Parents and teachers got the chance to quiz the head teachers and directors of The Wren School as a series of public meetings helped to keep residents up to speed with their progress.

Head teacher Jo Broadhead told those at Monday night’s meeting how she would ensure that the right curriculum for “our students” would drive the school’s direction.

Mrs Broadhead said: “I am overwhelmed by the public support that has been shown to the Wren School. I cannot wait to be there on the first day to welcome the children into school.”

Despite ongoing negotiations on a site, leaders are confident that the former home of the Elvian School in Southcote Lane will be agreed in time for the first students.

Nils Franke, deputy project leader, estimated that more than 9,000 hours of work so far had gone into creating the new school which is set to open to its first cohort of up to 252 students in September. Due to the limited size of the desired site, an agreement between the school and Reading Borough Council would see pupils use nearby Prospect Park for outdoor sports and a possible bridge over the A4 would give safer access to the fields.

Plans are also in place to extend the opening hours of the school to give students a place they can go before and after regular school time to study, meet friends or take part in extra clubs.

Residents have until March 2 to give their views before the public consultation closes.