Providing an environment where learning can flourish
The David Ross Education Trust (DRET) is a multi-academy trust of 24 primary schools, 10 secondary schools, a special school and an all-through school, teaching 14,600 students and employing over 2,000 teachers and staff.
Sewell Facilities Management has been looking after facilities at DRET’s Yorkshire and Lincolnshire schools since September 2024, keeping children and staff safe and comfortable in the buildings and ensuring the schools are always compliant and open to provide the best education for their pupils.
The solution
We look after all facilities for 17 of DRET’s Yorkshire and Lincolnshire schools, including everything mechanical and electrical, planned and reactive maintenance, water hygiene, fire alarms and sprinkler systems, emergency lighting and access.
When we began working for them, we initiated a three-month mobilisation and asset gathering programme, which took place over the summer holidays to avoid interrupting lessons. The trust’s previous asset list was incomplete, so we started from scratch, barcoding all assets and putting them into a computer-aided facilities management (CAFM) system. We then built a planned preventative maintenance (PPM) schedule, allowing us to put together a lifecycle model for the trust’s assets.
"I can say with real confidence that the schools within the northern area of the trust remain compliant thanks to the support provided by Sewell FM. They have an array of expertise at their disposal meaning no task is ever beyond their reach. Working alongside them on a daily basis is an absolute pleasure, I cannot praise or recommend Sewell FM highly enough. Without a shadow of doubt my provider of choice for all things facilities management."
The challenge
Working in a school environment is a challenge, but as experts in education settings we’re used to the specific skills and issues these sites bring.
We always endeavour to be a part of school life, supporting the teaching and school staff at all times. Rather than being an external contractor, we try to bring added value at all times. For example, when testing appliances, we found one school had a faulty microwave which couldn’t be used. We managed to source a new industrial microwave at a cheaper price than the school’s catering specialists, and one of our facilities officers picked it up and delivered it to the school so they could be up and running as soon as possible, causing minimal disruption to the school day.
We know schools thrive on routine, and that unexpected issues can be very disruptive. When one school had an issue on site which caused their gas to be cut off, they couldn’t use any of their kitchen equipment. With a big sports day happening the next day, the lack of kitchen facilities would have been a big issue. We responded to site straight away, fixing the issue quickly and ensuring sports day could go ahead.
The results
Since starting our relationship with DRET, we’ve now expanded our work with them, covering more schools, and maintaining more systems within the schools we work in.
Through our relationship with DRET, we can ensure the very best learning environment for students at the schools, giving young people the best opportunities to learn and grow.