Two new schools open in Chelmsley Wood

Two new schools opened in Chelmsley Wood on Monday 7th September – Fordbridge Community Primary School and Coleshill Heath School.

The schools, which cost £18million to build, are part of the North Solihull Partnership’s continuing investment in the area.

As well as providing education in brand new buildings, the schools will be providing two school nurseries, two neighbourhood nurseries, two adult learning centres, plus sports pitches and multi-use games areas (MUGAs).

Councillor Bob Sleigh, leader of Solihull Council, said: “Both of these schools are testament to the Council’s commitment to providing the best education facilities for local children, while continuing our investment in the communities of North Solihull.

“Both schools look fantastic and will provide first-class learning environments for both staff and pupils. They will inspire teaching and give young children the best start in life and the chance to succeed.”

Councillor Joe Tildesley, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills & Culture, said: “This is not only a fantastic new era for education in North Solihull, but also an exciting boost for community facilities.

“I know teachers and pupils will make the most of these magnificent new schools, while the nurseries, adult learning centres and sports pitches will be warmly welcomed by local people.

“I would like to thank and praise our partners, Morgan Sindall, for helping Solihull Council continue to our investment plans into reality.”

The new Fordbridge Primary School has been built on the old Bennetts Well site, while the new Coleshill Heath School has been built on the former Alcott Hall site.

Rob Fletcher, headteacher at Fordbridge Primary School, said: “After watching the rapid progress of the building work, it’s wonderful to be able to begin the current academic year in a brand new school with superb, modern facilities, which are an amazing boost to our education resources.

“A new term can sometimes be a nervous time for pupils but I’m sure this will be the most highly anticipated and exciting start to a school term for all our children and staff.”

Nicole Fowles, headteacher at Coleshill Heath Primary School, said: “This is a wonderful day to start a new term by welcoming children, parents and staff into our fantastic new school.

“Not only will this building help provide a first-class learning experience for children, it will also become a valuable resource for people across the local area and further strengthen community spirit as we endeavour to provide the service this community needs and deserves.

“This building represents both hope for the future and a legacy that will stand the test of time.”

There will be 540 places at each school and two school nurseries each offering 40 full-time equivalent places, ‘Wraparound’ facilities for before and after school activities – while both adult learning centres will have community spaces.

The expansive sports pitches include three MUGAs, with community changing facilities designed into the scheme at Coleshill Heath.

The schools are the fifth and sixth new primary schools built, following the opening of the first school (Kingshurst) in 2008, as part of a 10-school programme of works.

They are part of North Solihull Partnership’s education investment plan which has seen £60million invested in replacing or refurbishing all the primary schools in the North of the borough – alongside new village centres at Chelmund’s Cross and Smith’s Wood.

Picture: Coleshill Heath School with Cllr Bob Sleigh, Cehlsea Parfitt (10), Jacob Partridge (8), Miss Nicole Fowles (Headteacher).