An artist’s impression of the new school

Work has started on the construction of Branston Locks Primary & Nursery School in Tatenhill, Staffordshire.

Contractor, Tilbury Douglas, has been appointed to lead the work on behalf of the Department for Education (DfE) for John Taylor Multi-Academy Trust (MAT).

The new-build, two-form entry primary school with nursery, situated in the proposed ‘local centre’ of a new residential/mixed-use development, is designed to eventually accommodate 420 primary school pupils aged 4-11 years and provide an additional 52 nursery places.

The school will open with one form of entry in September this year, admitting one reception class with 30 places and a nursery with 26 places for children over three years of age.

To meet the DfE’s sustainability objectives, the development is set to achieve net-zero carbon in operation at handover.

This will be achieved by utilising highly-energy-efficient fabric and services, offset by onsite renewables.

In addition, the landscaping will feature new trees and meadow planting around the site boundary, providing valuable habitat and increasing biodiversity, as well as creating spaces for outdoor learning.

The proposed external sports provision also includes new pitches and running tracks.

In addition to its core education use, the new school will look to become a vibrant community hub, with an activity studio, large main hall, and associated kitchenette and storage.