The very first cohort of primary-age pupils and Sixth Form students have started at Northstowe Learning Community.
The return to school this week marked a significant milestone in Northstowe’s education, with the Northstowe Learning Community, run by Meridian Trust, now comprising an all-through offer with the existing secondary school and the new primary school and Sixth Form phases.
The new buildings for the Northstowe Primary School and Northstowe Sixth Form phases are due to be completed by the start of 2025, so the new pupils are currently based within the existing secondary school and new pre-school based on the learning campus.
Once open, it will mark the end of phase two of the project, which includes the expansion of the current secondary school to create 600 additional places, the new 400-place Sixth Form, the 630-place primary school, and the 78-place pre-school. The new Sixth Form and primary school will also have provision for children with Special Educational Needs.
Sixteen-year-old George, who recently transitioned from St Ivo Academy in St Ives, expressed his enthusiasm about the new learning environment. He said: “It was a great first day. I am looking forward to the new experience and learning more about psychology, which I enjoy.”
Eleanor, also 16 and a former Year 11 student at the Northstowe secondary school, added: “I was pleased with my exam results at Northstowe last year, so it’s good to be back here at the site. I’m really looking forward to getting into the new Sixth Form building later this year.”
Interim Principal of Northstowe Learning Community, Dr Claire Mills, said: “We are thrilled to welcome everyone back to a new term at Northstowe Learning Community, and it’s especially exciting to see our first primary and Year 12 students joining us here.
“The progress we’ve made with the new phase of development, with the support of our valued partners, is a true reflection of our commitment to excellence in education in Northstowe. We are incredibly proud to be part of this growing community, and we look forward to continuing this journey together, supporting our pupils every step of the way.”
Mark Woods, CEO of Meridian Trust, said: “This is an exciting and transformative moment for the Northstowe Learning Community. Welcoming our first primary and Sixth Form students is a testament to our commitment to providing an all-through education offer for Northstowe.
“Meridian Trust’s strong ties to Cambridgeshire are reflected in the numerous schools we support, ensuring that pupils have access to high-quality education and the opportunities they need to thrive.
Cambridgeshire County Council manages the development, with construction partner Kier leading on the design and build of the new phase.
Meridian Trust supports 30 schools across Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire, and Lincolnshire. Northstowe Learning Community shares a site with Martin Bacon Academy, one of Meridian Trust’s special schools.
For further information on Northstowe Learning Community and to apply for a place at either phase, visit: https://northstowe.education/
