Location: Ashlyns School, Chesham Road, Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, HP4 3AH
Sector: Education
Service: Scaffolding for Roofing, Cladding, Window Replacement and External Works
Client: Hertfordshire County Council
Main Contractor: ASHE Group
Duration: 22 weeks
Completion Date: May 2023
When the ASHE Group undertook a comprehensive refurbishment programme at Ashlyns School, AMA Scaffolding was brought in to deliver specialist scaffolding solutions. The works covered a broad scope, including roofing repairs, asbestos removal, drainage improvements, elevated window replacements, and cladding replacement — all requiring safe, adaptable access at height.
From the very beginning, AMA Scaffolding worked closely with the ASHE Group to design a scaffolding system that would support multiple trades working simultaneously across the building’s exterior. With so many different activities taking place, careful planning was essential to ensure the scaffolding could accommodate varying requirements without delays or safety risks.
The 22-week project called for a combination of scaffold types, strategically placed to give clear access for each stage of the works. This included full-height perimeter scaffolding for roofing and cladding replacement, dedicated access towers for elevated window replacement, and specific areas designed for asbestos removal teams to work safely and in compliance with regulations.
Working in a live school environment meant safety was paramount. AMA Scaffolding scheduled scaffold erection and adaptation around the school’s operational hours, minimising disruption for staff and pupils. Safety measures such as debris netting, exclusion zones, and controlled access points ensured that no unauthorised individuals entered working areas.
Throughout the project, our team remained on site to adapt and adjust the scaffolding as the programme progressed. This included modifying lift heights, creating new access points, and providing safe routes for materials handling. Our flexibility allowed the roofing, cladding, drainage, and window replacement teams to move efficiently from one section of the building to another without unnecessary downtime.
By May 2023, the project was completed on time and to the client’s satisfaction. AMA Scaffolding’s contribution was key to maintaining productivity and safety throughout a complex and multi-disciplinary refurbishment. The final result was a fully refurbished school building with upgraded roofing, modernised cladding, new windows, improved drainage, and the safe removal of asbestos.
This project demonstrated AMA Scaffolding’s ability to support large-scale, multi-trade construction works within a sensitive educational environment. By delivering well-planned, adaptable, and compliant access solutions, we helped the ASHE Group and Hertfordshire County Council achieve a successful outcome with minimal disruption to the school community.
