Pupils are settling into their new school in Tamworth

Published on Monday, October 28, 2024

Councilor Jonathan Price and Principal Mrs Sonia Burke

Students and staff are settling into their new surroundings at Garden Village Primary Academy as the school celebrates its first term.

The new school, located on Eagle Drive in Amington, Tamworth, offers multiple classrooms, staff offices and an indoor sports hall, as well as outdoor play areas and a large playing field.

The new £8 million two-storey 1FE school will provide 210 primary school places and 26 nursery places to meet demand from residents of nearby estates.

The highly energy-efficient design will ensure adequate daylight and natural ventilation of the building, while reducing carbon dioxide emissions and keeping energy costs low.

The new school is one of four to open in Staffordshire this year and is part of the authority’s wider investment of more than £30 million in schools.

Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for education, including SEND, Jonathan Price said:

“It was great to talk to the children and staff and hear first-hand how they were enjoying their new surroundings.

“It is important that our schools are suitable for future students and that having good facilities helps children learn. This new school is a vibrant, modern school with state-of-the-art facilities. It is also one of the most sustainable schools in the county, which will help achieve our goal of achieving net zero by 2030. I look forward to seeing the school grow over the next few years.”

The academy will be managed by Fiertè Multi Academy Trust.

Vice-chairman Tony Hand of the trust said:

“It has been an absolute privilege and a joy to see children and staff using the fantastic building and outdoor spaces since opening in September.

“Parents and community members who came to the open house also commented on how wonderful the facility and amenities are. We are extremely grateful for the efforts of everyone, including the builders, local authorities and Entrust, in delivering the project in partnership with the Trust.

“We look forward to filling the school with more children over time and providing the excellent education we strive for every day.”

Midlands contractor GF Tomlinson and architect and project manager Entrust worked with Staffordshire County Council to deliver the project.

Adrian Grocock, managing director at GF Tomlinson, said:

“It is an honor to complete our ninth program in partnership with Staffordshire County Council and Entrust, building on our long-standing relationships and our extensive experience.

“By improving the lives of young people from neighboring new developments who need places in primary schools and nurseries, Garden Village Primary Academy provides modern teaching and recreation spaces to improve the learning environment for students in the Amington area.”

The 1,580 m2 facility comprises nine classrooms, staff offices, an indoor classroom and catering facilities, as well as an outdoor playground to enable pupils to take part in a range of sporting activities.