Project: Marlborough School – Cladding Replacement
Date: April 2025
Location: Marlborough School, Bath Road, Marlborough
Client: Marlborough School
Sector: Commercial Cladding
Scaffolding Type: Freestanding Independent Scaffold
Project Time: 2 Days
Project Overview
Whites Scaffolding was appointed to provide scaffold access for a cladding replacement project at Marlborough School.
The works involved removing the existing cladding and replacing it with a new fire-resistant cladding system.
A freestanding independent scaffold was required to give the cladding contractors reliable access across the working area while allowing the school to remain operational throughout the project.
Because the work took place during term time, the scaffold installation needed to be completed quickly and carefully, with particular attention given to minimising disruption to pupils, staff and normal school activities.
Scope of Works
Whites Scaffolding supplied and erected a freestanding independent scaffold to support the cladding replacement programme.
The scaffold provided access for:
- Removal of the existing cladding.
- Installation of the new fire-resistant cladding system.
- External work across the required elevations.
- Contractors working safely at the necessary heights.
- Ongoing access throughout the cladding programme.
The structure needed to give the cladding team practical access while fitting around the requirements of a live educational site.
The Challenge
The main challenge was completing the scaffold installation while Marlborough School remained fully operational.
Unlike a vacant construction site, the work had to be planned around a busy school environment where pupils, teachers and other staff continued to use the premises.
This meant Whites Scaffolding needed to consider:
- Maintaining appropriate access around the building.
- Minimising interference with everyday school activities.
- Keeping disruption during erection to a minimum.
- Providing the cladding contractor with the access required without delaying the wider programme.
- Completing the installation within an exceptionally short timeframe.
The scaffold therefore had to be installed efficiently while still allowing the school to continue its normal day-to-day operations.
The Solution
Whites Scaffolding erected a freestanding independent scaffold around the required working area.
The structure gave the cladding contractors the access needed to remove the existing system and install the replacement fire-resistant cladding.
The scaffold was planned around the fact that Marlborough School remained open during the works.
Our operatives worked efficiently around the live site, taking the school’s normal activities into account while progressing with the installation.
Close coordination helped ensure the scaffold was available when required without creating unnecessary interference around the school.
The result was an access system that supported the cladding works while allowing the building to remain in normal use.
Project Delivery
The complete scaffolding installation was finished within two days.
Meeting this short programme was important because the cladding contractor needed access before the removal and replacement works could progress.
Whites Scaffolding organised the erection efficiently so the scaffold could be handed over quickly while still working around the operational school environment.
The two-day installation helped the wider cladding programme proceed without unnecessary delay.
The Result
Whites Scaffolding successfully completed the freestanding independent scaffold within the required two-day programme.
The completed structure provided the cladding contractor with the access needed to remove the existing cladding and install the new fire-resistant system.
Marlborough School remained operational throughout the works, with disruption kept to a minimum.
The project demonstrates Whites Scaffolding’s ability to deliver scaffold access in sensitive, occupied environments where programme, access and everyday site activity all need to be considered.
Scaffolding for Schools and Education Buildings
Schools and other education buildings can present different access requirements from conventional construction sites because work often needs to take place while the premises remain in use.
Whites Scaffolding can provide access for projects including:
- Cladding replacement.
- Roof repairs.
- Window replacement.
- External refurbishment.
- Brickwork and façade repairs.
- Maintenance and inspection works.
Where a school remains operational, the scaffold can be planned around entrances, occupied areas and the wider construction programme.
For education-sector scaffolding projects, call 01722 398439 to discuss the requirements with Whites Scaffolding.
Two Days From Start to Finish
A complete freestanding independent scaffold installed in just two days.
Whites Scaffolding provided safe, reliable access for the cladding replacement works while Marlborough School remained fully operational, keeping disruption to pupils and staff to a minimum.
