As work on the new Dyson Campus continues, we would like to acknowledge the local contractors that are central to the development of our landmark new Prep School, supported by a £40 million investment from alumnus, Sir James Dyson.

We will be working alongside Pentaco Construction Ltd, our main contractor, to relocate the current Prep School to the Dyson Campus (formerly Holt Hall).

Opening in September 2027, the Dyson Campus will be a state-of-the-art centre for education, allowing pupils to discover, explore and thrive. Nestled within 86 acres of ancient woodland and lakes, the new development will offer an exceptional learning environment for boys and girls aged 7-13, blending tradition and nature with innovative, future-proof facilities.

The new school will include:

• World-class science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics (STEAM) facilities, ultra-modern classrooms and cutting-edge laboratories.
• A sustainable, naturally ventilated, mirrored new building adjacent to the hall, inspired by Dyson’s research building (D9) in Malmesbury, Wiltshire, that blends into the local environment and reflects nearby ancient woodland.
• Careful restoration of Grade-II listed Holt Hall, which will become the heart of the new Prep School.
• A strong commitment to sustainability, including solar panels, low-carbon heating and cooling via a ground source heat pump and an irrigation system using recycled rainwater.
• A dedicated music centre with fully equipped practice rooms and specialist teaching resources.
• Exceptional sports facilities including a modern sport pavilion, expansive rugby and cricket pitches, and top-tier athletics facilities.

Andrew Grady, Managing Director at Pentaco Construction Ltd, said of the project:

“We are incredibly proud to have been appointed to deliver this exceptional Design & Build project, which brings together the best of both worlds: an ultra‑modern educational facility alongside the careful conservation of the much‑loved historic Holt Hall. This project represents not only a significant investment in the future of the site, but also a sensitive respect for its past.”

Construction work is now underway, with restorative work taking place on the Grade-II listed Victorian hall, alongside groundworks for the new mirrored extension and landscaping. In keeping with its commitment to the local community, Gresham’s has appointed several regional specialists to deliver the project, ensuring that the local economy and businesses directly benefit from the £40 million investment.

Working alongside Gresham’s are:

• Canham Consulting, Norwich
• Daniel Connal Partnership, Norwich
• Denny’s Construction, Sheringham
• Guarda Landscape, Norwich
• John Briggs and Son Ltd, Norwich
• LSI Architects, Norwich
• Norwich Electrical, Norwich
• PJ Plumbing, Norwich
• Sash Window Preservation Company, Norwich

Headmaster, Douglas Robb, commented:

“We are excited to get construction underway at the new Prep School. There’s a wealth of skill, engineering and ingenuity in the region and partnering with local contractors reflects our ongoing commitment to Norfolk and ensuring this major investment benefits the region as a whole. Sir James Dyson is enabling us to deliver a campus that is not only academically ambitious, but also inspiring and innovative”.

Gresham’s is creating more than a new school building. The new Dyson Campus will be a place where children are inspired by their surroundings, supported by exceptional teaching and facilities, and encouraged to grow into confident and curious individuals.