Major step forward for plans to rebuild and move primary school in less than two years
Plans to rebuild and relocate a primary school on Wearside have been officially submitted to council development bosses.
Sunderland City Council’s planning department has received an application seeking permission for a “new single-storey Catholic primary school building” at land to the north of Stockton Road in Ryhope.
The application on behalf of the Department for Education (DfE) is seeking permission to build a new school along with a “new sports pitch, outdoor PE court, outdoor informal play space, new pedestrian footpath from Halifax Place to Beechbrooke, new vehicular access and associated parking.”
It is understood that the development is part of the Government’s School Rebuilding Programme and will see a new replacement school for St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School, which is currently based nearby at Smith Street.
The proposed site for the new school sits adjacent to Stockton Road, Halifax Place and Smith Street South and is surrounded by houses, as well as sitting adjacent to Beechbrooke Park.
Supporting documents submitted with the screening opinion at the time noted that the “DfE and the school seek to develop a facility that is centred on community learning, with a library sufficient to support a full class in reading, and separate practical teaching provision”.
It was noted that “no works are proposed to the existing school site as part of this scheme, with options for its re-use to be discussed and confirmed in the future.”
A planning application has now been submitted for the new primary school, with members of the public able to view designs and supporting documents and leave comments via the council’s planning portal website.
A “planning and open space statement” submitted to council officials noted the school relocation is “necessary to ensure the school can continue to provide high-quality education in modern, fit-for-purpose accommodation that meet current standards and future needs”.
It was noted that the new primary school would include a library, assembly/dining hall, nursery and teaching rooms, as well as “staff and SEN facilities and a practical classroom”.
Other proposed facilities include a “new under 9/10s sports pitch, an outdoor PE outdoor court [and] new informal outdoor play spaces”, along with new tree planting, new pedestrian and vehicular access from Stockton Road and 24 parking spaces, including two EV accessible spaces and cycle parking.
It was noted that the new school would “provide a capacity for 236 pupils” and that “a new vehicular and pedestrian access is proposed from Stockton Road, with a secondary pedestrian access from Halifax Place”.
Planning documents from the applicant said “it is intended that the existing school will remain open during construction of the new school, allowing phasing to be a more straightforward process”.
The planning and open space statement adds: “The new school will bring a range of social and environmental benefits to pupils and staff in creating a high-quality environment in which to teach and learn.
“While the site is identified as ‘amenity greenspace’ within the council’s now-revoked Greenspace Audit, it is not formally designated as ‘open space’ within the adopted development plan.
“The former Greenspace Audit identified the site as being of low value, falling below the council’s quality standard.
“The proposed development will enhance the site’s quality through substantial new green infrastructure, landscaping, planting, informal play area, and the delivery of a sports pitch and PE court.
“While this space will no longer be fully publicly accessible, it will continue to contribute positively to visual amenity and local character.
“The replacement greenspace within the school grounds will provide higher functionality, better maintenance, and purposeful use for the pupils.
“Overall, the proposal represents sustainable development that responds to an identified local need for the expansion of the Catholic primary school provision in Ryhope, delivering significant educational, social, and environmental benefits.
“These benefits clearly outweigh the limited harm arising from the loss of this low-value greenspace.”
The existing Ryhope primary school is run by the Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust and education leaders have previously welcomed progress on the project.
Paul Harrison, head of service at Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust, speaking in July, 2025, said the trust was “incredibly proud of this project and grateful to all those supporting its delivery” and noted the “new school is scheduled to open in Spring 2027”.
“Highlights include an open-plan library, a dedicated STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) classroom and a modern performance hall to enhance pupils’ talents in the performing arts,” he added.
“Outdoor spaces will be transformed too, with a new multi use games area (MUGA) and a sports field providing fantastic opportunities for physical activity and team sports.
“The new building will be carbon neutral, powered by a ground source heat pump and a large rooftop solar array, demonstrating our commitment to sustainability and future generations.”
Jane Ward, executive headteacher of St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School, also speaking in July, 2025, said “St Patrick’s sits at the very heart of the community and has served its families for over 130 years”.
The executive headteacher added the new school would “build on that legacy”, with the school “working closely with our DfE colleagues” to ensure the new site “will deliver the very best education for the children and families of Ryhope for generations to come.”
A decision on the planning application is expected following a council consultation exercise.
Sunderland City Council’s planning portal website lists a decision deadline of January 31, 2026.
For more information on the St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School development, visit Sunderland City Council’s planning portal website and search reference: 25/02698/PS4
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