Children, teachers and the team from developer St Edward marked the official opening of Green Park Village Primary Academy - and the start of the autumn term - today with a celebratory balloon release in the new school's grounds at Green Park Village, St Edward's landmark scheme of homes and community facilities ten minutes' drive from the centre of Reading.
Delivered by St Edward for residents of this new neighbourhood as well as for the wider Reading community, the school is a primary academy and part of REAch2 Academy Trust. This year, 60 Reception children have been the first to enjoy the modern building and its outdoor space. When full, the school will cater for 420 pupils in total, aged from two to 11 years including Nursery.
In keeping with Green Park Village's sustainability credentials, the children released biodegradable balloons to celebrate the special occasion.
Jonathan Smee, Production Director, said: "The opening of the Primary Academy is a real landmark for Green Park Village and its place in the Reading community. St Edward's vision is to create a fantastic new neighbourhood for everyone to enjoy and use - for living, working and playing. The delivery of the new school shows our ambition really coming to life. We're exceptionally proud of progress and the environment created to date.
"After a challenging year for teachers, parents and children, everyone at St Edward is so pleased to have now been able to hand over the keys to the Academy for its very first pupils, who already seem to be settling in and enjoying their new learning space!"
Alongside the school and other public amenities including a market square, community hall, woodland walks and trim trails, Green Park Village comprises a variety of homes in a lakeside setting - from modern one-bedroom apartments to four-bedroom, New England-inspired houses. Prices start from £292,000 for a one-bedroom apartment at Bankside Gardens - the most recent neighbourhood of new homes - and from £559,500 for a three-bedroom house at Green Park Village. Potential buyers interested in learning more about the homes at Green Park Village can arrange a private appointment by visiting greenparkvillage.co.uk or calling 01183 218467.
To find out more about admissions for next year's intake at Green Park Village Primary Academy, visit greenparkvillageacademy.org.