Benchill Primary School is a large and vibrant primary school serving the Wythenshawe community in Manchester. As a Foundation School with an on-site nursery and dedicated SEN provision, Benchill supports the education and development of more than 500 children.
In June 2025, the school was selected to take part in the Great British Energy Solar Partnership (GBESP), a national initiative designed to help schools and colleges progress towards net zero.
The programme provides practical support to reduce energy use and carbon emissions, including a Behaviour Change Programme led by a dedicated Climate Action Advisor, alongside fully grant-funded sustainability-focused capital interventions such as solar photovoltaic (PV) installations.
Following a comprehensive assessment, the site was confirmed as suitable for the installation of solar PV.
With successful funding approval from LocatED and the Department for Education (DfE), the installation was completed in mid-October 2025, making Benchill Primary School one of the first GBESP projects to be successfully delivered.
The GBESP programme operates to a demanding timetable, with all installations required to be completed by the end of February 2026 to meet funding deadlines.
Although Barker has extensive experience delivering solar PV installations during term time, careful planning was essential to deliver the project at Benchill during the Autumn term within a live school environment.
Working in close partnership with the school, the project delivery team ensured the installation was completed safely and efficiently, with no disruption to day-to-day school operations and learning continuing as normal.
Benchill Primary School is now generating its own clean, renewable energy on site through a 63.6kWp solar PV system. The installation is expected to reduce carbon emissions by approximately 10 tonnes each year – equivalent to planting 503 trees – creating a lasting positive impact on the school’s environmental footprint.
Between mid-October and the Christmas break alone, the system generated over 3MWh of electricity, supplying more than 20% of the school’s total energy demand.
This figure is expected to increase significantly during sunnier months. Electricity costs are forecast to reduce by around 50%, delivering annual savings of approximately £8,875, which can be reinvested directly into teaching, learning, and enriching pupil experiences.
“We are incredibly proud to be one of the first schools to benefit from the Great British Energy Solar Partnership. The new solar PV system will no doubt be making a real difference reducing our carbon footprint, cutting energy costs, and supporting our journey towards a more sustainable future.
Most importantly, the potential savings can be reinvested directly into our pupils’ learning and experiences, helping our whole school community thrive.”
Steven Rooney - HeadteacherOur experience and vision have shaped hundreds of projects across sectors, from energy and funding to architecture and design, helping bring ideas to life.
