Work has started to expand a Penrith primary school.
Three new classrooms are being built at Beaconside Church of England Primary School to create additional school places and expand specialist provision for children with special educational needs and disabilities.
Funded by housing developer contributions, it 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.
The places will provide tailored support while enabling pupils to learn alongside their peers in a mainstream setting.
Following internal preparatory work carried out last summer to reconfigure classrooms to ensure the teaching space provision is met during the build, construction work has 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.
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.”
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.”
