New sixth form centre opened during Haydon Bridge visit

02 Oct 2019 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news

Work is progressing well on a £4.5m project to revitalise buildings at Haydon Bridge High School.

The development is establishing a welcoming new entrance; a new vocational centre; and improvements to the main hall, library, sports hall changing, performing arts and learning hub areas.

A new base for the school’s sixth form has been established within the heart of the school and this was officially handed over by the main contractor Robertson during a visit by council officials this week.

Improvements to the main hall are also complete and work is underway on the attractive new main entrance.

A new vocational centre is being established through remodelling of an old design and technology block.  Itis being created as a teaching space to train young people and adults in construction, engineering, hairdressing and beauty therapy, and professional catering. 

The car parking area at the front of the building has been redesigned to allow safer access for school transport, and two multi-use games areas are being established to the north of the new parking area.

The redevelopment will give a fresh new look to the school and construction work is being carried out by Robertson, one of the largest family-owned construction, infrastructure and support service businesses in the UK.

During a visit to the site this week Councillor Peter Jackson, leader of Northumberland County Council, said:  “The council is in the middle of one of the largest investment programmes in the country - with schemes that will help to boost the county’s economy, create new infrastructure for the future, and those such as this at Haydon Bridge, which will greatly improve education prospects for our young people across the whole of the county. 

“We set great store in giving our young people the best start in life and in building a county fit for the future.”

Councillor Wayne Daley, deputy leader and cabinet member for children’s services at the council added:  “Historically this school was under threat, and was neglected and forgotten by Bright Tribe, the discredited academy chain. However we had faith in the staff, the pupils and the community to make it thrive, and took over the running of the school.

“We have been determined to invest and put structures and facilities in place that provide a sustainable future for our schools, high quality learning environments and ultimately the best possible outcomes for all students.

“I can see the difference these improvements are going to make at Haydon Bridge - and I am already looking forward to our next visit - seeing them complete and adding to the great experience that students are having here at the school.”

Darren Glover, headteacher, said:  “This investment and improvements to our buildings and site here at Haydon Bridge are going to make a huge difference.  Our students and teaching staff are really looking forward to moving into their new and improved spaces, and seeing the benefits of a more modern and up to date learning and working environment.”

Garry Hope regional managing director of Robertson North East, said: “We’re delighted to
hand over the new sixth form centre, as we continue making significant improvements to buildings and facilities throughout the school. 

“The works will reinvigorate the visual aesthetics of Haydon Bridge, increasing pride for both staff and pupils, and will deliver an even more welcoming learning environment. We look forward to cohorts of pupils benefiting from the changes at the school for years to come."

Faithful & Gould are the lead consultants on the project and they have been supported by Gradon Architecture, JCP Engineers and Portland Consulting Engineers.

This project is part of a £5.1m investment by Northumberland County Council in schools in the Haydon Bridge Partnership as part of reorganisation of the school system.

The council has also allocated £1.54m to support Haydon Bridge High School in developing a new curriculum, gaining support for leadership and management and securing training and development for staff.

In its most recent Ofsted visit, inspectors said that there were great improvements in key measures such as leadership, the quality of teaching and pupils attitudes.