Milestone reached as contractor confirmed for Amble school
11 Mar 2025
The latest milestone for the new James Calvert Spence College (JCSC) in Amble has been reached after approval was given to award the tender for construction.
Northumberland County Council has already approved a £47m investment in the Coquet Partnership of schools as part of its multi-million-pound investment in improving education facilities across the county.
Along with a new £35.5m state-of-the-art secondary school, the wider redevelopment of the JCSC site includes the refurbishment of the former middle school to create new facilities for Amble First School and a satellite provision for Barndale House School to provide 50 new places for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
The new school buildings for JCSC, designed by Ryder Architecture, will use innovative technologies to create a net zero carbon in operation school, supporting the council’s ambition to become carbon neutral by 2040.
New and improved sports facilities will also be available to the local community including artificial and natural grass pitches, MUGAs and sports hall.
Cllr Guy Renner-Thompson, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Children’s Services, said: “This is the latest milestone in our exciting and ambitious plans to transform education facilities in Amble and the surrounding area.
“This development will provide a first-class learning environment for our children and young people, as well as fantastic sports facilities that will benefit the community too.
“We are looking forward to work getting underway imminently.”
James Andriot, Headteacher at James Calvert Spence College, added: “On behalf of the staff, students and wider community I am delighted that the County Council have supported the exciting and transformative re-build of our school.
“This investment in the Amble community will ensure that generations of young people will have access to high quality facilities and increased educational opportunities in years to come.
“I am excited to work closely with Kier, Ryder and all stakeholders to support the project and look forward to construction starting very soon.”