Wellington Gate development sees new primary school opened

Wellington Gate, in Grove, marked the unveiling of St John’s C of E Primary School with a special event.

The organisation behind the new school and the homes, Persimmon Wessex, were among those in attendance

Joining them were the Bishop of Dorchester and county, district, and parish councillors.

Rick Holroyd, executive Headteacher at St John’s CofE Primary School, said: "We were thrilled that Persimmon, as the builder behind our wonderful new school, could attend its opening alongside the many people and organisations that helped make this happen for our pupils, teachers, and staff.

"It was a proud moment for us and the Vale Academy Trust to show off what the school has accomplished in its initial months and look forward to the day when we have our full complement of pupils who, so far, love being here.

“It was a treat for us staff and visitors as well the pupils themselves as they were able to sing the song they had been learning for all our guests and to unveil the beautiful sculpture that will welcome us all to the school each day."

Guests received a tour of the school as the pupils sang a song.

The event concluded with the Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire revealing a sculpture by artist Sharon Rich.

The new sculpture at Wellington Gate (Image: Persimmon)

Having welcomed its initial cohort of pupils in September, the school and attached nursery will continue to expand its year groups until full.

Subsequently, children will progress to a secondary school which the builders are constructing on land provided by Persimmon, with an opening set for September 2025.

Once the Wellington Gate development is completed, it will feature 2,500 homes.

Currently available for purchase are three and four bedroom properties, starting at £334,995.

Persimmon Wessex has also committed to creating a community hub, sports facilities, play pitches, ecological and community parks, allotments and orchards.

Persimmon regional managing director, Julian Roper, said: "We’re delighted with the progress we’ve made at Wellington Gate and are thrilled to see the new primary school thriving in its first year, and only goes to show the benefit that can arise from building the homes local communities need.

"The parents of St John’s pupils will be from the local community and many will be able to benefit from the affordable homes that we are building.

"Housebuilding in the area, in turn, will allow those children who grew up here to stay here as adults, building their own families."