Pupils, teachers, architects and construction company workers gathered today at the site of Alnwick’s brand new First and Middle schools to see the start of works which will transform the former Sisters of Mercy Convent School.

The co-relocation scheme will provide a new home for St John's RC First School and Thomas Percy RC Middle School which are currently situated in the west end of the historic town.  The two schools will be renamed and become known, respectively as St Paul’s Roman Catholic Voluntary Aided First School and St Paul’s Roman Catholic Voluntary Aided Middle School.

Valued at around £2.5m the contract is due for completion later this year, allowing the two schools to relocate in November.  The extensive works to refurbish the existing buildings will be carried out by Stephen Easten Building, part of north east based construction company Esh Group.  The project will be directed from Esh Group’s brand new Northumberland headquarters in Cramlington.  Commenting on the proposed works Robin Purves, Managing Director of Stephen Easten Building, said:
“This is a great scheme which will transform this important site in Alnwick into a 'state of the art' facility.  Our work will involve building a new access, a safe turning circle and drop off areas for buses and other vehicles, a comprehensive refurbishment of the building itself with new windows, heating system, IT infrastructure, specialist teaching areas, cloakroom facilities and the grounds restored.”

Commenting on the project, Dorothy Brett, Headteacher at Thomas Percy RC Middle School – soon to become St Paul’s RCVA Middle School – said:
“This is a very exciting day for us all – staff and pupils alike.  We’ve been dreaming about today since the Sisters of Mercy gifted this wonderful building to the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle some 18 months ago.  Obviously we have been planning for a long time too and we strongly believe that by co-locating the two schools onto this site we will create tremendous synergy.  Both schools are already held in very high regard and are fully subscribed, this move will enable each of us to grow further and to find opportunities to increase our collaboration across the curriculum.”

Maria Wilson, Headteacher at St John's RC First School - soon to become St Paul’s RCVA First School continued:
“Both schools are passionately inclusive, a strong principle of our Christian ethos.  Our existing sites have presented enormous challenges in this respect - a good example is our existing steep hillside setting which makes access for children with physical disability all but impossible.  After our move the educational opportunities for our children will be unique in the town as transfer from one stage to the next will become seamless.

“In addition we have plans to extend opportunities for greater involvement with friends and families and community groups, it is indeed a very exciting time for us all.  We are very privileged to be in this position and our thanks go to the Sisters of Mercy for all their support over the years.”

Over 270 children are currently educated at the two schools with a further 30 toddlers taking part in an independent playgroup which shares facilities with the First School.  The intake in September is expected to see overall numbers rise to over 300 at the schools themselves and the playgroup will move too.

Parents interested in registering for admission in 2011-12 should apply to the schools at their current sites.  Opportunities will be available for existing and prospective parents, former pupils and members of the community to view the new premises in late autumn.

Professional advisors appointed to the project include Peter Brown of Darbyshire Architects, Gosforth designers of the scheme, RNJ Partnership is the appointed Quantity Surveyor and the Electrical & Mechanical consultancy is A E Robb.