead Academy had experienced surface water flooding almost every year, and a previous land height survey revealed that the surrounding terrain contributed to the volume and speed of runoff. The 2023 flooding during a GCSE maths exam highlighted the situation’s urgency, as the school had suffered repeated disruptions due to inadequate drainage.
Project
Location
Contractor
Landscape Architect
Project
Location
Contractor
Landscape Architect
By partnering with GreenBlue Urban and Leicestershire County Council, we are mitigating the flood risk at Kibworth Mead Academy through innovative roof water attenuation in these exceptional planters.
Leicestershire County Council’s Flood Investigation Report underscored the need for action to mitigate future flooding risks. The school engaged with various stakeholders, including Anglian Water and GreenBlue Urban, to explore potential solutions.
The Solution
Kibworth Mead Academy embarked on a two-phase project to mitigate surface water runoff and protect the school from future incidents in response to recurring flooding. The first phase involved the installation of 10 SuDSPods, designed to remove 50% of the roof water from the school and divert it away from the public sewer system. These pods offered a unique approach to water attenuation, maximising storage capacity while integrating aesthetically into the school environment.
By partnering with GreenBlue Urban and Leicestershire County Council, we are mitigating the flood risk at Kibworth Mead Academy through innovative roof water attenuation in these exceptional planters.
Leicestershire County Council’s Flood Investigation Report underscored the need for action to mitigate future flooding risks. The school engaged with various stakeholders, including Anglian Water and GreenBlue Urban, to explore potential solutions.
The Solution
Kibworth Mead Academy embarked on a two-phase project to mitigate surface water runoff and protect the school from future incidents in response to recurring flooding. The first phase involved the installation of 10 SuDSPods, designed to remove 50% of the roof water from the school and divert it away from the public sewer system. These pods offered a unique approach to water attenuation, maximising storage capacity while integrating aesthetically into the school environment.
Implementation
Despite some challenges during installation, particularly with the need for additional bases for the SuDS Pods, GBU’s staff provided on-the-spot solutions. By creating an ad-hoc base from timber, the project was completed on the same day, avoiding delays and ensuring that the school’s drainage system was improved promptly.
The SuDSPods’ success in managing roof water was evident, and the installation also had an unexpected positive impact: Students were inspired to form a gardening club to maintain the planters, showing increased engagement with the school’s green initiatives.
The Future
Phase two of the project is planned for completion by 2027 and will include the installation of rain gardens and permeable paving, further enhancing the school’s resilience against flooding. These measures are expected to provide long-term protection and contribute to a more sustainable environment at Kibworth Mead Academy.
Outcomes and Feedback
The project has received positive feedback from the school and Leicestershire County Council. The SuDSPods resolved immediate flooding issues and added a premium, attractive feature to the school grounds. The initiative has enhanced the school’s landscape and involved students in its upkeep, aligning with the academy’s values of pride and hard work.
The partnership with GreenBlue Urban has proven successful. The SuDSPods have delivered on their promise of effective water management and contributed to the school’s overall resilience. The collaboration has set a strong foundation for future projects to reduce the impact of surface water flooding further.
Implementation
Despite some challenges during installation, particularly with the need for additional bases for the SuDS Pods, GBU’s staff provided on-the-spot solutions. By creating an ad-hoc base from timber, the project was completed on the same day, avoiding delays and ensuring that the school’s drainage system was improved promptly.
The SuDSPods’ success in managing roof water was evident, and the installation also had an unexpected positive impact: Students were inspired to form a gardening club to maintain the planters, showing increased engagement with the school’s green initiatives.
The Future
Phase two of the project is planned for completion by 2027 and will include the installation of rain gardens and permeable paving, further enhancing the school’s resilience against flooding. These measures are expected to provide long-term protection and contribute to a more sustainable environment at Kibworth Mead Academy.
Outcomes and Feedback
The project has received positive feedback from the school and Leicestershire County Council. The SuDSPods resolved immediate flooding issues and added a premium, attractive feature to the school grounds. The initiative has enhanced the school’s landscape and involved students in its upkeep, aligning with the academy’s values of pride and hard work.
The partnership with GreenBlue Urban has proven successful. The SuDSPods have delivered on their promise of effective water management and contributed to the school’s overall resilience. The collaboration has set a strong foundation for future projects to reduce the impact of surface water flooding further.
