PARENTS and carers can now apply to send their children to a brand new primary school opening in Taunton in September 2023.

Orchard Grove Primary School, in Comeytrowe, will welcome its first cohort of pupils at the start of the next academic year.

Somerset County Council is funding the building of the school to cope with the rising population in the town leading to increasing demand for primary places that cannot be met in existing schools.

The school will serve the new community in Comeytrowe and is initially expected to open with one 30-space reception class.

Each September the school will grow as a new intake of reception children joins the school.

The state-of-the-art school will have 14 classrooms - two for each year group - a large nursery, a hall with fully-equipped kitchen, separate studio/activity space, library, specialist practical classroom and extensive playground and large field for play and sport.

Visit www.orchardgroveschool.co.uk to view site and floor plans.

Orchard Grove Primary School will be Somerset’s first net zero carbon school and the children will be inspired by a unique curriculum that is preparing them for lifelong learning and a positive impact in the world.

It is the fifth school in the successful Castle Partnership Trust, within the areas of Wellington and Taunton.

The trust has already opened a brand new school with Isambard Kingdom Brunel (IKB) Primary School, in Wellington, which opened in September 2020.

Sarah Watson, the chief executive of the trust, said: "We are passionate about building relationships and understanding every child, so we can support them through their education and development, from nursery and reception classes through to their secondary education.

"Having this continuity of care and support means we have a much better understanding of their needs and it also makes the transition to secondary school so much easier.

"It enables us to develop strong relationships and connections with our families as we work together throughout their child’s education.”

Orchard Grove primary school children will move seamlessly into The Castle School in Year 7.

If you are considering applying for a place at Orchard Grove you are encouraged to book to attend one of the information events and tours on the following dates:

  • Friday, October 14, at 9.15am and again at 3.45 pm;
  • Friday, December 2, at 9.15am and again at 3.45pm.

To book go to www.orchardgroveschool.co.uk/parents/admissions.htm