£9million plans for new-look school in Amble unveiled

Planning is underway now for the £9 million investment by Northumberland County Council at James Calvert Spence College in Amble.

Meetings have taken place between the school, Northumberland County Council officers and designers, to establish the educational vision for the relocation of the middle school onto the James Calvert Spence College (JCSC) site on Acklington Road. In addition, refurbishment of existing accommodation on the site will be carried out, to form one large college to cater for nine to 13 year olds.

Initial designs and architectural plans have now been developed and a team of quantity surveyors are currently developing accurate project costs to enable the project to move to the next phase of design. The building work set to begin in the spring term of 2017.

The refurbishment of the school site will bring with it modernised classrooms, upgraded social areas and a new sixth form suite. The school will also provide more opportunities for the local community to use the new facilities outside of school hours.

Councillor Robert Arckless, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services at Northumberland County Council, said: “Delivering the best possible educational environment for pupils is a priority for the County Council and we are committed to deliver a high quality environment for pupils at James Calvert Spence College.”

Executive Head Teacher, Neil Rodgers said: “I am absolutely delighted that Northumberland County Council have pledged a significant capital investment to James Calvert Spence College in order for us to radically upgrade and remodel our current educational facilities.

“Councillor Scott Dickinson, our former Chair of Governors, and I have worked closely on this project for over a year as we are both committed to ensuring that the young people of Amble and the surrounding area get the facilities that they deserve, and an entitlement to a first class education in modern, well equipped surroundings.

“Having a new build for the middle school aged children on the high school site is the logical progression for us, having become one 9-19 school last June. It enables us to have the seamless transition between years, and between key stages, that will ensure all students make the best possible progress with all our talented and dedicated staff together on one site.

“This is a real turning point for JCSC, and for the community it serves.”

Councillor Scott Dickinson, Business Chair of Northumberland County Council ,said: “This investment is wonderful news for the coastal strip of Northumberland. The building work will will see a pre-war building replaced with fantastic new facilities, which will make a huge difference to daily life in the school.and will create the best possible educational environment for our young people.”