Izzy Lepone 30 September 2025

Cabinet backs ‘transformational’ new high school plans

Cabinet backs ‘transformational’ new high school plans image
Berwick, Northumberland. © Dave0 / Shutterstock.com.

Northumberland County Council has approved the business case for a £50m high school development.

Since cabinet members provided the ‘green-light’, it has been revealed that construction for the project will likely take three years.

The Berwick Academy high school scheme will require £50.91m funding, as part of a larger £64m investment that will also support renovations to other local schools.

Cllr Guy Renner-Thompson, cabinet member for inspiring young people at the county council, said: ‘This is a great moment – not just for education in our county, but also for families living in the north of the county.

‘Today marks a huge step forward for our Berwick Academy plans. Subject to full council approval at the next budget, we will be providing the full £51m needed for this transformational new build.’

According to Cllr Renner-Thompson, the council plans to have ‘spades in the ground’ by next year, with the school expected to open by September 2028.

Ben Ryder, Headteacher at Berwick Academy, added: ‘On behalf of our students, parents, and staff — both present and future — I am delighted with this decision.’

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