Transformation for Haydon Bridge High School
27 Aug 2020 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news
Students returning, or starting at Haydon Bridge High School in September will be wowed by its makeover now that work has been completed on a multi-million pound improvement project.
Northumberland County Council committed over £4m to the project which has seen vast improvements across the main buildings, its vocational centre, sports centre and the addition of a multi-use games area.
Councillor Guy Renner-Thompson, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Children’s Services said: “The Council has been committed from the start in ensuring the investment here made a difference. It was much needed in the area, and now as we see more children return to learning here, and the benefit these changes will have on them and their education we can really begin to see what a significance it will make for years to come.”
The school had originally been considered as not viable due to low student numbers, but on consideration the Council stood in to make the investment and turn the school around. Numbers have since improved year-on-year, with the highest number of Year 7 students being welcomed back for the 2020/21 school year.
Students from Year 7 upwards will be able to see the changes as they return to the school in September, and those moving onto vocational courses such as catering, engineering, construction, hairdressing or beauty will be able to make use of the professional facilities that have been specifically created for those courses.
Cath McEvoy-Carr, Executive Director of Adult and Children’s Services said: “We have been absolutely blown away by the transformation this school has had. To think only just a few years ago this was a school being considered for closure, and we were able to step in and change that, giving it the investment it needed to bring it back up to standard is amazing.
“It now offers students everything they need to learn, the opportunities to grow and the facilities to take part in almost anything they set their minds to.”
Darren Glover, headteacher at the school said: “I am delighted with all the work that has taken place. The school now has top of the range facilities for students to learn, and we are ready to welcome back all of our students in September.”
Haydon Bridge High School is now one of the seven locations able to offer some of Northumberland’s Learning and Skills courses thanks to the investment made. Students looking to further their education via a vocational course at the school can make enquiries via the website at www.northumberland.gov.uk/learn
The Council’s commitment in improving schools in the area continues as part of a wider capital works programme, with work continuing at schools across the county including Hexham, Haltwhistle,Ponteland and Bedlington.
For up-to-date information on school improvement programmes head to www.northumberland.gov.uk