Work has commenced on a three-storey building block and sports centre extension at Greenfield Academy that is set to revitalise the education of students in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham.
Planning permission was granted late in 2024 to replace the current school buildings with consolidated and modernised facilities – the focus being to provide all students with ‘every opportunity, every day.’
The new building will provide 19 classrooms, and specialist subject hubs for IT, art, design & technology and science, whilst a sports centre extension will enable the Academy to open the doors for community use outside of school hours.
The start of works at Greenfield Academy, which recently joined the Advance Learning Partnership Multi Academy Trust, represents a key milestone. Executive headteacher James Keating said: “We are incredibly proud of Greenfield Academy and its importance within the community. This is a transformative moment for the school and all those it serves today and in the future. Our new building will provide a modern, inclusive, and inspiring environment that reflects the ambition we hold for every child.
“This new building represents more than just bricks and mortar—it’s an investment in our children’s future and the wider community. We are excited to create a space that supports academic excellence, creativity, and community engagement. And look forward to completion and moving in.”
Four classrooms will be located on the ground floor with an extensive design and technology department, while the first floor will host 12 classrooms, staff rooms and three meeting rooms for staff use.
Housed on the second floor will be the Academy’s science department, with two studios, three laboratories, a preparation room and chemistry studio, which are flanked by a further three classrooms. Toilet facilities will be located on all three levels.
Externally, works will include a redesign of the current car park, with an additional playground and landscaped areas set to transform the secondary school. A total of 100 parking spaces and 46 cycling spaces will be created.
Esh Construction has been appointed to deliver the project in partnership with Durham County Council, following the successful delivery of Springmoor Grange School in Spennymoor. Grant Watson, Construction Manager, said: “We’re proud to bring our extensive experience in delivering high-quality educational facilities to Greenfield Academy.
“We understand the vital role that modern, inspiring spaces play in shaping student success, and we are committed to building environments where young people can thrive. This project is another example of our collaborative partnership with Durham County Council and local education providers, and we look forward to delivering a hub that will benefit both students and the wider Newton Aycliffe community for years to come.”
Esh’s commercial build team has worked with Howarth Litchfield Architects, BGP, KYOOB and Gemini to ensure energy efficient, low carbon options are factored into the development, with photovoltaic panels and air source heat pumps set to be installed in a bid to futureproof facilities.
Durham County Council is helping to fund the new education hub and updated facilities alongside the Multi Academy Trust, which will provide provision for up to 750 students.
Cllr Cathy Hunt, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for children and young people’s services, said: “We are thrilled to see work starting on these state-of-the-art facilities and look forward to them opening for the benefit of the whole school. The new hub will provide a modern school environment that will help to inspire a love of learning amongst Greenfield pupils and enhance their education.
“Alongside specialist subject hubs, the sports centre extension will create even more opportunities for the wider community to access leisure and fitness activities. This will help to support their physical health and mental wellbeing and offer a fantastic space where residents can come together to take part in activities on a regular basis.”
The facilities at Greenfield Academy are due to open in Autumn 2026.
To find out more about Greenfield Academy, visit https://greenfieldacademy.org.uk/
Architecture and images produced by NORR Consultants Ltd
We’re proud to bring our extensive experience in delivering high-quality educational facilities to Greenfield Academy.
“We understand the vital role that modern, inspiring spaces play in shaping student success, and we are committed to building environments where young people can thrive. This project is another example of our collaborative partnership with Durham County Council and local education providers, and we look forward to delivering a hub that will benefit both students and the wider Newton Aycliffe community for years to come.”
