Families turned out in force to a special event marking a milestone in the development of a new school in Nantwich.
Parents, grandparents and toddlers were invited to put their mark – quite literally – on the Kingsbourne Academy as construction continues ahead of its scheduled opening next September.
Armed with Sharpies, they lined up to sign a special plaque while civic dignitaries were invited on site to sign a steel column.
The school will begin by accepting children of reception age and parents living on the Kingsbourne estate are keen to secure a place.
Chris and Katie Dwyer, of nearby George Booth Grove, hope to land a place for son Zachary aged four.
“We’ve applied and hope to secure a place. We love living on Kingsbourne, it means our children can walk to school,” said the couple who have three children at Malbank.
Eleanor Godfrey, who has children aged five months and two, said: “We live on Henry Warren Place so it’s really convenient. We have our fingers crossed.”
Julie Ward brought along her two-year-old grandson Freddie.
“My son and daughter-in-law live on Kingsbourne and we have to say the prospect of a lovely new school on our doorstep is fantastic. Just what the town needs.”
Kingsbourne Academy will be a one-form entry primary school for 210 pupils.
It will be managed by North West Academies Trust which also runs Millfields Primary Academy and Acton CE Primary Academy in Nantwich as well as Calveley Primary Academy.
Boasting the best facilities inside the classroom as well as school grounds, Kingsbourne will provide an array of outdoor learning provisions, as well as an athletics track, multi-use sports field, and a kitchen garden.
Modern and stylish classrooms will be designed to provide an interactive hands-on approach to learning.
Anna Burton, a Cheshire East and Nantwich town councillor, said “This is an exciting time for Nantwich, with the first new school in over a decade now really beginning to take shape.
“It’s also in the heart of town allowing many children to walk to school reducing traffic at peak times which is good for them and the environment.
“Nantwich is now a large town and it’s much needed.”
Steve Docking OBE, CEO of North West Academies Trust, said: “This beam signing marks a really proud moment for everyone involved in Kingsbourne Academy.
“The school represents not just a new building, but a new opportunity for children, families, and the community of Nantwich.
“We’re delighted to be working alongside Cheshire East Council and Conlon Construction to bring this vision to life.”
Cllr Laura Crane, Chair of Cheshire East Children and Families committee, said: “It’s fantastic
to see the development of the school progressing well and on track to open next September – this is
going to be such an important investment and welcome addition to Nantwich.
“Engaging with local children and families in the area is a priority for us, to remind residents that this new academic provision is available, and to ensure that applications for reception places are
submitted ahead of the deadline on 15th January.
“Applications can be made via the school admissions page on our website.”
Building company Conlon has a team of around 30 engineers on site pushing ahead with the construction.
North West Academies Trust said the signing event celebrated a ‘milestone in the creation of Kingsbourne Academy, Nantwich’s brand-new primary school opening in September 2026.’
Children, given hard hats and mini high-vis vests for the occasion, lined up with their adults to ‘sign’ the plaque and be part of town history.
Applications for Kingsbourne Academy are via the Cheshire East admissions portal here:
https://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/schools/admissions/start-school-september.aspx
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