Northumberland County Council has submitted a funding application to the UK Government for a new building to replace Mowbray Primary School in Stakeford, which has been deemed unsafe due to structural concerns. The 1920s-era school did not reopen after the Christmas holidays last year following the discovery of extensive cracking and wall movement that engineers described as widespread and progressive.

Since the closure, pupils have been relocated to a temporary site at Foundry House in Bedlington. Council officials expect to learn the outcome of their bid to the Department for Education’s School Rebuilding Programme by spring 2027. Audrey Kingham, the council’s executive director of children, young people and education, told councillors at a recent scrutiny committee meeting that she was awaiting the Government’s decision with anticipation.

In the event the funding request is unsuccessful, the council plans to develop a contingency strategy for the 2027 budget to explore alternative options for providing safe accommodation for the affected pupils. Meanwhile, investigations related to insurance claims for the building’s defects are ongoing.

A council spokesperson confirmed that students will remain at Foundry House until Easter 2027 to ensure stability for pupils, families, and staff as they prepare for the new academic year. The council emphasized the priority of maintaining a settled environment while awaiting the potential construction of a new school facility.