South Gloucestershire Council (SGC) has announced that the primary school planned for the Cheswick Village new neighbourhood will be the district’s first new primary academy.
The new school, for which the Council has budgeted £5.4m, is to be sponsored by the Cabot Learning Federation (CLF).
The Secretary of State confirmed today that the CLF will oversee the planning, development and operation of the new primary academy on the former Wallscourt Farm land, working closely with the nearby University of the West of England (UWE).
It is hoped that the 420-place academy will be operational from September 2013, helping to meet the growing demand for primary school places in the local area.
South Gloucestershire Council Executive Member for Children, Young People and Families Sheila Cook said:
“This is great news for South Gloucestershire and for the families set to move into the Cheswick Village development in the coming years.”
“Cabot Learning Federation has an excellent track record in delivering high quality education and I am sure that, in partnership with UWE, they will make sure the new school is a resounding success.”
CLF Executive Principal David Carter said:
“We are delighted to have been given this opportunity and look forward to working with our partners to deliver the new school.”
“We will have four Primary Academies in CLF and this latest addition to the Federation is a very welcome development.”
Professor Ron Ritchie, Pro-Vice Chancellor of UWE Bristol said:
“This exciting opportunity will enable UWE to engage with its neighbouring community in innovative ways that should have benefits for all involved, young and old.”
Construction work on the new Cheswick Village development began in 2008 and it is expected that it will be completed by 2015 with some 700 homes.
The need for a primary school to serve the new community was confirmed as part of early discussions for the development.
A planning application for a neighbourhood centre at Cheswick Village, including retail, nursery, recreation and residential elements is currently being considered by SGC.
Re: “Cheswick Village will be completed by 2015 with some 700 homes”
The SGC press statement originally said “some 1,800 homes” but was revised to “some 700 homes” after I queried it.
I’m not sure that the revised figure is correct either, as the outline planning permissions granted are for 900 homes (South Gloucestershire Council) and 300 homes (Bristol City Council), suggesting a total of 1,200 homes.
Dear Editor, undoubtedly officers have quoted the “around 700” figure as the number of dwellings has been reduced from the 900 detailed in the the outline planning permission for the development in South Glos (PT04/0684/O). Further applications have still to be determined.
I am happy to seek clarification if you wish.
T