One of the UK's earliest multi-school PFI projects successfully returned to East Sussex County Council.
On 31 July 2026, Invesis completed the handback of the Peacehaven Schools Public Private Partnership (PPP) to East Sussex County Council, marking the conclusion of a 25-year concession that has provided modern, high-quality learning environments for generations of pupils.
Reaching financial close on 27 March 2000, the Peacehaven Schools project was one of the UK's landmark education PPP schemes and the first PFI project to bring multiple schools together within a single contract. The project comprises five schools serving the Peacehaven community and today supports the education of more than 2,700 pupils, alongside nursery and specialist provision for children with Special Educational Needs.
The Peacehaven Schools PPP includes:
- Peacehaven Community School
- Peacehaven Heights Academy (Infant Site)
- Peacehaven Heights Academy (Junior Site)
- Meridian Community Primary School & Nursery
- Telscombe Cliffs Academy
Throughout the concession, Invesis worked closely with East Sussex County Council, school leaders and EMCOR facilities management to ensure the schools remained safe, well maintained and fit for purpose. In addition to the original investment, the partnership delivered improvements over the life of the concession, including school extensions, ICT upgrades, new learning spaces and energy-efficiency measures such as LED lighting, helping the facilities continue to meet the evolving needs of pupils and staff.
The successful handback follows a structured programme of collaboration between Invesis, the Authority and EMCOR to ensure the facilities were returned in accordance with the contractual requirements and ready to support the next stage of their operational life.
Iain Harris, Asset Management Director at Invesis, said:
"Seeing Peacehaven Schools reach handback is a genuinely proud moment. I joined Invesis shortly after financial close in 2000, and while my involvement grew over the years, what has stayed constant throughout the concession is a shared commitment to keeping these schools as places where children can learn and thrive.
Handback is never simply about meeting a contractual obligation. It's about making sure the schools continue to provide safe, high-quality learning environments for future generations, and that takes years of careful planning, investment and close collaboration. I'm extremely proud of what everyone involved has achieved, particularly the team on the ground and our partners at EMCOR.
More than anything, this project shows the value of taking a long-term view of infrastructure. By working closely with East Sussex County Council throughout the concession, we've been able to adapt the facilities as needs have changed and return them in excellent condition, ready to serve the Peacehaven community for many years to come."
Peacehaven Schools represents the fourth PPP project that Invesis has successfully taken through the complete investment lifecycle, from development and financing, through construction and long-term asset management, to the successful return of the asset at concession expiry. The milestone reflects the company's growing track record in delivering long-term value for public sector clients and communities through every stage of infrastructure partnerships.
Photo left to right: Ken Pang (EMCOR), Marie Tasker (EMCOR), Jason Wilkinson (EMCOR), Wayne Walbrook (Peacehaven Schools Ltd), Isobel Taylor (PSL), Zoe Tweed (East Sussex County Council) and Rebecca Lewis (ESCC)
