The Site measures approximately 16.4ha, and comprises the existing teaching buildings and c75,000 sqm of external sport provision. It is bound by Sunnyside Cut (A1167) to the west, and residential developments to the north, east and south. Directly north is Tweedmouth Community Middle School, whilst Tweedmouth Prior Park First School is located approximately 140m northwest. Across from Sunnyside Cut is Tweedmouth Cemetery.  

Pedestrian and vehicular access is currently taken via Adams Drive. Bus stops are currently located at a designated drop-off point north of the school, and south of Tweedmouth Community Middle School, with direct access into Berwick Academy. It accommodates 3 services, providing connectivity to Berwick-upon-Tweed (including the train station, which is located approximately 2km to the north), Wooler, Alnwick, Morpeth, and Newcastle-upon-Tyne.  

Flood risk is low on the Site, being located in Flood Zone 1. There are some pockets of low-risk surface water flooding, isolated to the areas of hardstanding around the existing school buildings.   

The Site is not within a Conservation Area. However, due to the varying levels, it does overlook Tweedmouth Conservation Area, Berwick-upon-Tweed Conservation Area, and Spittal Conservation Area. Similarly, whilst the Site itself does not include any listed buildings or schedule monuments, there are three Grade II listed structures to the immediate west associated with Tweedmouth Cemetery, and the Springhill Roman Camp Scheduled Monument is located to the southwest of the Site. There are no Tree Protection Orders on the Site.  

The proposal seeks the redevelopment of Berwick Academy to create modern, practical teaching spaces that enhance the learning environment and accessibility for pupils aged 11 – 18. The proposal includes the demolition of the existing buildings and the development of a new school including a Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) unit to meet the SEMH need.  

The proposed teaching building will be comprised of one teaching building of 3-storeys in height, and will include the internal sports provision, while the SEND unit will be 1-storey in height. Both buildings will offer modern, purpose-built spaces to enhance the learning environment while ensuring efficiency, accessibility, and continuity of education.  

Alongside the redevelopment of the school buildings, the proposal is to be complemented by external works in relation to access, site levels and drainage, external sports provision, hard and soft landscaping, and parking. The external works include but are not limited to: 

 – A new point of access from Sunnyside Cut (A1167) for both pedestrians and vehicles. The existing access from Adams Drive will close, as well as the Northumberland Road pedestrian access.  

 – Site levelling to allow for the refurbishment of the external sports provision across the Site, resulting in an improvement to the retained playing fields. This will coincide with the remarking of the existing pitches.  

 –  The delivery of new external sports provision, including:  

• An all-weather football pitch,  

• A Multi-Use Games Area,  

• A 400m 6-lane grass running track, and  

• Modern changing facilities.    

– Comprehensive landscape improvements to create an attractive environment and enhance the daily experience for pupils and staff. This will be achieved through the planting of soft landscaping on the footprint of the existing school, creating a visually appealing setting around the proposed new buildings, with the delivery of the following spaces:   

• Informal social areas; 

• Forest play / school; and  

• A calm garden. 

– A new main car park immediately north of the SEMH building, including designated drop-off points for bus services, along with a smaller car park associated with the SEMH building to the east of that building.  

The new buildings are proposed to be constructed and operational prior to the demolition of any existing buildings, to allow for continued teaching and learning to be provided in the existing school buildings, with minimal disruption to students.   

Final scope and specification are subject to Department for Education (DfE) funding contribution.

Additional visuals and drawings will be uploaded to the website and made available for download ahead of the consultation event.