A MULTI-MILLION pound project to build two new schools is on track to be ready by September.

In the latest update on the building works at Queen Elizabeth High School and Hexham Middle School, the schools' headteacher said the works “have been progressing very well” over recent months and remained on target to open in time for the new school year.

Work began last March, after planning permission was granted in January, 2020.

Both schools are being redeveloped on the site of the current high school.

The historic listed Hydro building will be retained, and new buildings for both the middle and high schools are being constructed to the west of the existing site.

Executive headteacher of the schools Graeme Atkins said: “The building works on the high school site have been progressing very well over recent months and we remain on track to take our place in them from this September.

“Students at QE are already benefiting from being able to use the new all-weather 3G pitch along with the six-court multi-use games area to the north west of our site, and the feedback from them and the PE staff has been very positive indeed.

“Having had a tour of the facilities myself recently, I can report a palpable sense of excitement at how wonderful they will be for our pupils, staff and wider community.”

The £36.1m project will bring state-of-the-art new buildings and facilities for students at both schools, along with sports and leisure facilities which will also be available for community use.

There will also be new access points, car parking, bus parking and landscaping, including a new community garden area. It is being largely funded by Northumberland County Council with a contribution from the Government’s Department for Education.