Willmott Dixon has marked a key milestone in the construction of Durham Academy with a steel signing ceremony, bringing together pupils, education leaders and project partners to celebrate progress on the £20.7 million school redevelopment, being delivered on behalf of the Department for Education (DfE) as part of their School Rebuilding Programme.

The ceremony saw the final steel beams signed by attendees before being installed as part of the new three-storey secondary school, which will accommodate 500 pupils when the new teaching block opens in November 2026. The event provided an opportunity for those involved in the project to witness construction progress first-hand and mark the transition from groundworks to the building's steel frame rising from the site. The final demolition, landscaping and remodelling works will be complete by August 2027.

Among those attending was Durham Academy’s Headteacher Alison Jobling, a group of pupils from the school and DfE Project Director Anthony Potts.

The new school building, designed by Space Group architects, is being constructed on a brownfield site at the southern end of the existing Durham Academy campus in Ushaw Moor. It will deliver 3,538 square metres of modern educational facilities including general and specialist teaching spaces, with the existing sports hall and dining areas being remodelled and refurbished as part of the works.

Nick Corrigan, Willmott Dixon's director in the North East, said: "Today's steel signing marks an important milestone in the construction of Durham Academy. It was fitting to have pupils here alongside education leaders and our project partners to sign the steelwork that will form the structure of their new school.

"The new facility will provide a modern, sustainable learning environment designed to serve the community for generations to come. We are committed to creating opportunities for local people throughout the construction phase, working with New College Durham on T-level placements and delivering our Building Lives Academy programme to support pupils facing barriers to education."

Alison Jobling, Durham Academy Headteacher said: “Today’s steel signing ceremony is a proud moment for our school community. Seeing the framework of our new building take shape is incredibly exciting for both pupils, staff and our community. This redevelopment represents more than just bricks and steel, it’s an investment in the future of education in Ushaw Moor.

“The new facilities will provide our pupils with modern, inspiring spaces to learn and grow, while supporting our commitment to delivering the highest standards of teaching. We are grateful to the Department for Education, Willmott Dixon, and all partners involved for their dedication to creating a school that will serve generations to come. Our pupils were thrilled to play a part in this milestone, and we look forward to watching their new school rise from the ground.”

A Department for Education spokesperson said: “Every child deserves a safe, high-quality classroom where they can focus on learning. After years of neglect, too many children were being taught in school buildings in poor condition, and that simply isn't good enough.

“It is great to see good progress at Durham Academy to build a new three-storey teaching block that pupils can not only feel proud of, but that meets the needs of all its pupils now and in the future.

“Through our Plan for Change we are investing in the future, with almost £20 billion for the School Rebuilding Programme through to 2034-35 - rebuilding over 500 schools across England with 250 additional schools to be selected in the next two years.”

The steel frame construction is part of a building designed to target net-zero carbon in operation, incorporating sustainable design features throughout. The existing school will remain operational during construction and, excluding the sports block and creative hub, will be demolished once the new building opens, ensuring continuity of education for current pupils.

Willmott Dixon is committed to leaving a positive legacy in County Durham. In partnership with its local supply chain partners, the company will create four new employment opportunities directly on the project, deliver eight apprenticeship pathways, provide eight T-level placements in partnership with New College Durham, and offer 70 hours of wider school and college engagement. Through its Building Lives Academy initiative, the team will provide guidance and skill development for local pupils facing challenges or barriers to education.

The project was secured through the DfE Construction Framework High Value Band Lot 1 & 2 and reflects Willmott Dixon's strong track record in education delivery, with £700 million secured to date on the current DfE framework.