A new primary school has opened in the Bristol North Fringe to serve the growing demand from housing developments surrounding the former Filton Airfield.
Charlton Wood Primary Academy in Charlton Hayes was officially opened on Friday 13th September by head teacher Neil Lankester and South Gloucestershire Council’s Cabinet member for schools, skills and employment, Cllr Erica Williams.
The school has been built on the Northfield part of the former airfield in Charlton Hayes, Patchway at a total cost of £6.25m and is being run by the Endeavour Academy Trust. It has been funded from Section 106 contributions that the council secured from housing developers who are building new homes on the former airfield.
In its first year, Charlton Wood Primary Academy is providing places for 90 pupils in Reception and Year One. Each year, 60 additional places will be created at the school until pupil intake reaches a maximum capacity of 420 in 2025.
Cllr Williams said:
“It is fantastic to see this state-of-the-art new school open to its first intake of students, in the heart of this new and growing community. Improving educational standards is our number one priority in South Gloucestershire and we want to make sure that our pupils have the best school facilities available that we are able to provide.”
Headteacher Neil Lankester said:
“The children have made a really great start to the school year and it has been lovely to finally see them engaging in learning on our fantastic site. Our founding families have been very supportive and we look forward to the year ahead!”
South Gloucestershire Council’s Cabinet has approved a record £78 million investment into schools over the next four years, funding the creation of new schools as well as capital improvements to a number of existing school buildings.
Photos – Top: Headteacher Neil Lankester cuts the ceremonial ribbon. [View hi-res on Google] Above: External view of the school in Borkley Street, Charlton Hayes.
This article originally appeared in the October 2019 issue of the Bradley Stoke Journal magazine (on page 29). The magazine is delivered FREE, EVERY MONTH (except August), to ALL 8,700 homes in Bradley Stoke. Phone 01454 300 400 to enquire about advertising or leaflet insertion.
