BUILDING work has started on a new primary school for Worcester.

North Worcester Primary Academy and pre-school will open next September on land which was the former park and ride site in Perdiswell.

The new primary was created to cater for the over-subscribed catchment area in North Worcester after pupils struggled to find places at schools near their homes.

The new school will be the eleventh school to join the Rivers CE Academy Trust and the trust has promised it will be an ultra-modern school building with landscaped gardens, including a year-round astroturf sports field, as well as a large and well-established forest school area.

Kate Brunt, CEO of the Rivers Trust said: “We are so excited to see building work commence.

"The new school will be a wonderful place to teach, learn and have fun.

"Classrooms will be spacious and light, with specialist subject rooms for regular practical activities.

"A fully functional kitchen will allow delicious fresh meals to be prepared and served on-site.

"The latest resources in every classroom will assist best teaching practice, including age-specific library areas and inter-connected break out rooms for one-to-one support.”

Sian Williams, executive headteacher of NWPA and headteacher of nearby school Northwick Manor Primary said: “NWPA will give local children the opportunity to learn in a fresh and modern environment, within a small and nurturing community.

"We are extremely proud that our learning will follow the ‘Rivers Curriculum Principles’, which have been developed through work with Professor Mick Waters, former Director of Curriculum at the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority.

"We will offer the very best start for our reception and pre-school pupils.”

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The school will have an initial intake of 60 reception pupils and up to 26 pre-school children. Parents are able to apply now for the school.

Other schools in the trust are Cranham Primary School, Cutnall Green CofE Primary School, Great Witley CofE Primary School, Heronswood Primary School, Northwick Manor Primary School, St Clement’s CofE Primary School, St Clement’s Pre-School, NWPA, Wychbold First and Nursery School and St Peter’s Droitwich CofE Academy.

The park and ride scheme was scrapped by Worcestershire County Council in 2014 to save money.