Funding for new school build refused as costs rise

It is hoped the school will be open to students in September 2028

A council hopes to approve construction of a new high school despite an increase in costs and a failure to secure millions of pounds in funding from the government.

Northumberland County Council wants to build a new Berwick Academy as part of moves from a three-tier education system to a two-tier system.

The authority, which has been criticised by parents for "lacking a plan", said the budget for the build had increased from £59m to £64m and a bid to the Department for Education (DfE) for £13m had been rejected.

Councillors are recommended to vote to start work in October to find a company to build the school, with the project needing final approval from the authority's cabinet.

After a consultation, the council agreed to change education provision in the county from a three-tier system, with first, middle and high schools, to a two-tier system with primary and secondary schools.

Berwick, Tweedmouth and Glendale Middle Schools will close in August 2026 and Berwick Academy will be converted into a secondary school.

'Significant delays'

In a report detailing the business case for the plans, the local authority said it had sought £13m from the DfE but this had been rejected due to a lack of "funding streams".

The DfE has been approached for comment.

The report said the council could have waited to see if the school was included in any national funding programmes but this would have added "significant delays".

Instead, the authority would need to increase its contribution by more than £5m, it said.

The report, which is due to be considered by councillors on Tuesday, said it was hoped the new building's construction would begin next summer and the school would open in September 2028.

The current Berwick Academy buildings had come to the end of their "useful working life", it added.

The document said that while it was not the responsibility of the council to fund school repairs or new school buildings, it was committed to providing an environment where children in Berwick could "thrive and fulfil their potential".