New Colleges Plans to Open Second New School

New College Swindon plans to open a second new school in North Swindon.

On the back of their successful bid for a new secondary school and with encouragement from Swindon North’s MP, Justin Tomlinson, New College Swindon is leading a partnership to submit a bid for a new primary school. The partnership is comprised of experts in education with advice from the Government’s New Schools Network team. The partnership is also working closely with Swindon Borough Council, using population data provided by the council.

There is a projected shortage of primary school places in Swindon area due to rapid population growth and new housing developments. Swindon Borough Council has identified a need for more primary places, up to 25 forms of entry or 750 places by 2026 – and is fully supportive of this bid.

The Primary school will join the other New College Swindon sponsored free school, Great Western Academy (GWA) in a Multi Academy Trust. GWA is due to open in September 2018 and the primary school would complete the continuum of education in the area for children from 4 to 18.   Located next to the GWA site, the pupils will be able to share and access age-appropriate resources to enrich their teaching and learning.

If the bid is successful, Great Western Primary will open in September 2019. The plan is for a two-form entry (60 places) primary school, meaning that over time it will reach a capacity of 420 pupils. In addition, a much needed new nursery will be included in the bid.

Graham Taylor, Principal of New College: “We’re delighted to be submitting a bid for a primary school to be located next to Great Western Academy.  I am passionate about harnessing the use of technology to enhance teaching and learning and we have plans to link with innovative companies and gain a national reputation for best practice in our work in digital learning.  Pupil progress and results can be improved when great e-learning materials complement great teachers and this is something the school will strive to excel at.”

Justin Tomlinson, MP for North Swindon: “Having spent 10 years as a Councillor for the Northern Sector and now as the MP I know first-hand just how vital we remain one step ahead of demand for Primary School places.  With additional homes being built at Tadpole Farm, Abbey Farm and on St. Andrews Ridge demand will be strong and this bid provides an opportunity for fellow local residents to benefit from an exciting, established addition to our local school provision.  As with the Great Western Academy bid, I’ll very much be personally supporting the application.”

The partnership believe that Great Western Primary will create and promote a modern learning environment that inspires children to achieve high standards and become life-long, independent learners. The school’s ethos will be to develop all pupils as creative thinkers, inquisitive questioners, avid problem solvers and successful communicators with flexible and transferable skills.

Those looking for further information on the project or parents wanting to show their support for the bid are encouraged to visit http://www.greatwesternprimary.org or like us on Facebook Great Western Primary Academy bid (@GWPASwindon).