The £120m programme will involve:

*Washington School will be completely rebuilt by September 2009 and Biddick School Sports College and St Robert of Newminster RC School refurbished by January 2010, while Sandhill View School will receive an ICT overhaul in September 2009.

*Closing in August 2008, Pennywell School and Quarry View Primary School will operate as one all-age academy from existing buildings for 12 months. During this time, the new Gentoo Group-sponsored academy will be built on the Pennywell site and will open its doors in September 2009.

*Castle View School and Hylton Red House School will close in August 2009 and re-open in September 2009 as two separate academies sponsored by Northumbrian Water and Leighton Group respectively; both will be largely new build with some refurbishment.

The decision to appoint Balfour Beatty Construction and RM was made following months of detailed scrutiny by the council, academy lead sponsors Gentoo Group, Leighton Group and Northumbrian Water, schools and other key stakeholders.

Kevin Donegan, divisional director of Balfour Beatty Construction Northern, said:
“We are delighted to be signing the design and build contract for Sunderland’s BSF programme with our partner Sunderland City Council. The award demonstrates Balfour Beatty Construction’s continuing strength and expertise in the education sector. We look forward to delivering these first class facilities for the students and parents of Sunderland to enjoy for years to come.”