St Peter’s CofE Junior School in Ruddington will be rebuilt with government funding following a sustained four-month campaign.
The government has confirmed that the school, which was forced to close in December 2025 due to serious safety concerns, will be added as a priority project within the School Rebuilding Programme. This means it will not need to compete to be one of 250 rebuilds being confirmed by the government later this year, and will instead move straight into the next phase of delivery.
The Department for Education is expected to begin working with Nottinghamshire County Council in the coming weeks to complete due diligence and progress plans for a new school building on the existing site. The previous school accommodated 360 pupils. Subject to approvals, construction could begin as early as 2027.
The decision follows an intensive campaign which began on 9th December 2025, when the school building was abruptly closed on safety grounds despite £1.85 million previously being allocated for improvement works. Subsequent investigations revealed more extensive structural issues.
Since then, local stakeholders have worked together to press the case for a full rebuild. This included multiple meetings between James Naish MP and government ministers, close engagement with school leadership, and a coordinated effort involving local representatives. In March, Borough Councillor Jen Walker travelled to Westminster to meet the Secretary of State for Education, delivering a joint letter of support from local leaders. The campaign culminated in a visit to 10 Downing Street in March by St Peter’s pupils and teachers who handed a letter directly to the Prime Minister.
James Naish MP said: “This is a hugely welcome decision and a testament to the determination of the entire St Peter’s community.
“Since the building was closed in December, pupils, parents, staff and local councillors have come together to support me in making the case for a quick, full rebuild. I’m very pleased that the government has listened and acted.
“Securing priority status within the School Rebuilding Programme is particularly important. It means we can all move forward quickly without the uncertainty of a competitive process.”
James also expressed his gratitude to nearby schools that have supported St Peter’s pupils during this period of disruption, notably James Peacock Infant & Nursery School, Cotgrave Candleby Lane School, Jesse Gray Primary School and Millside Spencer Academy.
“I want to thank everyone who played a role in this campaign, especially the pupils whose voices made a real difference. I will continue working closely with the Department for Education and Nottinghamshire County Council to ensure this project is delivered as quickly as possible.”
Further updates on the timeline and design of the new school are expected in due course.
