Key stakeholders came together recently to celebrate the start of works on a major expansion project at at Beaconside Church of England Primary School in Penrith. Three new classrooms are being built, funded by Section 106 housing developer contributions, to create additional school places and expand specialist provision for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
The development will increase the school’s capacity by up to 119 Reception to Key Stage 2 places over time, plus 14 new specially resourced provision places for pupils in Key Stage 2 for children with Severe Learning Difficulties alongside other associated SEND. These places will provide tailored support while enabling pupils to learn alongside their peers in a mainstream setting.
Following internal preparatory works carried out over the 2025 summer break to reconfigure classrooms to ensure the teaching space provision is met during the build, construction works have now begun externally on the extended classroom structures.
Westmorland and Furness Council’s representatives, contractors and partners came together with school staff and children to break ground on this next stage of the build.
Janet Battye, Westmorland and Furness Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education and Skills, said:
“This marks an important step in strengthening education provision for Penrith’s growing communities. By directing developer contributions into projects like this, we’re ensuring that every child has access to high‑quality learning spaces and the specialist support they may need. It’s a positive investment in both our children’s futures and the long‑term resilience of local schools.”
Charlotte Trudway, Director of Education for Diocese of Carlisle said:
“Beaconside has always been a place where children are encouraged to grow in confidence, curiosity and compassion. The expansion will allow the school to deepen its inclusive ethos and extend the support it offers to families. We’re delighted to see this project move forward and to continue working in partnership for the benefit of the whole community.”
Nick Page, Executive Headteacher of Beaconside CofE Primary School said:
“Seeing the first phase of construction begin is incredibly exciting for our staff, pupils and families. These new classrooms and specialist spaces will help us respond to increasing demand while maintaining the nurturing, child‑centred environment we are known for. Most importantly, the enhanced provision will ensure that children with a wide range of needs can learn, play and thrive together.”
The extension has been designed to complement the existing building while improving accessibility, sustainability and outdoor learning opportunities. It will also deliver biodiversity improvements across the site.
The project forms part of Westmorland and Furness Council’s wider capital programme, which invests in school and community infrastructure to support growing and changing communities across the area.
A video from the event with stakeholder interviews is available to watch on our YouTube channel.