The Waterbeach development’s first primary school reached an important milestone in May, with contracts signed for Keir to construct Deneia Primary Academy.
The new primary school will grow with the new community, with capacity for three forms for each year group. The school will be run by Anglian Learning, who will also offer nursery provision, alongside primary education.
The school design includes a bio solar green roof system, which incorporates a multi-layer waterproofing protection. This roof will ensure requirements around site greening and Biodiversity Net Gain are met and supports the council and development’s ambitions related to decarbonisation and sustainability.
Cllr Edna Murphy, chair of the Children and Young People Committee at Cambridgeshire County Council, said: “We’re committed to giving Cambridgeshire’s children and young people the best start in life. Formally appointing Kier Construction represents another key milestone in our work, supported by Urban&Civic, to provide families in the growing community of Waterbeach New Town with a high-quality primary school, and early years provision, that are close to home.”
Current pupil forecasting data suggests the new school will be needed from September 2028, with construction expected to be complete well before the school is required to open.
The school building is targeted for completion in June 2027, after which it will be transferred to Anglian Learning allowing for the early years provision to potentially open in response to local demand, ahead of the school’s opening.
Rachael Johnston, Director of Primary Education of Anglian Learning, said: “We are tremendously excited to have reached this stage and look forward to seeing the fantastic new school building take shape over the next year. We expect to be offering nursery places to local families from September 2027, with the primary school opening its doors to pupils from September 2028. Over the coming months, we look forward to meeting parents and local families to share more information about how they can apply for a place.”
The school is being delivered through close collaboration between the County Council, Anglian and master developer Urban&Civic. Urban&Civic has designed and is delivering the plaza, which will sit alongside the school and provide an attractive, landscaped approach to the new school, with accessible seating, play spaces and communal areas for gathering and small events; so, the whole community can meet and enjoy time together in a natural setting.
The school plaza will be a car-free zone and provide safe and seamless links for those walking, cycling and scooting to school. As well as larger and more direct pathways, smaller and more informal paths will meander through woodland and landscaped planting, giving opportunities for play and adventure for children of all ages.
Fiona Reardon Rose, Communications and Partnerships Manager for Urban&Civic, said: “It’s fantastic to see work start on the development’s first primary school, which will sit at the heart of the new community. We’re looking forward to seeing the school and plaza come forward alongside other facilities and amenities to support existing and new residents.”
Parents who would like to register their interest in Deneia Primary Academy to receive updates can do so via deneiaprimary.org/register-an-interest/
We’re committed to giving Cambridgeshire’s children and young people the best start in life.
