Callerton Academy

Overview

Newcastle required a expansion of secondary school provision, and the new Callerton Academy was developed to meet this demand. Working closely with the Department for Education (DfE), we helped create a school that now accommodates 1,200 students and has been thoughtfully designed to enhance and enable modern teaching methods.

The design is centred around two primary building components. The first is the teaching block, which consists of three floors of modern, standardised classrooms that create a high-quality and consistent learning environment. The second is the central core, which serves as the heart of the school and houses shared facilities such as the dining hall, drama studio, main assembly hall and specialist classrooms for creative arts subjects.

In addition to its academic spaces, the school also provides a high‑quality sports centre and a Multi Use Games Area (MUGA). These facilities have been designed for use both during and outside normal school hours, ensuring that the academy plays an active role in supporting the health and wellbeing of the wider community. This dual‑purpose approach encourages year‑round engagement and strengthens the school’s connection to local residents.

Designed for NZiO

Environmental responsibility formed a key aspect of the academy’s design. To align with the Department for Education’s ambition to achieve Net Zero Carbon in Operation, the building incorporates several forward‑thinking sustainability features. All roof areas are fitted with photovoltaic (PV) panels to maximise on‑site renewable energy generation, while the two largest roof sections have been developed as green roofs, enhancing biodiversity and helping to manage rainwater runoff.

In addition, the project delivers a saving of 237 tonnes of carbon, achieved largely through the use of ARC Furness steel, contributing significantly to the school’s overall sustainability performance.