The multi-million pound redevelopment of schools in Hexham was crowned schools’ Project of the Year at the Education Estates Awards.  
 

The prestigious awards celebrate achievement and excellence in the education sector. 
 

Funded by Northumberland County Council with a contribution from the Government’s Department for Education, the £37m project brought together Queen Elizabeth High School and Hexham Middle School on one site.  
 

The new education campus was developed alongside the historic Grade-II listed Hydro building, which has been retained as part of the development, and includes new sports facilities that are also open to the community. 
 

Councillor Guy Renner-Thompson, Cabinet member with responsibility for Children’s Services, said: “The new school facilities are phenomenal and it is fantastic to see all the teams involved recognised at these awards. 
 

“We know we have brilliant schools in Northumberland and we want to have first-class facilities to match. That’s why we’re investing huge amounts in our schools, with ambitious projects taking shape across the county that will make a difference to the lives of generations of young people now and long into the future.”  
 

The judges praised how the project provided a great design solution on a challenging site that includes a listed building and its “beautiful integration.” 
 

Cliff Wheatley, Managing Director for contractor Galliford Try’s Building North East and Yorkshire business, said: “Our team behind Hexham Schools deserve every congratulation for their success at these prestigious awards. They put in a tremendous effort into creating what is a truly first-class educational facility and we are delighted to have played our part alongside all the other stakeholders involved.” 
 

Hadrian Learning Trust Executive Headteacher, Graeme Atkins, said: “Thanks and congratulations to everyone involved in this project.  

“Key to its success was its design so I want to pay particular tribute to Grant Sellars and the team at Ryder Architects and Mike Goodall from Oobe Landscape Architecture.  
 

“Also, special thanks go to Simon Kitchman, former Chair of the Trust board, and Sarah Sparke, CFO, for their incredible hard work and attention to detail over a two-year period to shape the outcome to be as good as it is, which now serves our community so well and will do for many years to come.”