New School Opens In Market Harborough

Market Harborough’s first new school in over 20 years has opened today.

17 youngsters have started in the reception class at Wellington Place Primary School on the Airfield Farm housing estate.

Headteacher Cressida Knox told HFM it is a momentous day:

(L-R) Bernard Fitzgerald – Willmott Dixon site manager, Nathan Odom – Director of Estate for Discovery Trust, Les Henson from Willmott, Headteacher Cressida Knox & Ryan Kitchen from Willmott Dixon

The school on Airfield Road is part of the Discovery School Trust and is ‘eco-friendly’ with technology including air source heat pumps and solar panels used to provide power.

It includes teaching spaces for pupils with special educational needs, a multi-use play area, nature areas and parking and drop-off spaces.

Eight members of staff are initially working at the school, which will eventually accommodate 210 pupils with space for further expansion.

It has been built by Leicestershire County Council at a cost of over £9m, using developer and government funding, with Willmott Dixon carrying out the construction.

Cllr Craig Smith is cabinet support member for children and families at the county council:

Wellington Place Primary School