Safety and Acoustics Specified for New Primary School in Herts

Enfield Speciality Doors has supplied a range of fire doors for an £11.4 million new school build – a four-form entry primary in Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire. With 420 pupil places and an onsite nursery, High Leigh Primary School replaces an existing school in the area and has much-needed additional capacity for the new High Leigh Garden Village.

The classroom doors were specified with several safeguarding features ideal for education settings. Finger-guards/safety hinges reduce the risk of trapped fingers, while special locking systems mean children can’t lock themselves in, but doors are still lockable for staff.

A range of double and single leaf doors were required, some in Softwood or Sapele and primed for painting on site, some laminated in white with Oak lippings. The timber used was from Enfield Speciality Doors’ FSC®-certified range, ensuring that the wood comes from sustainable sources meeting strict forest management standards.

The mix of doors included dual-certified PAS24 FD30 and FD60 internal entrance doorsets for security. Most of the fire doors were specified with 30dB acoustic performance, with a few 35dB for extra sound insulation.

Lowered acoustic panels were used in the classrooms to expose the original ceiling height, while pre-fab SIPs were used in-between concrete floors for better thermal and acoustic insulation, as well as fire resistance – and a quicker build.

Enfield Speciality Doors worked with carpentry contractor Mays Way Ltd, who were subcontracted by McLaren Construction, appointed by Hertfordshire County Council.

“We have had the pleasure of working with McLaren Construction and Enfield Speciality Doors on several projects and are delighted with the strong partnerships we have built, and the quality of the doors provided,” comments Sharon Reid, Director of Mays Way Ltd.

The fast-track build began in 2024 and was completed in time for the school to open in the summer term in May 2025.