The construction of a 420-pupil primary school development in Bicester has been completed.

The school, at Graven Hill, is being handed over to the Warriner Multi Academy Trust to welcome children from Monday, September 11. 

Delivered on a three-acre site and funded by the Graven Hill development, the school was constructed by Kier on behalf of Graven Hill Village Development Company (GHVDC) and Oxfordshire County Council.

READ MORE: Oxfordshire developer to build 420-pupil primary school

Adrian Unitt, operations director at GHVDC, said: “We have overcome huge challenges in the UK construction industry, from significant inflation of costs to access to materials, so it is fantastic that we have succeeded in delivering the primary school prior to the occupation of the 550th home at Graven Hill.

“Designed to promote collaboration and flexible learning, the new school will enhance the great sense of community spirit here.

“With a focus on great architecture, the building has been designed to reduce energy and water consumption, enhance ecology, protect biodiversity and maximise natural ventilation.”

The two-form entry school is being run by the Warriner Academy Trust.

It provides 12 classrooms, specialist facilities for art, design and technology and more than 13,000 square metres of pitches, play and multi-use games areas.

The early years facility will accommodate a further 90 pupils aged between 2-4 years in three classrooms, with dedicated facilities and play areas.

The capacity of the site also enables the school to expand to three-forms of entry in future.

Annabel Kay, CEO of the Warriner Multi Academy Trust, said: “We are so excited by the opportunity to work closely with members of the Graven Hill community to ensure that the primary school is one that we are all proud of and, most importantly, one where our children can thrive.

Calum Miller, cabinet member for finance and property at Oxfordshire County Council, said: “I know how much residents in Graven Hill have been looking forward to the opening of their primary school.

“A school stands at the heart of its community so this marks an important point in the development of Graven Hill.

“Thank you to the team who have worked so well together to deliver the school at the start of the new academic year. I hope it will be the home of many happy memories for pupils – this year and for many years to come.”

The building has been designed with enhanced thermal values and high-performance materials to the principles of Net Zero Carbon and achieved a BREEAM Very Good rating.

The photovoltaic panels will also provide power to the local grid when the school is not in use.

 

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This story was written by Matthew Norman, he joined the team in 2022 as a Facebook community reporter.

Matthew covers Bicester and focuses on finding stories from diverse communities.

Get in touch with him by emailing: Matthew.norman@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter: @OxMailMattN1