PROGRESS is being made on a new £7million primary school in Taunton.

People gathered at Nerrols Primary School, of Nerrols Drive, on Thursday, December 13, for the bolt-tightening ceremony.

The ceremony marked the start of the main bulk of work on Somerset County Council's new school.

The primary school, which has 14 classes and can hold up to 420 pupils, is due to open in September 2019.

Somerset County Council’s cabinet member for education and transformation, Faye Purbrick, said: “Our ongoing school building and improvement programme is about ensuring our children have new or expanded school buildings that meet their needs and the needs of our communities for generations to come.

“We remain committed to improving and enhancing the lives of all children in Somerset, whatever their abilities and challenges.”

The school is set to become part of the Richard Huish Trust.

Mike Snowden, executive headteacher at Nerrols, said: “I have been a headteacher for almost 15 years and this project has proved to be one of the most exciting and professionally fulfilling roles I have undertaken.

“Having this fantastic new school building and grounds will absolutely ensure that together we deliver the Richard Huish Trust’s vision to create a stimulating and enriching environment based on the enjoyment of learning, which is also a safe space for children to thrive.

“I am very much looking forward to the future of this new school and the community it serves.”

The new school is being built by contractor Willmott Dixon next to a 630-house development by Barratt and David Wilson Homes.

The first 260 houses are currently under construction.

Rob Woolcock, Director of Willmott Dixon said: ‘Today was about celebrating the journey we have come so far and of course looking forward to the next phase of the project.

“We know that this school will become a focal point for residents and we are pleased to be helping create this fantastic new learning environment for local children”

When the school opens, it will initially offer 30 reception places and nursery for two-four-year-olds. Other year groups will be rolled out in stages before reaching its 420-pupil capacity.