An £8m investment in Somerset children’s futures saw pupils and staff returning after the summer break through the doors of two brand new state of the art primary schools this week.

Somerset County Council invested over £8m in building two brand new Primary Schools in Yeovil and Bridgwater, which will provide over 600 school places in areas of growth.

Northgate School in Bridgwater opened its doors to reception, Year 1 and Year 2 children this week, with further nursery and pre-school places opening in January 2018.

Built with an investment of £5.4m, the local community is also set to benefit with an astro pitch, dance studio and hall available for local use.

Executive Headteacher Heather Good said: “It is just fantastic to be starting with a truly blank slate – the facilities are amazing, the classrooms are incredible – I feel very lucky to be here.”

The school currently has 43 children and the plan is for a new class to start each year until the school reaches its 420 capacity.

Somerset County Council also invested a further £2.8m to build Primrose Lane Primary School in Yeovil to meet the town’s growing demand for school places.

The school recently opened its doors following the completion of a eight-classroom project including nursery.

Councillor Frances Nicholson, Cabinet Member for Children and Families at Somerset County Council said: “We are determined that Somerset’s children should have the best start in life so making sure we build new schools and classrooms, particularly in areas of growth, is one of our essential tasks. I am really glad to see the two new schools open and wish the children and staff all the very best as they embark on their primary school years in their new schools.”

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For further information, please contact the Press Office on 01823 355020 or email pressoffice@somerset.gov.uk

Notes to Editors

• Last financial year Somerset County Council invested more than £16m building and maintaining schools in the county
• Photo attached shows pupils at Northgate Primary School enjoying their first week in their new school

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