Northumberland County Council in the UK has celebrated a significant construction milestone for the new Astley Community High School and Whytrig Middle School in Seaton Valley.  

The topping-out ceremony, held on 19 July 2024, marked the completion of the highest point of the structure. 

The new 'super school' construction project is a part of Northumberland County Council’s multimillion-pound investment in educational infrastructure. 

The project aims to enhance the learning environment for future generations in the region.  

Northumberland County Council Inspiring Young People cabinet member and councillor Guy Renner-Thompson said: “We’re almost six months into the project and there has been so much progress.  

“We can now see where the individual classrooms are, where the swimming pool is and the sports fields. We’re on schedule, we’re on time. It’s great to see everyone working so hard to get this project finished.”  

BAM Construction is responsible for delivering the project, valued at approximately £50m ($64m).  

Construction work on the Astley Community High School and Whytrig Middle School project first commenced in March this year. 

It is currently providing employment for more than 100 individuals on the 10,526m² site located next to The Avenue, Seaton Delaval. 

The new campus will house both schools and feature new learning and sports facilities, including a swimming pool, a fitness studio, and a 3G pitch, all of which will be accessible to the local community. 

Ryder Architecture has designed the building in compliance with sustainability standards, aiming for net-zero carbon emissions in operation.  

This is expected to reduce running costs significantly, allowing more funds to be allocated to teaching and learning.  

Both schools are set to open their doors to approximately 1,200 students in September next year.