Construction is taking shape at Gilbert Ward Academy - a new special free school for Northumberland. 
 

The state-of-the-art special school will provide education for up to 80 pupils aged 11-16 with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs and autism spectrum condition (ASC).
 

The ground floor superstructure and first floor level are now in place and the walls and windows are coming together to start to show the final layout of the building. The MUGA (Multi-Use Games Area) is also nearing completion. 
 

The new school will feature fantastic facilities, including specialist spaces to support pupils’ self-regulation, small group work areas for focused learning, a life skills kitchen, science studio, food technology room, art and design studio, and a large sports hall. 

 

A successful recruitment drive means a top team of staff are all set to welcome the first cohort of pupils. 

 

Headteacher, Barry Reed, said: “We are thrilled with the incredible progress being made on our state-of-the-art school build.  

 

“This innovative project puts our school at the forefront of energy efficiency and sustainable design, being only the second build of its kind in the country. 

 

“We are truly excited to welcome our new pupils and their families to our school community and look forward to a wonderful and successful academic year.” 

 

Northumberland County Council successfully bid for the new school as part of the Government’s Free Schools programme. 

 

It is being built by the Department for Education and the council has made a capital contribution to the project to meet site development costs.  

 

Construction firm, Bowmer + Kirkland (B+K), has been appointed as main contractors. 

 

It will be operated by Prosper Learning Trust (PLT), which already runs four academies across the North East.  

 

Construction is expected to be completed in January 2024. The school will open in temporary accommodation for September 2023 at a specially constructed and self-contained temporary site in Blyth run by the Prosper Learning Trust. Pupils will then transition to the permanent site once construction works are completed. 

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The school is part of Northumberland County Council’s wider strategy to increase special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) support across the county.   

 

Cllr Guy Renner-Thompson, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Inspiring Young People, said: “It’s really exciting to see this flagship new school taking shape.  

 

“It’s part of our once in a generation investment in education facilities across the county to make sure we have first-class facilities to support first class teaching that can meet the needs of all our children and young people as close to home as possible.” 

 

To keep up to date on progress visit  Gilbert Ward Academy.