top of page
Leighs_AR_2023_2533 (Large).jpg
leighs-yellow.png

Building Better Learning Environments

Our Education Sector Capability

Creating safe, flexible spaces for learning

We work across primary, secondary, and tertiary education, delivering classrooms, specialist teaching spaces, and major school redevelopments.  Our goal is simple: build environments where teachers can teach, students can learn, and schools can keep running safely during construction.

We understand the pressures of live school sites — safety, noise, access, and tight programme windows — and we plan our work around school rhythms and community needs.

What we bring to Education

  • Experience on live school sites
    We manage construction around teaching hours, school events, and daily student movement. Safety and access planning come first.

  • Practical, fit-for-purpose delivery
    We build with durability, flexibility, and long-term value in mind — essential for classrooms, specialist spaces, and communal areas used all day, every day.

  • Collaboration with school leaders and the Ministry
    Schools and tertiary institutions have clear priorities. We work closely with principals, property teams, and the Ministry to plan work that supports learning, not disrupts it.

62f2879e-e913-40f8-97ca-522c9d876718_University-of-Otago-Dental-Gallery10.jpg

Shared Foundations

We support education beyond the site, backing Keystone Trust, cadetships, and hands-on engagement with schools to help students see how learning connects to real-world careers. This work forms part of our Shared Foundations approach to community contribution.

Charitable Education Trust Greg Murphy Luncheon 2026

Charitable Education Trust Greg Murphy Luncheon 2026

The NZ Institute of Building Charitable Education Trust warmly invites you to a special fundraising luncheon on Thursday 16 April 2026, in Christchurch.

NZ SAS Trust

NZ SAS Trust

Our support for the Papakura Military Camp childcare centre helped deliver a safe, high-quality early learning space for service personnel and their whānau.

Summer Intern Programme

Summer Intern Programme

Leighs supports future construction leaders through hands-on learning, mentorship, and real-world project experience, helping students turn study into career-ready skills.

Amotai

Amotai

Inclusive supply chains create stronger industries. Amotai connects Māori and Pasifika businesses with opportunity, supporting diversity, capability, and long-term community impact.

The Keystone Trust

The Keystone Trust

A strong future for construction depends on access and opportunity. Keystone Trust supports young people into property and construction careers through scholarships and mentoring.

Understanding the learning environment

Education projects come with unique challenges. Students need safe, uninterrupted access to classrooms, and staff need predictable work areas.
 

We plan our work around:

  • Busy sites with constant foot traffic

  • Noise and vibration management during teaching hours

  • Term-based milestones and tight programme windows

  • Shared spaces such as halls, gyms, and libraries that must remain functional

  • Work near young people, requiring strict safety and supervision practices

  • Page 2

University of Otago - Dental School Redevelopment

Key to the project was creating a cohesive language between these buildings, connecting new with old, to ensure an ease of navigation for patients, staff and students alike.

Education

Lincoln University, Science South Building

This new building is the first of two new science facilities that will deliver fit-for-future learning and research spaces where the finest minds will be equipped to take on the world’s most pressing environmental challenges.

Education

Cashmere High School Redevelopment

Covering multiple stages, the redevelopment of Cashmere High School included the construction of a new science building and performing arts centre, as well as the redevelopment of campus-wide infrastructure.

Education

Belfast West Primary and Allenvale Schools

A large dual-school campus, catering for two schools in one location. The campus comprises three buildings: a teaching block, 1,854m² for year 5-8 pupils; hall and administration building 1,033m²; and Allenvale School, 1,731m².

Education

Allenvale, Burnside Primary and Cobham Intermediate Schools (ABC)

The project stretches over 7,700m² of floor space, with a configuration of 7 new teaching blocks, an administration building and dual-purpose gymnasium that doubles as a hall for assemblies and large gatherings when needed.

Education

University of Canterbury UCSA

The 3,500m², two-storied purpose-built student association building provides facilities including a Performance Theatre, Function Centre, Social Spaces, UCSA office, and external entertainment areas, including an amphitheatre and outdoor kitchen.

Education

Featured Education Facilities
Related Expertise

Healthcare Sector

Leighs delivers complex healthcare projects, from new clinical spaces to major redevelopments, with a focus on safety, reliable services, and keeping hospitals running.

Our Capabilities

Discover the full range of Leighs’ capabilities — from health and education to commercial, civic, and specialised projects.

Our People

Our team combines technical expertise, practical experience, and local knowledge to deliver projects safely, efficiently, and to the highest standard.

bottom of page