Milestone in construction of two new Derby schools

A topping out ceremony has taken place to mark the progress made on two new schools being constructed on behalf of Derby City Council, which will deliver state-of-the-art, sustainable learning environments for hundreds of pupils.

Becket Primary School and Pear Tree Infant and Nursery School are being fully rebuilt as part of the Department for Education’s national School Rebuilding Programme.

The £20 billion programme carries out major rebuilding and refurbishment projects at school and sixth-form college buildings across England, with buildings prioritised according to their condition.

The city council successfully applied to the DfE to request the schools were included in the programme.

Since then, it has been working closely with both schools and in support of the DfE to get the schemes underway.

The projects, which began last summer, are being managed and funded by the DfE, with Tilbury Douglas appointed as the contractor.

Both new schools are expected to be completed and ready to welcome pupils for the new school year in September.

The schemes will deliver modern, purpose-built school buildings designed to current specifications and standards.

Key features for both schools include new classrooms built to improved modern specifications, new facilities including kitchens, halls, library spaces, and group rooms, and new external play and PE spaces.

To meet robust environmental standards, both schools are designed to be net-zero-carbon in operation.

Councillor Paul Hezelgrave, the city council’s cabinet member for children, young people and skills, said: “We are delighted to see work progressing on these fantastic new schools.

“This investment from the DfE will provide modern, fit-for-purpose buildings that our children deserve, built to the highest modern specifications.

“This is an investment in the long-term future of our city, providing inspiring spaces that will benefit generations of Derby pupils, staff, and the wider community for decades to come.”

The rebuilding work involves specific site moves for both schools.

Becket Primary School is being rebuilt on its existing playing field.

Once the new building is complete, the current structures will be demolished, and a new playing field will be laid out.

Pear Tree Infant and Nursery School is relocating to the playing field of the neighbouring Pear Tree Community Junior School.

This scheme will also include a brand-new nursery unit, following the school’s merger with Walbrook Nursery School.

After the new infant and nursery school is complete, the former infant school will be demolished and replaced with a new playing field for the junior school, which the infant and nursery school will also be able to use.