"Game-changing" state-of-the-art works begin to extend and refurbish Bishopton Pupil Referral Unit

Multi-million pound works are underway to transform Bishopton Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) in Billingham into a purpose-built school building.

When completed, the newly refurbished and extended facility will link the two existing buildings together.

And the new state-of-the-art facilities will include two science labs, vocational areas such as a construction skills area, a hair and beauty clinic and a gym.

A new hall, kitchen, staff room and multi-use games area will also be built.

The £6million works are being funded by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council as part of its £57.7million investment to improve school buildings in the Borough.

The transformation, which includes zero carbon technologies in the design, is due to be completed in December 2023.

Mrs Emily Carr, Co-Headteacher at Bishopton PRU, said: "This development is precisely what we need for our children and it will help them feel safe, secure and valued, which is vitally important and what they deserve.

"Our pupils can also look forward to a dedicated space where they can have their dinners, whilst staff can benefit from a proper staff room.

"Even small changes, like separate entrances for pupils and visitors, will make a big difference."

Mrs Rachel Campbell, fellow Co-Headteacher at Bishopton PRU, said: "This is a huge investment for us and we are really grateful for it.

"It is going to make a huge difference for staff and pupils to have a purpose-built building.

"We have looked at every detail. From the science lab to the vocational area, there are going to be so many benefits for the children."

Councillor Lisa Evans, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: "Having a purpose-built building is going to be absolutely game-changing for Bishopton PRU and it's really exciting to see the works get underway.

"We've worked very closely with staff to ensure the building can help the school meet the needs of its pupils for many, many years to come.

"The massive investment across the Borough's schools is helping give our children the very best start in life and we're committed to helping all schools, whether they're maintained, diocesan or academies. Of course, we're also including special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and pre-school provision as part of our investment.

"It's pleasing to know what a difference we are making."

Bishopton PRU, which is an academy in Tees Valley Collaborative Trust, offers educational provision to Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 pupils who are at risk of exclusion or who have been excluded from school.

For more information, visit the Bishopton PRU website.

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