Sherford’s first primary school, Sherford Vale, is now one step closer to welcoming pupils, with construction of the main buildings continuing to progress quickly. Marking a monumental milestone in the development of the Devon community, local dignitaries, members of the Sherford Consortium and the first Sherford Vale teachers met at the new town to celebrate the occasion.
Located at the heart of Sherford, and with construction starting in Autumn 2017, the first permanent school structures are in the process of being completed, including the main school building, first classrooms, as well as an outside play area. With the recent addition of a new roof, works will also soon focus on the school’s interior, with doors set to open to pupils from September 2018.
420 primary places will be available to children between the ages of 2-11 at Sherford Vale, with applications now open on the Devon County Council website. Representing a £6m plus investment into community infrastructure, the new school is being funded and constructed by the Sherford Consortium - the partnership of award-winning homebuilders, Bovis Homes, Linden Homes and Taylor Wimpey – with £1m also being pledged towards its creation by Devon County Council.
The new school will be sponsored and run by the Westcountry Schools Trust (WeST), which has a proven track record in education excellence locally, also running neighbouring Ivybridge Community College.
The first Sherford Vale teaching staff member, Miss May, along with CEO of Westcountry Schools Trust (WeST), Rob Haring, joined local dignitaries and the Sherford Consortium onsite to celebrate the milestone.
Rob Haring CEO of WeST, said: “It is fantastic to have reached this landmark moment and to see Sherford Vale taking shape - taking us one step closer to welcoming the first pupils. Even though Sherford Vale is still under construction, we have been very busy behind the scenes, recruiting staff, planning and developing the school curriculum, as well as designing and launching the new school uniforms.
“Our vision is focused on academic excellence and success for all children, and over the past few months, we have been meeting with local families to discuss their hopes for Sherford Vale. It is exciting to be at the heart of a new community in one of the region’s most picturesque areas, and we want children to ask questions and find solutions, while making full use of the great outdoors, helping and inspiring them to grow into confident young people.”
Brian Deacon, Sales and Marketing Director, Sherford Consortium said: “This is a major milestone for the development, and we are very proud to have reached this stage. Sherford Vale is set to become the hub of the new community and is one of four planned schools set to open in the next decade at the new town, including a secondary school.
Pupils and families will have access to a range of facilities, including parks, playing fields and a leisure centre, making it a perfect location for those looking for a new home near excellent schooling and open green space, within walking distance of homes. We are looking forward to completing Sherford Vale and opening its doors to the first pupils and their families in the very near future.”
Cllr Michael Hicks, South Hams District Council’s Lead Member for Sherford, said: “This is another great milestone for Sherford. Seeing the school coming out of the ground is just superb. Now, we are seeing a town emerge, whereas up until now it has been a collection of new houses. I can’t wait to celebrate the opening of the school in September and to see our vision for life at Sherford become a reality.”
For more information about Sherford Vale, including how to apply visit: www.sherfordvaleschool.co.uk.
To find out more about Sherford visit: www.sherford.org.
-ENDS-
References to “we”, “us” or “our” are to the part of the Vistry Group (including Linden Homes, Bovis Homes, Countryside Homes, Drew Smith, Vistry Ventures or one of Vistry’s joint venture companies) from which you are intending to purchase a new home. References to "you” and “your” are to the prospective buyer or buyers of a new home from us.
All images are used for illustrative purposes only and are representative only. They may not be the same as the actual home you purchase and the specification may differ. Images may be of a slightly different model of home and may include optional upgrades and extras which involve additional cost. Individual features such as windows, brick, carpets, paint and other material colours may vary and also the specification of fittings may vary. Any furnishings and furniture are not included in any sale. Please check with our sales consultants for details of the exact specifications available at the development(s) for each type of home and the associated prices.
