How Berwick Reached Its Education Restructuring Decision

Northumberland County Council is moving forward with a change to Berwick education by ending the three-tier system and closing Berwick, Tweedmouth, and Glendale Middle Schools in August 2026.

The Shift from Three-Tier to Two-Tier

The council has pursued this change to align Berwick with a primary and secondary model. The middle schools will close on August 31, 2026, as the area adopts the new structure. This follows the opening of designs for a replacement secondary school known as Berwick Academy.

Investment and Design Details

The council is directing a total of £50 million into the Berwick schools masterplan. This includes converting first schools into primary schools and adding a 30-place neuro-divergent provision at Berwick St Mary's. The new Berwick Academy forms a central part of the plan, with two design options presented that include specialized facilities for special educational needs and over-16 training amenities.

Funding Challenges and Project Costs

The estimated cost for the new Berwick Academy started at £42 million but has risen to £64 million. A £13 million government funding request was refused by the Department for Education, which means the council must contribute over £5 million more from its own resources. The project costs increased from £59 million to £64 million during this process.

Construction of the new academy is expected to begin in summer 2027, with the school opening in September 2028. Students will continue using the current building while work takes place on the new site.

Next Steps for Families

Parents and carers can review the unveiled designs through Northumberland County Council channels to understand the facilities planned for the new secondary school. Updates on the transition will be available as the middle school closures approach in 2026.