Contractor appointed to build two Grimsby schools

The schools, sited close to Matthew Telford Way in Scartho, and on land off Sunningdale in Waltham, have been commissioned by North East Lincolnshire Council working in partnership with EQUANS and will, once open, be run by Lincolnshire Gateway Academies Trust (LGAT).

The announcement follows a tender process, where contractors could bid to win the project to build Waltham Gateway Academy and Scartho Gateway Academy.

Hobson & Porter are an award-winning construction firm based in Hull, with significant experience on education projects.

Councillor Philip Jackson, Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, said:

“It’s great to see this project now progressing, with a building contractor appointed and getting on site. Over the coming months we’ll start to see things happening on site and that’s fantastic.

“These two schools will provide some much-needed additional education provision for children in our area.”

Martin Brown, Chief Executive Officer of Lincolnshire Gateway Academies Trust, appointed to run free schools Waltham Gateway Academy and Scartho Gateway Academy, said: 

“We’re delighted the council has appointed contractors and look forward to the builds quickly taking shape.

“We’re excited about working with partners to create dynamic learning and teaching environments and look forward to welcoming our first children at both academies in September, 2025.

“Much more detail for prospective parents will be revealed in September.”

Joe Booth, Business Development Director for Hobson & Porter said:

“Winning these two contracts is testament to both our experience working in the education sector and our continued growth across Lincolnshire, where we have established a strong and diverse local supply chain.

“We’ve recently started work on the new £12m Skegness Learning Campus for the TEC Partnership and we also currently delivering the pioneering Grimsby Youth Zone project in the town centre. 

“These two new primary schools in Grimsby are also very similar to one we are due to handover to North Yorkshire County Council in Northallerton this summer. We’ll be utilising all this experience on these two latest education projects and we’re looking forward to starting work on site soon.”

Stephanie Ledgerwood, Head of Professional Services at Equans, said:

“Equans will continue to support the council through the proceeding design and construction phases of the build of the two new schools. I’m delighted a building contractor has now been appointed and I am excited to see the builds start to take shape. It will be fantastic to welcome students through the doors next September.”

The primary schools are being funded by North East Lincolnshire Council, the Department for Education and through Section 106 developer contributions.

The two schools will offer much-needed school places for children aged four to 11. Each school will offer 210 places for students, including specialist provision for 12 students with special educational needs and disabilities.

As part of ongoing engagement with the community, North East Lincolnshire Council and Hobson & Porter will issue further updates as the project progresses.

The two academies will open in September 2025, with admission details for parents being released this Autumn.