Albany Junior School in Stapleford is due to get a £12.7 million, purpose-built replacement building.
Following issues with the current building, namely roof leaks and potential concerns with the foundations, a new, energy-efficient, two-storey building is planned to be built next to the current school, which will operate as normal during the construction works. The project has been designed to keep disruption to a minimum so that pupils’ education continues as normal.
Robust measures are already in place to ensure the current building remains safe. Currently, 174 pupils attend the school.
Subject to final planning approval at the County Council’s Planning and Rights of Way Committee next week (Tuesday 9 June), work is due to start in August 2026 and is expected to be completed by summer 2027, ready for the new school year.
The school has been involved in the plans for the replacement building, which include:
A ground floor that will have a main school hall, kitchen, music and drama room, four classrooms, and dedicated space for pupils with special educational needs.
A second floor with a further four classrooms, a library, staff room, and additional flexible-use space. Space has also been earmarked for an outdoor play area.
This project will be funded under the Council’s school place programme. The work will be delivered on its behalf by Arc Partnership, the Council’s construction and design partner.
Councillor James Walker-Gurley, the County Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Asset Management, welcomed these plans and thanked the school for its patience. He said:
“Investing in our schools is one of the most important things we do, and this new building will give pupils and staff a safe, modern and inspiring place to learn and teach for many years to come.
“We carefully explored every alternative, including major repairs and temporary accommodation, but delivering a new, fit-for-purpose school represents the best long-term solution. It secures the future of education on this site and ensures children and staff have the high-quality environment they deserve for decades to come.
“I want to thank the school community for its resilience and patience.”
The project is expected to cost £12.7 million, which includes demolition work, feasibility reports, and new furniture and equipment.
Council education and property teams, alongside Arc Partnership, have been working hard behind the scenes with the school to agree designs and plans. Headteacher Laura Goffin described the rebuild as ‘excellent news’. She said:
“Lots of time, work and effort have gone into getting us to this stage.
“I am working very closely with an excellent team at Nottinghamshire County Council and Arc Partnership, who I feel sure will carry out this project to the highest standards.”
Daniel Maher, Managing Director of Arc Partnership, a joint venture between Nottinghamshire County Council and SCAPE, added:
“We are proud to be designing, costing and project-managing the delivery of the replacement school building on behalf of Nottinghamshire County Council. The new building has been designed to create a modern and inspiring learning environment that will support the school’s long-term needs while benefiting current and future generations of pupils.”
