Plans announced for new primary school near Oxfordshire town

Plans have been announced for a new primary school as part of a major housing development.

The school will be built by Dorchester Living at Heyford Park, a development on site of the former RAF station in Upper Heyford.

It will accommodate up to 315 pupils from reception to Year 6 and will include a nursery with space for 75 children.

The school will be built to the principles of BREEAM Very Good, highlighting sustainable building design and operation, and achieve a net zero carbon standard by using solar panels and ground source heat pumps.

Paul Silver, CEO of Dorchester Living, said: "This new school is a vital addition to the community infrastructure we’ve been sensitively developing here at Heyford Park.

"Delivering a net zero, BREEAM-aligned school shows our commitment to excellent education and sustainable development.

"It’s more than just a school; it’s a long-term investment in the environment and future of the growing community.

"By building on the strong foundations of our existing all-through school on top of the variety of amenities and facilities already delivered, we’re ensuring that children at Heyford Park have access to outstanding education, recreation, and leisure facilities.

"With a range of facilities, including tennis courts, play areas, outdoor table tennis and football table, and outdoor mini libraries combined with a variety of community activities including Scouts, badminton clubs, football clubs, martial arts, dance classes, it will help support an active, ambitious and close-knit community.

"We can only hope residents of Heyford Park are looking forward to the inspiring new addition to our community, as we are."

The primary school will be located near 20 hectares of parkland and will feature sports pitches.

An existing Victor Alert Shelter will be refurbished and converted into a covered play space, as part of the site’s RAF and USAF heritage.

The shelter will also be incorporated into a forest school and library garden.

Dorchester Living said the school will support active travel by encouraging families to walk or cycle, reducing dependence on cars.

The project follows the developer’s delivery of an all-through school at Heyford Park, which already provides nursery, primary and secondary education.

The new primary school will complement existing facilities and increase capacity for younger children.

It will also create teaching and support staff jobs for the local area.

This project is part of Dorchester Living’s broader commitment to build a "thriving, sustainable community at Heyford Park, offering not just homes but educational facilities, employment opportunities and a sense of belonging for all residents".