A new school built on the site of Cheshire’s former Woodford Aerodrome has welcomed its first pupils in time for the 2022-23 academic year.
Boasting state of the art facilities, Woodford Primary School has been funded by us and will serve families on our newly developed Woodford Garden Village, near Wilmslow.
Initially providing 30 reception class places – along with 20 places for pre-school pupils - it’s set for continued expansion, with eight classrooms, a library, school hall, specialist teaching areas and landscaped playgrounds.
At the ribbon-cutting opening on Friday (September 30) Head of School Elise Drake said the school will reach capacity in 2028, with an expected 230 pupils.
“Our official opening marks an important day in the school’s history, and we now look forward to serving our local community for many generations to come,” said Mrs Drake.
“The first few weeks have gone really well, and the children are settling in brilliantly.
“Woodford Primary pupils are encouraged to ‘Dream Big’ so they can ‘Fly High’ and they are already showing themselves to be inquisitive learners who are eager to find out more about the world around them.”
The school, part of the Laurus Trust, is the latest addition to Woodford Garden Village which offers a wide range of accommodation, from apartments to premium five-bedroom homes from our award winning Heritage Collection.
The development also provides residents with an array of amenities, including traditional village greens, shops and sports facilities.
Jason Newton, managing director for our North West division, said: “From the very outset, the new school has been an integral part of our plans.
“Alongside other key additions such as a new public house and multiple play and open areas of green space, it will serve not only the residents of our development but also the wider community.”
The contract to build the school was awarded to Conlon Construction who began work on the historic aerodrome site in August 2021.
Darren Lee, commercial director for Conlon Construction, said: “We applied decades of education experience to this project, but it’s still a pleasure to see a new school welcome its first generation of pupils and staff. Its purpose-built facilities will deliver a fulfilling experience to all those who attend by encouraging its learners to aim high and be the best they can be. Woodford Primary School is an asset to local families and central to creating a thriving and sustainable community.”
The 205-hectare Woodford Garden Village is the first garden village of its kind to be built in the north of England for decades and one of the region’s largest brownfield sites. The sensitive blueprint combines 920 new homes (around 500 of which are already occupied) a pub, shops and an extensive network of green spaces including children’s play areas, cycle pathways, parks, meadows and extensive tree planting.
We have pledged Section 106 commitments totalling more than £9.6 million, including £3.5 million for the new primary school. On top of this, more than £25,000 has already been shared by numerous community groups such as scouts, guides, sports clubs and local schools via a series of voluntary community funds.
To find out more about the homes currently available visit the Woodford Garden Village development page or visit the sales centre, open seven days a week, from 10am-5.30pm Tuesday to Sunday and from 12pm to 5.30pm on Mondays.
