Member Article

Morgan Sindall expands Newcastle footprint with appointment to Callerton Academy

Morgan Sindall Construction has been appointed to build a new secondary school, Callerton Academy, in Newcastle. Callerton Academy is one of two new free schools that the Department for Education are building in conjunction with Gosforth Group multi academy trust to provide much-needed additional school places in the Newcastle area.  

Callerton Academy opened for the first 120 Year 7 students in September 2021 in a newly refurbished and reconfigured school in Newcastle’s Grainger Town. Help with transport to the temporary location has been provided for students while the new permanent home is being developed. 

The Department for Education appointed Morgan Sindall to undertake the project, which will see the creation of a permanent home for the academy to serve students in Callerton and surrounding areas.  

The project comprises a multi-use three-storey building built around a central core that includes teaching facilities, a flexible space for dining, assemblies, and theatre, and an administration area. One of the many features that contribute to the building's CO2-neutral status is its green roof, which, in addition to housing solar panels, is planted with grass, moss, and smaller plants, enhancing its environmentally friendly features. 

Adjoining the main building is a dedicated sports facility encompassing a gym, sports hall, and changing facilities. The sports amenities are designed to operate beyond school hours, providing opportunities for the local community. Outdoor spaces include a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA), three full-size pitch areas, a running track, and a small practice pitch behind the MUGA. 

Construction is now underway, with the project set to be completed in the summer of 2025; the facility is set to open for the 2025/26 academic year and is expected to accommodate approximately 650 students in the first year. 

In its delivery of the project, Morgan Sindall will engage with its local supply chain, ensuring the local community feels an economic benefit from the project. The company’s Intelligent Solutions approach will also see a push towards sustainable practices, such as the use of HVO fuels and the installation of electric vehicle charge points on site. 

A visit to steel frame manufacturers will see current student representatives from Callerton Academy sign the exposed steel of the main building, incorporating a tangible link between the school’s students and its infrastructure. Throughout the build programme Morgan Sindall is to undertake an engagement programme with students to highlight the broad range of careers available in the construction industry to inspire the next generation of construction professionals. 

Other community engagement includes collaboration with Newcastle College and Gateshead College, enabling T-Level students to gain experience of working on a live construction site.   

Further opportunities for local people to get involved in the project will be showcased at a careers fair at Westerhope Primary School on June 19th.  

Alex Isted, North East director for Morgan Sindall Construction, said: “We’re thrilled to be working with Gosforth Group and Department for Education to create a world class learning environment for students at Callerton Academy. The development will have such a positive impact for young people in Newcastle in addition to bringing economic and social benefits for the wider community too.  
 
“It’s fantastic to have this project underway and we look forward to helping bring the construction industry to life for young people in the local area.”  
 
George Snaith, Chair of Trustees for Gosforth Group, said: “It is really exciting to see works commence on site after lots of planning and consultation with Morgan Sindall, DfE and Newcastle City Council. We can’t wait to see the new building start to take shape and our designs come to life.  
 
“The current students at Callerton Academy are looking forward to following the progression of the build. The new school building will provide a stimulating purpose built learning environment for our students, with excellent facilities including a dedicated sports centre, which our local community can benefit from too. We look forward to opening the doors to students in 2025.” 

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by John Robson .