A major expansion project has been completed at Sherford Vale School & Nursery, which has seen a new wing added to the building to double its capacity.

The teams delivering the project handed the finished facility over to Westcountry Schools Trust (WeST) in an official ceremony which enabled pupils and families to explore the new space.

The school expansion was funded by the Sherford Consortium – a partnership between award-winning national housebuilder, Taylor Wimpey, and Vistry Group, which includes Linden Homes, Bovis Homes, and Countryside Partnerships – and was supported by Devon County Council.

The construction was led by Devon Contractors and designed by Stride Treglown Architects.

The 10-month construction project saw a second wing added to the school building and the creation of new high-quality facilities, state-of-the-art equipment, and indoor and outdoor learning and play spaces.

The new structure mirrors the existing classroom wing, with a pitched roof and a central corridor.

Indoors, there are eight new classrooms, plus workspaces, cloakrooms, and toilets, while outside is a new play area and gazebo, which add to the school’s expansive playgrounds and green space.

In increasing the size of the school, it takes Sherford Vale from one-form entry to two-form entry to meet the needs of the growing town.

And it now has the potential to hold up to 460 pupils between the ages of 2-11.

While elements of the work were carefully scheduled to take place during holidays to minimise disruption, much of the construction took place within term time and pupils took an active and keen interest in the work.

And Sherford Vale staff worked closely with Devon Contractors to make the most of this opportunity and turn it into a learning experience.

Peter Sadler, managing director of Vistry Cornwall South West, part of the Sherford Consortium, said: “The expansion of Sherford Vale is a major moment in the development of Sherford; needing to expand the school because the demand for places is there, shows how Sherford is growing and progressing.

“To have such a well-regarded and popular school on the doorstep is a huge advantage in this community, and doubling its capacity means even more families can benefit now.

“This is another step forward for Sherford as we shape and support the future of the town, and it’s particularly fitting that this is a facility that will shape and support the future of Sherford’s youngest residents.”

Nigel Whelan, director at Devon Contractors, added: “We are thrilled to have been the contractor delivering the extension to this vital facility.

“The expansion will provide more opportunities for children to attend school in the local area.”