9 March 2026
Construction has officially begun on a brand new school building for Skelton Primary School, marking a major milestone for pupils, staff and families who have waited several years to see the long-promised project get underway.
Luke Myer MP joined Skelton councillor John McCue, headteacher Sarah Walker and members of the school community this week for a breaking ground ceremony at the site. Diggers have now arrived and work is underway on the new two-storey building, which will replace a number of ageing facilities that have suffered structural issues including cracks, weathered brickwork and roof concerns.
The new building will be constructed on playing fields to the south of the current school and will bring modern classrooms, a hall for dining and sports, offices and social spaces together in a single purpose-built facility. The development will also include improved outdoor space with new playing fields, a sports court and wildlife areas with wildflower planting. Solar panels and air-source heat pumps will be installed to improve energy efficiency.
Skelton Primary, which serves around 630 pupils, was originally included in the School Rebuilding Programme announced in 2021. However, progress nationally was slow, with only 23 schools completed by July 2024 despite a pledge to rebuild around 50 each year. The programme has since been backed with around £2.4 billion a year in funding from the Labour Government to accelerate projects and move schools like Skelton into construction.
Luke was joined at the ceremony by representatives from the Department for Education, as well as pupils including Head Girl Mia, Head Boy Hayden and the school’s own “Construction Crew”, who have been helping to keep classmates informed about the project.
Luke Myer, MP for Middlesbrough South & East Cleveland, said:
“This is a really important moment for Skelton Primary. The school community has waited several years for this project to get moving, so it was great to see diggers on site and work finally beginning. This new building will give pupils and staff the modern, high quality facilities they deserve.”
Cllr John McCue, a trustee at the school, said:
“This has been a long time coming, so it is fantastic to finally see construction starting. The new school will be a huge boost for pupils, staff and the wider Skelton community. The new school is expected to be completed in May 2027, with pupils moving into the building later that summer. The existing buildings will then be demolished, leaving the school with a cleared site and improved outdoor space by spring 2028.”