Key milestone in £5.5 million Thorp Academy expansion

A ceremonial steel signing has taken place at Northern Education Trust Thorp Academy in Ryton, Gateshead, marking a significant milestone in the £5.5 million expansion project being delivered by Morgan Sindall Construction.

Commissioned by Northern Education Trust (NET), the project will create additional learning space to support the academy’s growing student population.

The new two-storey facility will include 10 modern classrooms, a new dining hall, toilet facilities, expanded office and storage areas, and a plant room. Completion is scheduled for December 2025, with students expected to move into the space in the spring term of 2026.

The project is being accelerated through the SCAPE Construction framework – a nationally recognised procurement route that enables public sector organisations to fast-track delivery while achieving value for money, time and cost certainty, and strong social value outcomes.

Construction is progressing well and in line with planned timeframes, with internal works now underway. To minimise disruption to school operations, key tie-in works to the existing building will take place over the summer holidays. Around 25 operatives are currently on site working towards the planned completion date.

As part of Morgan Sindall’s commitment to delivering social value, a range of community and educational initiatives have been delivered alongside the main project:

• Five apprentices have been engaged on-site.
• Community projects have included bench remediation at Blackhall Mill, electrical improvements at High Spen Primary School, and nature area clearance at Crookhill Primary School.
• A new concrete base has been installed for ground maintenance equipment at Ryton Rugby Club.
• Careers support has been delivered through interviews with Year 8 students, a Year 9 assembly, and ongoing fortnightly construction curriculum workshops and site tours.
• Thorp Academy’s Student Voice group is being supported with a £2,000 community project fund. They have chosen to assist High Spen Primary School with their nursery expansion plans.
• A PlanBee apprentice is currently being supported on-site, with work placements also offered to students throughout the programme.

Alex Isted, Morgan Sindall Construction’s North East and Cumbria Area Director, said: “This steel signing marks an exciting moment in the development of Thorp Academy. The event was a great opportunity to celebrate our commitment to delivering a high-quality educational facility while also making a positive impact on the wider community. We’re proud to be working closely with Northern Education Trust and SCAPE to bring this project to life and are equally proud of the social value activity being delivered alongside it. From apprenticeships and school engagement to community improvement works, we’re ensuring this project supports local people now and into the future."

Joanna Macaulay, Principal at Thorp Academy, said: “This steel signing marks a proud and exciting moment in Thorp Academy’s history. It represents not just a structural milestone, but a symbol of growth, opportunity, and ambition for our school community.

“We are especially pleased that our students and staff had the chance to be part of this special event - signing the steel girder together is a reminder that this building is being shaped by and for our community. We’re grateful to Northern Education Trust, SCAPE, and Morgan Sindall Construction for their partnership, and we look forward to watching our vision take shape over the coming months.”

Mark Robinson, Group Chief Executive at SCAPE, said: “We’re proud to support the delivery of this much-needed expansion at Thorp Academy through our SCAPE Construction framework. By enabling fast, compliant procurement and fostering strong collaboration between Northern Education Trust and Morgan Sindall Construction, this project is not only creating high-quality learning spaces for students but also delivering real social value for the wider community. It’s a great example of how public sector investment can be maximised to support both educational outcomes and local impact.”