Work starts on multi-million pound South Tyneside school

A replacement for the current Toner Avenue School in Hebburn is to get underway with the state-of-the-art building being built to the rear of the existing school.

The existing school will be demolished once the new school is finished.

Kier Group has been appointed to build the new school which will feature a two-storey teaching block, a double height hall which will also be used for community use, playing fields, hard play areas, a Multi Use Games Area and a secure Early Years garden.

Children will continue to use the existing school while the new school is under construction.

Coun Moira Smith, Lead Member for Children, Young People and Families at South Tyneside Council, said: “Hebburn has grown significantly in recent years. Hundreds of new homes have been built and scores of families have moved into the area.

“We are committed to giving all our young people the best start in life and this new school will provide the very best environment which will have a positive impact on their learning.”

The £8.7million funding for the new school is being met by the Education and Skills Funding Agency and South Tyneside Council.

It will initially cater for 630 pupils between the ages of four and 11 with three classes in each year as well as a nursery, starting with 26 places.

The move to incorporate an additional class in each year reflects the expected increase in pupil numbers as a result of new housing developments in the town.

Headteacher Michael Arthur, said: “It is such good news that work is starting on the new school. The children and staff are looking forward to seeing it take shape.

“We are all very excited about the prospect of having a state-of-the-art building where I’m sure our children will flourish.”

The new school will open in time for the start of the new academic year in September 2019.