A new primary school has opened in Nantwich, welcoming its first class of 19 Reception pupils.

Kingsbourne Academy, built as part of the Kingsbourne development, opened its doors to pupils on Monday, 7 September. The school will add a new Reception intake each year as it grows towards its planned capacity of 210 children.

The academy is led by founding head of school Sally Burns and has joined North West Academies Trust, which operates 14 primary and secondary schools across Cheshire and Shropshire.

Specialist support included

The new campus includes modern classrooms, specialist teaching spaces, a large hall, a library and extensive outdoor areas. It also has dedicated resource provision offering specialist support for children with special educational needs and disabilities.

Cheshire East Council said the school had been created to help meet demand for primary places as the surrounding community grows.

Our first 19 pupils will always have a very special place in the history of Kingsbourne Academy.

Mrs Burns said welcoming the first children had been a special moment and described the opportunity to shape a new school community as a privilege.

Councillor Laura Crane, Cheshire East Council's cabinet member for children and families, said the academy would provide much-needed places for local families and become an important part of the community.

School designed to grow with the community

The school was delivered by Conlon Construction. Guy Parker, the company's chair and managing director, described it as an important investment in the growing Kingsley Fields community.

Steve Docking OBE, chief executive of North West Academies Trust, said opening a brand-new school was a rare opportunity and welcomed the founding families, staff and pupils.

The phased opening means the academy will expand gradually as successive Reception groups join, allowing it to build its pupil community year by year.

Further details and the council's original announcement are available from Cheshire East Council.

This report is based on information and an image supplied by Cheshire East Council.