The £11 million building will be a three-form entry primary school serving the future community of the North West Cambridge Development and a local catchment.
The school will be the first primary-level university training school in England. It will deliver teaching, teacher-training and educational research.
The circular school building will have a central courtyard with learning clusters, flexible teaching rooms, communal areas and play spaces.
It has been designed by Marks Barfield Architects, creators of the London Eye, in close consultation with the University’s Faculty of Education and leading educational experts.
Closely linked to the University of Cambridge’s Faculty of Education, the primary school will join the well-established network of partner schools which work together to provide a PGCE programme that is rated by Ofsted as outstanding. The school will focus on exemplary teaching, high quality governance and innovative learning practice.
James Biddulph, headteacher, (pictured front right) said: “Our vision for the school is to create a high quality, inclusive and innovative learning environment that reflects the planned character of our school. We are thrilled to mark the start of works onsite and look forward to opening our doors to children and families in September 2015. ”
Professor Sir Leszek Borysiewicz, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cambridge (pictured front left) said: “Our major contribution in the long term has to be an unswerving commitment to sustain the quality of future teachers and educational systems both in the UK and worldwide. The primary school initiative supports the University’s mission to contribute to society through the pursuit of education and research at the highest levels.
Roger Taylor, Project Director for the North West Cambridge Development said: “The primary school design is a flagship part of the scheme and it will be the first building in operation as part of the development, opening at the start of the academic year before residents arrive. It will be a natural meeting point for local families and children, and is therefore an important part of building the community.”
The school will be a mixed-ability co-educational school for children aged four – 11. It will be highly diverse with no specific religious character, nor a particular faith ethos.
Willmott Dixon is the main contractor for the Primary School.
The three-form entry primary school will open in phases from September 2015 and will serve the development site and a local catchment.
Open Days
Open days for prospective parents for the school will take place on Saturday 15 November and Tuesday 2 December. Further information is available here.
Construction of the University of Cambridge Primary School began today, marked by a groundbreaking ceremony with the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Leszek Borysiewicz, as guest of honour.
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