The project will see £13.6m invested in the school’s facilities to accommodate 300 additional pupils, equivalent to 60 additional pupils in each year group, with the first additional intake into Year 7 from September 2028.

The permanent expansion was approved by Cabinet in February 2023 and aims to meet the growing demand for secondary school places in the north of Hereford city.

The scheme will provide a new sports hall with changing facilities and a two-storey teaching block comprising of six classrooms, a music room and practice spaces, together with internal remodelling of existing facilities and associated external works. The plans also include a widened access route and a drop-off and pick-up area for vehicles.

The project is part of Herefordshire Council’s wider investment in education across the county, helping to ensure children and young people have access to modern, inclusive and high-quality education facilities that meet local need.

Councillor Harry Bramer, Cabinet Member for Community Services and Assets, said:

“The appointment of Morgan Sindall is great news for education in Hereford. The expansion of Aylestone School will provide a safe, inspiring environment for more students to thrive.”

Councillor Ivan Powell, Cabinet Member for Children and Families, added: 

“I’m delighted that a contractor has now been appointed and that work to increase capacity at Aylestone School is moving forward. This project is part of the council’s commitment to delivering high-quality, inclusive education facilities that meet the needs of our children and young people.”

Simon Robertson, Headteacher of Aylestone School, said: 

“I’m pleased that the expansion project has taken a significant step forward and is moving towards work starting on our school site. We will be working closely with Morgan Sindall to ensure that disruption is kept to a minimum while the construction work takes place. The new facilities will greatly enrich the learning environment for both current and future students. These spaces will not only support academic growth but also offer a wider range of opportunities for all who attend the school. We look forward to using the new facilities from the 2028 autumn term.”

Robert Williams, Area Director for Morgan Sindall in Central and Wales, said: 

“We’re over the moon to have be appointed to work on the expansion at Aylestone High School. Providing school spaces to Hereford’s growing community is a real priority for this project, and we can’t wait to deliver these exceptional facilities to students.

“We’re very much looking forward to getting to know the local community throughout construction and continuing to collaborate with Herefordshire Council.”