A NEW school is Newbury will be ready to welcome pupils in September next year, despite several delays. 

Highwood Copse, a primary school on the grounds of Newbury College, was originally supposed to open in September 2018. 

But high increases in building costs from the first contractor, Kier, led West Berkshire Council to switch to a different developer, Dawnus, instead. 

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However, Dawnus then went into administration, meaning the council had to choose a third developer to finish building the school. 

The third contractor, Feltham Construction, is planning on finishing the school this summer. 

Because of the delay and also weather damage, the building cost has increased by £1.7 million.

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Councillor Dominic Boeck (Con, Aldermaston), lead for education, said: “A good primary education is an important first step in helping children to reach their full potential. It’s something which is really important to us, so of course, it is exciting to see this school back on track.

“Feltham Construction is making great progress with the building, and we’re working closely with them and co-ordinating with the Academy Trust to ensure pupils and parents are well-informed in selecting their preferred places.”