Shrivenham Primary School celebrates opening of new location

Shrivenham Church of England Primary School was previously based on the High Street but has now officially reopened at its new building on Raven's Way in Shrivenham.

The £11 million building has been in the making for the last three years and is built to teach up to 315 pupils and 75 pre-school pupils, with 13 classrooms, outdoor play and dining areas, sports pitches, a forest school, and a studio.

Pupils were thrilled to finally cut the ribbon alongside local MP Charlie Maynard during the grand opening of the site on Friday, July 12.

Shrivenham Primary School pupils cutting the ribbon with local MP Charlie Maynard (Image: Faringdon Learning Trust)

“Today is such a joyful day for everyone in our school community as we mark the opening of our wonderful new school building," said executive headteacher Jude Scutt at the grand opening.

"Over the last 18 months, we have watched the plans on paper transform into this amazing school.  

"We are proud that our vision and values already permeate through our new school; we are excited to continue to flourish here.

"Excitedly, we are looking forward and keen to see what the future holds for everyone at Shrivenham C of E Primary School as we grow over time”.  

The £11 million project has been a long time coming for those who attended the first project meeting in February 2021.

Planning permission was then granted in August 2022, and building by ISG has been underway ever since.

Plans for the new site have been in the works since 2021. (Image: Faringdon Learning Trust)

The grand opening in July 2024 saw speeches from the Executive Headteacher, Faringdon Learning Trust, local councillors, and Oxfordshire County Council, and a colourful paperchain was hung over the entrance with one chain representing each child in the school.

“The new school buildings will have big educational benefits for pupils at Shrivenham Church of England Primary School," said Councillor John Howson, Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Young People's Services at Oxfordshire County Council

"The school has been designed to achieve net zero carbon, with sustainability features including an air source heat pump system, a large photovoltaic array system on the school roof, and electric vehicle charging points."

Faringdon Learning Trust Chief Executive, Richard Evans added: "Having visited the school multiple times over the past few weeks it is wonderful to see the children and staff embracing their school and starting to breathe life, creativity and a sense of community into the building."