Construction begins on new primary school in North Nuneaton
A brand-new primary school is set to become a reality for the community of North Nuneaton, as construction work begins this month Watling Meadows Primary School.
The £16.5 million scheme, funded by Warwickshire County Council (WCC) and delivered in partnership with Central England Academy Trust (CEAT), is being constructed by contractor, Speller Metcalfe, who has been appointed through the Constructing West Midlands framework.
Situated on Hayloft Way in St Nicholas Park, the school, which has been designed by Bond Bryan Architects, is being built on land allocated as part of the wider Callendar Farm housing development. With significant numbers of new homes being delivered in the area, is will provide essential additional places for local families, ensuring children in Nuneaton and Bedworth have access to high-quality education close to where they live.
Warwickshire County Councillor Stephen Shaw, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Finance and Property, said: “Watling Meadows Primary School represents a significant investment in the future of our children and the wider community and we are looking forward to working with Speller Metcalfe to deliver this inclusive, and inspiring learning environment. This project furthers our child friendly commitment to make Warwickshire a great place grow up and learn.”
Due to complete in early 2027, the school will provide a two-form entry setting, offering 420 places for pupils, with classes opening gradually year-by-year from 2026. The school will also include a dedicated nursery and a specialist SEND Resource Provision for up to 14 children with communication and interaction needs.
Beyond the classrooms, the school has been carefully designed to provide a welcoming, inclusive and inspiring environment for pupils of all ages. Features will include outdoor play areas for different year groups, protected by canopies to allow safe use in all weathers.
Sporting provision will be extensive, with grass pitches and a multi-use games area supporting a broad physical education curriculum. A dedicated Eco Explorers Zone will provide opportunities for nature-based learning, while landscaped grounds, sustainable planting and on-site water management measures will enhance biodiversity and create an environmentally responsible site.
The school will also benefit from a welcoming entrance plaza, safe pedestrian routes, and cycle storage to encourage active travel.
Central England Academy Trust’s CEO Andrew Dickinson said: “It’s a real privilege to be opening Watling Meadows Primary School as part of our Trust. This is a school designed with the community at its heart – a place where all children will be included and will feel safe, supported, and inspired to do their best.
“We’re committed to making sure every child who comes through the doors has the opportunity to thrive, and we’re excited to play a part in shaping a school that will serve local families for generations to come.”
Contractor Speller Metcalfe brings significant experience to the project, having delivered a wide range of educational schemes, including projects locally such as the University of Warwick, and the recent Stratford upon Avon School and Myton Gardens Primary School.
Mark Hudgeon, Divisional Director at Speller Metcalfe, said: “We are thrilled to be working on Watling Meadows Primary School, a project that will make a real difference to the local community. Speller Metcalfe has a long history of delivering educational schemes and we look forward to bringing this school to life, providing a safe and inspiring environment for pupils and staff alike.”
The beginning of construction marks a key milestone in preparing for the future of North Nuneaton, ensuring families benefit from first-class education provision as the community continues to grow.
Warwickshire is experiencing ongoing growth in demand for school places. Between 2011 and 2021 the county’s child-age population rose by nearly 10,000, an increase of almost seven per cent. Over the past decade, WCC has created more than 10,000 new permanent places through school expansions and the opening of 12 new schools. With further housing developments across the county, investment in new facilities such as Callendar Farm Primary School remains vital to meeting future need.
More information about the consultation process and how to respond can be found here: https://centralengland.co.uk/consultations/