THE Malvern Vale Primary School sod cutting marks the start of the £4million project in Link Top to build the newest school in town for more than 25 years.
Worcestershire County Council’s sod cutting of the newest school took place on Monday and is the beginning of the scheme to build a school next to Malvern Vale Community Centre on Swinyard Road.
The new school, which forms part of the Mercian Educational Trust, will be an expansion of the existing Somers Park Primary School, sharing head teacher Chris Hansen and resources but will have its own identity and uniform.
Malvern has been identified as an area in need of more school places and Vale Primary will increase capacity and accommodate pupils from the new housing developments under construction.
Mr Hansen said: “We are delighted that the build of the new school at Malvern Vale has begun and are looking forward to preparing it for our new starters in September 2017.
“It is an exciting opportunity for children, staff and the wider community, who will all have a significant role in shaping the education provided at Malvern Vale Primary School.
“As a part of the Somers Park family, we look forward to developing intelligent, resourceful, rounded and successful young people, who love learning and love coming to school.
“Malvern Vale Primary School will have its own identity and its own distinct uniform, but under a shared leadership we will be able to make best use of resources and expertise to ensure that all of the children in our schools get the very best educational experience.
“I’m looking forward to becoming a part of the community and most importantly, getting to know the children and parents of Malvern Vale Primary School.”
The project has been funded by the county council and project managed by Place Partnership.
Malvern Vale Primary will grow as each year group joins, taking it from reception through, in time, to Year 6 to accommodate up to 210 pupils.
Also the school will include hard play areas, a netball court, soft landscaping and access to an existing junior sports pitch.
There will also be a small car park for staff and disabled vehicle users as well as bicycle storage.
Coun Marc Bayliss, cabinet member for children and families at Worcestershire County Council, said: “Somers Park is a well-respected local community school and, I believe, under their stewardship will deliver outstanding educational outcomes to the children in Malvern within their new school buildings at Malvern Vale.
“We have worked with parents and schools to come to this decision as a response to the growing need for school places in the area and it will be a great asset for this growing community.”
