Work begins on replacing 130-year-old Sunderland school with state-of-the-art new building
The new school is due to open in summer 2027
Work has commenced on building a new school for the staff and children at St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School in Ryhope.
The current primary school building has stood in Ryhope for more than 130 years and has served generations of local families.
The new school, which is part of Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust, is planned to open in the summer of 2027. The new purpose-built facility will provide state-of-the-art teaching and learning spaces, outdoor learning environments and a new nursery.
Plans for the new building included a dedicated STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) classroom, modern performance hall, multi use games area (MUGA), dinning canopy, and open plan library.
This week, staff and children celebrated work commencing on construction of the new school at an official ground breaking ceremony at the site near Stockton Road.
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Headteacher Jane Ward said: “For more than 130 years, St. Patrick's Catholic Primary School has been at the heart of the Ryhope community, serving generations of local children and families.
“We are absolutely delighted that construction of our new school has now begun, marking the start of an exciting new chapter in the school's long and proud history. This purpose-built facility will provide modern, state-of-the-art teaching and learning spaces, cutting-edge technology, and enhanced outdoor learning environments that will enrich our children's educational experience.
“The inclusion of a nursery will enable us to offer a seamless education journey from the age of three through to eleven, strengthening our commitment to delivering the highest standards of education. This investment will ensure that St. Patrick's continues to serve the children and families of Ryhope for generations to come.”
Construction of the new school building is being undertaken by Tilbury Douglas North East and Yorkshire.
Regional director William Kay said: “Tilbury Douglas is proud to be the trusted construction partner working with the Department for Education and Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust to deliver a modern new home for St Patrick’s Primary School and an inspiring learning environment for children in Ryhope.”
Plans were officially submitted for the building of the new school in November 2025, with funding secured from the Department for Education’s as part of its School Rebuilding Programme.