Rhyddings High School, Oswaldtwistle
Phased Heating System UpgradeVital Synergy delivered a phased renewal of Rhyddings High School's ageing heating system, replacing a worn LTHW distribution network, pumps and controls while retaining the school's existing boiler plant through a new hydraulic separation strategy. The works resolved long-standing gas safety and ventilation issues, introduced a modern Building Management System, and restored consistent, reliable warmth across the campus, all delivered through a programme of evening, weekend and holiday working that kept disruption to the live school to a minimum.
Client Overview
Constructed in the 1930s, Rhyddings High School in Oswaldtwistle relied on two ageing Remeha boilers connected to a worn distribution network of pipes and radiators. Leaks, uneven heating and outdated controls left classrooms cold, while gas safety and ventilation in the boiler house no longer met current standards, prompting the school to commission a full renewal of its heating system.
Delivering a major mechanical upgrade inside a live secondary school demanded careful sequencing around the academic calendar. Enabling works were confined to evenings, weekends and holiday periods, and continuous coordination with school leadership kept disruption to lessons and assemblies to a minimum throughout the programme.
A new 720kW plate heat exchanger decoupled the existing Remeha boiler circuit from an entirely new pressurised low-temperature hot water distribution network. Insulated steel pipework and modern control valves were installed across the school in carefully zoned circuits, with all radiators replaced by high-output units and fan convectors fitted with integrated smart controllers.
Twin-headed Grundfos Magna pumps were sized and installed for each heating zone, providing redundancy and variable-speed flow control. A new pressurisation unit and multiple expansion vessels, including a 300-litre vessel, stabilised the sealed system, while a new electronic gas safety interlock and upgraded boiler house ventilation brought the plant room fully into compliance.
A modern BMS was deployed to centralise scheduling, temperature set-points and holiday set-backs, integrating gas leak detectors, boiler and pump status alarms, and an automated summer/winter mode switch. The system gives facilities staff remote visibility and fine control over every heating zone, with immediate alerting of any faults.
Every control point and safety interlock was tested against detailed I/O schedules, with the gas safety enhancements validated alongside the regional gas network operator. Full asset registers, as-built drawings and commissioning certificates were handed over alongside dedicated on-site training for the school's facilities team.
Key Outcomes and Benefits
Hydraulic separation decoupling the existing boiler plant from an entirely new pressurised LTHW distribution network.
A new electronic gas interlock system and upgraded boiler house ventilation resolved all identified safety risks.
Phased, holiday-led delivery kept the school heated throughout, with no unplanned classroom downtime.
Centralised scheduling, monitoring and fault alerting now cover every heating zone across the school.
Additional resource and re-sequencing brought the project back on track for full commissioning before term started.
High-output radiators and fan convectors deliver balanced, responsive heating across every classroom and hall.
Project Detail
What We Delivered
The Rhyddings School project was delivered as a comprehensive heating system upgrade, beginning with the strip-out and replacement of existing mechanical infrastructure, followed by the installation of a new Low Temperature Hot Water (LTHW) distribution system complete with upgraded pipework, insulation and modern emitters. The works included the delivery of new radiators and fan convector units with associated controls, integrated into a centralised BMS system, alongside plantroom upgrades and electrical installations to support system operation across both ground and first floor areas.
The following phase focused on the optimisation and integration of system performance across the site, including enhancements to distribution networks and control strategies to ensure consistent operation. All works were delivered within a live educational environment, incorporating full testing, balancing and commissioning to provide a reliable, efficient and fully integrated heating solution designed for long-term performance.
Key Benefits
- Increased heating effectiveness through the introduction of mixed emitter systems, including radiators and fan convectors
- Improved distribution balance across multiple levels, ensuring even heat delivery throughout the building
- Greater operational visibility and control via centralised BMS integration
- Enhanced system durability and maintainability through upgraded plantroom and supporting electrical infrastructure
Vital Synergy planned works carefully around the day to day running of the school and kept us informed at every stage. The completed system has made a real difference to comfort across the building, while also helping us improve efficiency and reduce running costs. We look forward to working with the team again.
Site Manager, Rhyddings High School
