Speller Metcalfe signs off on £2.4m Hereford school project

Work to extend an ‘over capacity’ Herefordshire primary school has been completed in time for the coming school year.

The project saw two extra classrooms built at Hampton Dene Primary in Hereford, after figures produced by Herefordshire County Council showed the school’s SEND provision was around 50% over-subscribed.

Plans were submitted in March 2025.

Alongside the new classrooms, the project has delivered a dedicated quiet room to support one-to-one learning, and a new meeting room for parents, carers, therapists and external professionals. In addition, two new gardens have been created designed to encourage sensory exploration and therapeutic learning at the school’s dedicated language and communication centre.

Councillor Harry Bramer, Cabinet Member for Community Services and Assets, said the project had been completed on time and within budget.

“These new facilities are an asset for the Hampton Dene Primary School community and will provide modern, inclusive and sustainable education facilities for the pupils and staff for years to come,” he said.

Submitting its plans last year, Herefordshire council said it was investing the money to meet a rise in SEND pupils, which was “expected to continue into the future”.

Speller Metcalfe was appointed to the scheme in September, and work got under way on the project in October.

Liz Kearns, Headteacher of Hampton Dene Primary School, added: “We are pleased to have worked in partnership with the Council and Speller Metcalfe to bring this project to life. The new facilities have enhanced our provision at Hampton Dene and will help us to provide our children with the very best care and education within the local community.”