An academy trust has been selected to run a new £9.3m ‘net zero’ primary school being built in the heart of south Leicestershire.
Discovery Schools Trust will run the 210-pupil newly named Wellington Place Primary School, previously dubbed ‘Airfield Farm School’, which is currently under construction off Airfield Road in Market Harborough on William Davis’ Airfield Farm housing estate.
The eco-friendly school will include teaching spaces for pupils with special educational needs, a multi-use play area, nature areas and parking and drop-off spaces. Bat and bird boxes will be installed to encourage wildlife.
In line with Leicestershire County Council’s green agenda, the state-of-the-art school will be ‘net zero in operation’ and will also feature green technology such as solar panels and air source heat pumps.
Providing new, innovative schools in key locations is a top priority for us as we strive to meet the rising demand for school places whilst ensuring high quality education settings are available for young people.
Building an inclusive and respective community were among the factors we prioritised when recommending a sponsor, and we are delighted that Discovery Schools Trust will be running the school when it opens next year.
With the trust currently running 13 primary schools and 2 SEND schools across Leicestershire, we are confident they will continue their great work in Market Harborough.>
Person:Councillor Deborah Taylor, county council cabinet member for children and families
It is always a huge privilege and responsibility to open a new school. We look forward to working with Leicestershire County Council to build a school of the 21st century that excites and challenges our children’s thinking.
Our aim is to make the new school the centre of the local community providing the excellence in education that Discovery is known for as well as our community programmes such as wrap-around care, holiday clubs and community partnerships.
Person:Paul Stone, CEO of Discovery Schools Trust
The school is expected to open its doors to a phased opening beginning in September 2024, in time for the new academic year. Applications for children starting school for the first-time next autumn can be made via the county council’s website by January 15.
Wellington Place Primary School is being built on behalf of Leicestershire County Council by contractor Willmott Dixon with what’s known as section 106 funding from developers William Davis and Taylor Wimpey and money from the Government’s Basic Need Funding for schools.