Work has officially begun on a major £9.4 million expansion of Chuter Ede Primary School’s Fernwood site, a development set to double the school’s capacity and meet the rising demand for school places in the growing Fernwood community.

The project, designed and managed by Arc Partnership—a joint venture between Nottinghamshire County Council and SCAPE—will deliver an additional 210 primary school places by September 2026.

Funded through £5.4 million from Nottinghamshire County Council’s school places programme and £4 million from housing developer contributions, the expansion will add eight new classrooms, a library and music room, an activity hall, a medical room, and improved sports facilities including multiple pitches and dedicated play areas.

To celebrate the start of construction, key stakeholders gathered on site. Nottinghamshire County Council was represented by Councillor James Walker-Gurley, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Asset Management, alongside Councillor Hana John (Education and SEND) and Councillor Rory Green (Children and Families).

-- Advertisement --

The scheme has been procured through the SCAPE Construction framework and is on track for completion before the September 2026 intake.

The development is already creating opportunities for local talent. Among those benefiting is 22-year-old graduate site manager Lewis Hartshone, who is gaining hands-on experience with Morgan Sindall Construction.

Students from Nottingham Trent University are also engaging with the project through site visits and lectures, developing their skills in architecture, technology, project management and quantity surveying.

The Fernwood annex of Chuter Ede Primary was originally built by Morgan Sindall Construction in 2012, as part of a phased plan to serve the expanding Fernwood estate. The first two phases delivered a sports field, play area, car park and landscaping.

Head Teacher Mrs Bernadette Hunter welcomed the next stage of development: "Our school plays a central role in the community. The new classrooms and facilities will be welcomed with open arms by staff and pupils. We’re excited to keep families informed as the works progress."

Richard Fielding, Area Director for Morgan Sindall Construction in the Midlands, added: "We're delighted to break ground on this important project, which will provide vital additional capacity for the growing Fernwood community. Working with Arc Partnership and Nottinghamshire County Council, we’re committed to delivering a modern learning environment while minimising disruption to the school’s daily life."