Northumberland County Council has formally asked central government to fund a new building for Mowbray Primary School in Stakeford after engineers found the existing 1920s structure to be suffering from extensive and worsening cracking.
Background and current arrangements
The school did not re-open after the Christmas break last year when structural concerns emerged. Children and staff were moved to temporary accommodation at Foundry House, Bedlington, where the council says pupils will remain until Easter 2027 to allow for a more settled experience through the coming academic year.
Insurers continue to investigate the cause of the faults in the original building while council officers and elected members consider options for a longer-term solution.
Funding bid and next steps
The authority has lodged an application to the Government’s School Rebuilding Programme. A decision on that bid is expected in spring 2027. Council officers have told scrutiny members they will prepare contingency measures within next year’s budget in case the national funding request is turned down.
"I will wait with bated breath"
The council’s executive director for children, young people and education used the phrase above while addressing the authority’s corporate services and economic growth scrutiny committee about the outcome of the bid.
What this means for families and staff
The council has explained the temporary move is intended to provide stability for pupils, families and school staff during the current school year. The plan, as described by the authority, aims to keep disruption minimised while long-term solutions are pursued.
- Pupils relocated to Foundry House following discovery of structural issues
- Insurers are investigating the cracking at the original Stakeford site
- Funding application submitted to the School Rebuilding Programme; decision due spring 2027
- Council to prepare a contingency option in next year’s budget in case national funding is refused
Timeline
| Event | Date / target |
|---|---|
| School closed after Christmas holidays | Late 2025 / early 2026 |
| Pupils moved to Foundry House, Bedlington | Following closure |
| Pupils to remain at temporary site | Until Easter 2027 |
| Decision on rebuilding funding | Spring 2027 |
Members of the local community will watch the outcome closely. If the Government approves the bid, a replacement building would remove the immediate safety concern and allow the school community to return to a permanent site. If the bid is unsuccessful, the council has committed to developing alternative proposals as part of its budget planning for next year.
Northumberland’s experience reflects wider national challenges in maintaining ageing school estate stock, and the pressures councils face in balancing capital needs with limited local resources. For parents and carers at Mowbray, the priority remains a safe, stable environment for pupils while the route to a permanent solution is determined.
