The opening of the new Coquet Community School in Amble, Northumberland, has been delayed, meaning pupils at James Calvert Spence College will not move into the building for the start of the new academic year in September. Education chiefs confirmed the delay on Monday, citing “some minor delays” related to utility connections.
Delayed opening details
Parents were informed that the school, part of a £47 million masterplan by Northumberland County Council, was originally scheduled to open at the start of the new school year in September. However, the completion has been pushed back by several weeks. Pupils will return to the current school site on September 3 and are expected to move into the new building on September 23.
Headteacher James Andriot confirmed in a letter to parents that the school would close for two days (Monday 21 and Tuesday 22 September) to facilitate a smooth transition to the new Acklington Road site. He stated, “The council and contractors have worked extremely closely with the James Calvert Spence Leadership team during this process and have kept us up to date every step of the way. In our most recent update, we were informed of some minor delays due to utility connections to the new building.”
Background on the super school project
The Coquet Community School is a flagship project within a broader transformation of education in Amble and the surrounding area. The area has moved from a three-tier to a two-tier school system, with first schools converted into primary schools and the former Amble Middle School turned into a 50-place special educational needs school. The council has promised the development will “transform education in Amble and the surrounding area for generations to come.”
A Northumberland County Council spokesperson said, “As with any large project there are times when delays, out of our control will happen. We have worked hard to minimise delays throughout the project, and we appreciate this is disappointing for staff and students. By working closely with the school, a plan has been put in place to ensure students can return to education after the summer break and move into the new school building at the earliest opportunity.”
Impact on students and families
The delay means students will spend the first few weeks of the autumn term in the existing school buildings before transitioning to the new facility. The school closure on September 21 and 22 will allow for the move, with classes resuming at the new site on September 23. Parents have been advised of the revised dates and arrangements to ensure a smooth start to the academic year.
