A major milestone has been reached in the transformation of education in Herefordshire’s Golden Valley, as construction begins on a brand-new building for Peterchurch Primary School.
The ambitious project, backed by a £10 million investment from Herefordshire Council, will see the existing school site redeveloped to accommodate a growing number of pupils.
The new facility will increase capacity from 105 to 140 students, reflecting the village’s evolving needs and the council’s commitment to supporting high-quality education in rural communities.
One of the standout features of the new school will be a dedicated ‘nurture hub’, designed to support children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). This inclusive space will provide a safe and supportive environment where every child can thrive, reinforcing the school’s ethos of care and community.
Following a competitive tender process, Tilbury Douglas, a leading UK building, infrastructure, engineering and fit-out business, has been appointed to deliver the state-of-the-art building.
The new school is expected to open its doors in autumn 2026.
Headteacher of Peterchurch Primary School, Mrs Nia Powell, said:
“We are absolutely thrilled to see our vision for a new school building coming to life. This marks a transformative moment for our entire community, a space designed not just for learning, but for inspiring creativity, collaboration, and a lifelong love of learning. It’s more than bricks and mortar; it’s a foundation for the future of our children."
Councillor Harry Bramer, Cabinet Member for Community Services and Assets, added:
“Today marks a significant step forward in our efforts to ensure every child in Herefordshire has access to modern, inclusive, and inspiring learning environments. Peterchurch Primary School is at the heart of its community, and this new building will help it continue to flourish for generations to come.”
Councillor Ivan Powell, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said:
“We are pleased to see the work starting on the new school building, in line with our priority to invest in education and provide children with a high-quality environment for their learning. We look forward to opening a new, modern and inclusive building that will benefit the children and families in the Golden Valley area from next autumn.”
David Tighe, Regional Director - West Midlands at Tilbury Douglas, commented:
“We are looking forward to working collaboratively with all key stakeholders to ensure we deliver this important education scheme to the highest standard.”