New primary school could open by 2025, say council

Residents have been invited to share their views on a proposed new 420-space primary school in a township currently being built.

The school will serve the families moving into the Great Haddon development in the south of Peterborough between the A1(M) and Hampton, near Yaxley.

Later this autumn, potential academy trusts will be invited to submit their bids to run the new school, which is expected to be signed off by the Secretary of State for Education in spring 2025, and construction could begin in June next year.

The new school will be the first the city council will deliver via the free school presumption route, which means it will be a state-funded academy school, independent of local authority control, and will receive its funding from the Government.

The primary school will potentially open one reception class of up to 30 children in September 2025, initially at a temporary location nearby.

It is expected to open in September 2026 and will provide places for 60 children in each year group.

Labour Councillor Katy Cole, cabinet member for children’s services at Peterborough City Council, said: “Great Haddon is set to be our city’s newest and largest township, and as such, we need good quality schools for this community to thrive.

“We are inviting residents and other stakeholders to have their say on the new school. It’s important that everyone’s views are captured, so that we can consider all this information in the final specification.

“Once the Secretary of State for Education signs off the plans in the spring, we can begin on the task of building and opening the new school.”

More than 5,000 homes are being built at the Great Haddon development on Peterborough City Council land, just outside Yaxley.

Once finished, the township is expected to provide 9,000 jobs, four schools - three primary and one secondary - three shopping centres and sports facilities.

Previously, Yaxley residents claimed the developer, Vistry Group, had not made provision for additional services, including another GP practice.

The first homes have already been built, and the first residents moved in during spring this year.

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