Client: Lord Williams’s School, Oxford & SM5 Developments
Scope: 3,000m High-Security Fencing, 47 Gate Systems, 300m tree & shrub clearance
Sector: Education / School Infrastructure
Lord Williams’s School required a comprehensive boundary upgrade to meet modern school safeguarding standards. Spanning two expansive campus sites, the project demanded a robust, high-security perimeter that could protect thousands of pupils without transforming the educational environment into a stark, uninviting arena.
New Forest Fencing was contracted by SM5 Developments to execute this high-stakes perimeter overhaul. Marking our very first engagement with SM5 Developments, the pressure was on to prove our capabilities as a Tier-1 supply chain partner.
For a principal developer like SM5, the challenge was twofold: the project required massive technical scale, but it also demanded a contractor who could work within a highly sensitive community environment without slipping on a very tight 16-week programme.
The primary logistical hurdle was timing. The client needed a commercial fencing contractor capable of delivering a massive volume of work under rigid deadlines, with a strict requirement for no disruption to the active school day.
We manufactured and installed over 3,000 meters of premium high-security welded mesh fencing. The clean lines of the mesh system ensure maximum visibility for site staff while preventing unauthorised access and climb-over risks.
In addition to the boundary perimeter, our automation team successfully integrated 47 custom gates, including:
Automated vehicle access gates for staff and emergency services.
Specialised self-closing pedestrian gates equipped with biometric access control.
Heavy-duty hardware designed to withstand high-volume, daily school traffic.
To maintain and uphold the highest standards of quality and efficiency, we:
Our entire workforce is comprehensively vetted, holding DBS, CSCS, and BPSS certifications. We understand the unique safety dynamics of working within live school environments and maintain strict site segregation at all times.
New Forest Fencing & Gates operates to the highest standards of safety and commercial compliance. We are proud to hold industry-leading certifications that allow us to hit the ground running on major frameworks:
ConstructionLine Gold
CHAS Advanced
Achilles Accredited
We pride ourselves on being more than just an on-site subcontractor; we act as a trusted delivery partner from day one. Our clients choose us for our rigorous professional standards, which ensure complex, high-value projects remain completely de-risked:
Proactive Scope Management: We don’t just price a drawing blindly. Our experienced team actively reviews layouts and site dynamics early on to catch potential logistical bottlenecks before they cause delays.
Value Engineering & Material Specifying: We work consultatively to ensure the exact right materials are specified for your site’s risk profile—maximising your budget efficiency without ever compromising on safety or compliance.
Flawless Communication & Attention to Detail: From transparent project timelines and rapid response times to meticulous groundworks and minimal final snag lists, we keep project managers completely informed at every stage of the build.
This large-scale safeguarding project at Lord Williams’s School was handed over ahead of schedule, on budget, and with a minimal snag list.
The school now benefits from a highly secure, fully compliant perimeter that protects its community while remaining bright and welcoming for prospective parents and visitors.
With thanks to all at Lord Williams’s Upper and Lower Schools, and for SM5 Developments for trusting us with this partnership.
Whether you need a full site security audit, automated gate safety testing, or a major perimeter upgrade for an upcoming school holiday shutdown, our team is ready to assist. Contact us whenever you’re ready to discuss your next project.
