A MULTIMILLION pound primary school has been built in Newbury and is expected to open to students next year.

West Berkshire Council (WBC), Newbury College Academy Trust and Feltham Construction Ltd confirmed the completion of the building work for the brand-new Highwood Copse Primary School this week.

Having identified a need for additional primary school provision in the area, WBC selected Newbury College Academy Trust (NCAT) to run the school, which has been built on the College campus on Monks Lane.

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Dominic Boeck, West Berkshire’s Executive Member for Children, Young People and Education said: “This is a milestone moment. "We have invested £7.7 million in Highwood Copse and are delighted with the result, which will provide a lasting legacy of learning.

“As the Local Education Authority, we are committed to providing the very best education for our children.

"Our commissioning of Highwood Copse is clear evidence of that.”

The Academy Trust said it is committed to ensuring that this new school provides outstanding teaching, learning, leadership and governance to meet the needs of children in the local area.

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The purpose-built school for children aged 4 - 11, which stands in its own dedicated grounds on the College campus, opens in September 2021.

The first intake will be for children in the Reception class, who will be the founder members of the school and will be joined by each new cohort of children as the school gradually expands to its full capacity.

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Chair of NCAT board and Principal of Newbury College, Iain Wolloff, said: “The Trust would like to thank West Berkshire Council for their fantastic contribution throughout the development and Feltham Construction Ltd for completing a stunning build.”

Mr. Wolloff continued: “This is an excellent opportunity to expand the provision of Primary School education in West Berkshire.

“We are delighted that Catherine Morley will be leading the school, alongside her leadership of two other outstanding local schools, and are excited to welcome Serraphina Robinson as Head of School.

"We are confident that the pupils from 2021 and beyond will have a fantastic experience as they are encouraged to explore and excel.”

Catherine Morley, Executive Headteacher, Highwood Copse, added: “We are thrilled to be able to start preparing the inside of the school for the learning journey and creating the finishing touches to ensure the children joining us in September 2021 are equipped with everything they need to succeed.”