A topping out ceremony has taken place to mark the progress made on two new schools which will deliver state-of-the-art, sustainable learning environments for hundreds of pupils.
Becket Primary School and Pear Tree Infant and Nursery School are being fully rebuilt as part of the Department for Education’s (DfE) national School Rebuilding Programme (SRP).
The £20 billion programme carries out major rebuilding and refurbishment projects at school and sixth-form college buildings across England, with buildings prioritised according to their condition.
Derby City Council successfully applied to the DfE to request the schools were included in the programme. Since then, the Council has been working closely with both schools and in support of the DfE to get the schemes underway.
The projects, which began last summer, are being managed and funded by the DfE, with Tilbury Douglas appointed as the contractor. Both new schools are expected to be completed and ready to welcome pupils for the new school year in September 2026.
The schemes will deliver modern, purpose-built school buildings designed to current specifications and standards. Key features for both schools include new classrooms built to improved modern specifications, new facilities including kitchens, halls, library spaces, and group rooms, and new external play and PE spaces. To meet robust environmental standards, both schools are designed to be net-zero-carbon in operation.
Councillor Paul Hezelgrave, Derby City Council Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Skills, said:
We are delighted to see work progressing on these fantastic new schools. This investment from the DfE will provide modern, fit-for-purpose buildings that our children deserve, built to the highest modern specifications.
This is an investment in the long-term future of our city, providing inspiring spaces that will benefit generations of Derby pupils, staff, and the wider community for decades to come.
Chris Loach, East Midlands Regional Director for Tilbury Douglas, the construction company working on the project, said:
It was a pleasure to mark this important milestone alongside some of the students who will soon benefit from the new, purpose-built facilities. Once complete, both developments will provide quality, sustainable environments for teaching and learning, benefiting pupils and the wider community.
The rebuilding work involves specific site moves for both schools. Becket Primary School is being rebuilt on its existing playing field. Once the new building is complete, the current structures will be demolished, and a new playing field will be laid out.
MP for Derby North Catherine Atkinson, Derby City Councillors Sue Bonser and Carmel Ashby with Becket Primary School headteacher Ashley Guest and school staff
Pear Tree Infant and Nursery School is relocating to the playing field of the neighbouring Pear Tree Community Junior School. This scheme will also include a brand-new Nursery unit, following the school’s merger with Walbrook Nursery School. After the new Infant and Nursery school is complete, the former Infant school will be demolished and replaced with a new playing field for the Junior School, which the Infant and Nursery school will also be able to use.
Bindy Suddhi, headteacher at Pear Tree Infant School, said:
I feel deep pride and optimism around this topping out ceremony marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the school and the wider community. Our school proudly serves a diverse and vibrant community, and this new building will provide our pupils with inspiring spaces to learn, grow, and thrive.
This development strengthens our pledge of excellence and our pride in aiming high for every child in every way. The new building project represents a significant investment in the future not only for current pupils but for generations to come.
Ashley Guest, headteacher at Becket Primary School, added:
I’m absolutely delighted to share this moment with our children, families, staff, and wider community — a moment that represents growth, ambition, and a bright future for our school.
This purpose-built space is designed to elevate every aspect of our children’s learning and well-being. It features modern classrooms, flexible learning areas, and cutting-edge technology, creating an environment where curiosity is nurtured and every child can thrive.
We’re also thrilled to be expanding our outdoor and physical education provision. Our Forest School programme, which has been a huge success, will be further supported by new outdoor learning areas. We look forward to welcoming everyone into the new space when it’s complete.