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Ground has been officially broken at the site of a new primary school in Northampton today (Tuesday, April 13).

Buckton Fields Primary School's new principal Hannah Rogers and representatives from Preston Hedges Academy Trust did the honours.

The Home Farm Drive school on the major housing development near Boughton is scheduled to open for its first cohort of reception children in September.

Ground-breaking ceremony for Buckton Fields Primary School. (L-R) Preston Hedges Academy Trust tech advisor Simon Shipp, chief executive Paul Watson, principal Hannah Rogers, contracts manager Liam Chapman, executive principal Caroline Stewart and Department for Education project manager Vicky Wibberley

The principal said: "I am thrilled to have the opportunity to open a brand new school and support the community of Buckton Fields, providing a unique and exceptional education.

"I now cannot wait to get to know our children and families and watch the building progress over the next few months, as I make exciting plans ready for opening!

"We have been overwhelmed with applications for September start and still have a limited number of spaces left."

Work started at Buckton Fields Primary School in September last year and Ms Rogers said the school will have a 'unique vision' of sustainability, being eco-friendly and developing children who want to make a positive difference to the planet.

Buckton Fields Primary School is due to open in September

The school will be opening with a ‘reading reef,’ a special under the sea-themed library area where children can read and listen to stories.

The state-of-the-art building will have a multi-use games area, two large hall spaces, a cooking room and an internet café-style space for projects and ICT.

The investment in technology will provide pupils with the chance to use virtual reality headsets, a drone, coding robots and much more.

Ms Rogers said: "The school will be at the heart of the community and I am looking forward to working closely with the amenities in the local area, to enhance our curriculum and build strong links within the community."

Reception children will have access to a large outdoor learning space to explore nature, problem-solve and develop their communication and social skills.

In addition, a wildlife area has been designed to enhance outdoor learning and provide children with the opportunity to study nature.

Ms Rogers added: "The well-being of our children is our highest priority and we will support our children to be confident, resilient and empathetic learners through our unique well-being curriculum and strong values."

To find out more, please visit the school website: https://bucktonschool.org.uk/.

Official ground-breaking ceremony for new Northampton primary school set to open in September