Work to start on new primary school near Oundle

Kings Cliffe Endowed Primary School is to hold the ceremony on Friday (March 11).

The new school model was introduced last September by Northamptonshire County Council, which it says will improve educational outcomes for pupils and introduce a smoother transition for students from primary school to secondary school.

The move, which saw the closure of King John School in Thrapston, led to protests at the time.

A £22m building programme will enable schools to accommodate the changes and the associated increase in pupil numbers and in Kings Cliffe a new primary school is being built on the site of the former middle school.

Other improvement works include new buildings at Prince William School, an extension at Thrapston Primary School and new facilities at Titchmarsh Primary School.

Kings Cliffe Endowed Primary School, formerly a lower school, now takes pupils aged four to 11 and has increased its admission number from 25 to 30 per year group.

County council cabinet member for learning, skills and education Cllr Matthew Golby said: “This is an exciting milestone for the new Kings Cliffe Endowed Primary School, where the staff and pupils will soon be able to benefit from a modern, fit-for-purpose learning space.

“The new school will feature seven classrooms, a main hall for sport and drama, a kitchen serving hot meals, a playground and playing field for outdoor learning and play, and an early years facility.

“This project represents significant investment from the county council in partnership with the school, the governing body and the trustees with a view to giving local children the very best education, and I look forward to seeing the new school take shape.”