The first designs have gone on display to show how first schools in the Berwick Partnership will look when they transform into primary schools. 
  

Northumberland County Council is investing over £50m in schools in north Northumberland as part of its major investment in education across the county. 
 

This involves the transition of the area’s first schools and Berwick Academy into primary schools and a secondary school, along with the creation of more specialist, post-16 and community facilities.   
 

The total investment now stands at £50.225m and will deliver excellent facilities for all learners in the Berwick Partnership, supporting education in the area for generations to come.   
 

Cllr Guy Renner-Thompson, Cabinet member for Inspiring Young People, said: “Across the partnership, work is progressing on schedule to expand the first schools so they are ready to transition into primary schools from September 2025.    
 

“Designs are in their final stages, the procurement of contractors is underway and planning applications are being prepared for submission where needed. 
 

“We continue to make good progress with the investment into Berwick Academy and are working closely with technical advisors to develop detailed plans for what the future building will look like.  The council is also in discussion with the Department for Education with regard to a contribution towards the capital costs for Berwick Academy. 
 

“We are committed to supporting all our children, young people, their families and school staff during this transition process as the partnership of schools and the wider community moves forward together onto this exciting next chapter.” 
 

The partnership’s first schools will transition into primary schools from September 2025.  
 

To enable schools to accommodate their additional pupils, schools are working with architects on bespoke designs that will include the remodelling of existing buildings or new purpose-built modular classrooms.    
 

Projects for new classrooms at Scremerston First School, Tweedmouth West First School and Holy Trinity Church of England First School are progressing on schedule. The appointment of contractors is underway and the designs are in their final stages.  
 

One of the major projects in the reorganisation is the creation of a new unit for children with special educational needs at Berwick St Mary’s Church of England First School. The planning application will be submitted shortly, with work planned to start on site in Spring 2025.    
 

 Internal refiguration projects at Wooler First School and Norham St Ceolwulf’s C of E Controlled First School are also progressing on programme.  
 

This includes a new Family Hub at Wooler First School and wider community engagement will get underway next month about potential use of surplus space to enhance community facilities.  
 

Smaller capital projects also continue to progress at Lowick First School, Spittal First School and Tweedmouth Prior Park First School.