Replacement school in Yeovil to open by summer 2027

Milford Junior School, located on Glenthorne Avenue north of the town centre, dates back to the early-1950s and has enough space for 420 pupils.

The site was closed indefinitely in August 2022 after structural issues were detected within the buildings, with pupils being taught in temporary classrooms on the nearby playing fields and the bulk of the buildings being demolished in January 2023.

The Department for Education (DfE) secured planning permission from Somerset Council in late-August 2025 to demolish the remaining buildings and deliver a replacement school on this site, with construction firm Tilbury Douglas beginning work on site in late-October 2025.

Property consultants Carter Jonas has now confirmed that the school will be up and running by the summer of 2027 after amended proposals were given the green light.

Artist's impression of the new Milford Junior School in Yeovil (Image: AHR)

The junior school site lies opposite Milford Infants School and is part of the Yeovil Area Community Academy Trust, a multi-academy trust which also runs Huish Primary School (near the A30 Queensway) and Primrose Lane Primary School (near the planned Up Mudford urban extension).

The new two-storey school is designed to be net zero carbon in its operation, possessing solar panels, a ground source heat pump and a green roof to retain heat.

The school will also boast a new multi-use games area (MUGA), improved playing field facilities and dedicated car parking.

The amended plans, which were approved on Thursday (January 15), provide additional improvements to cycle parking within the site and improve the biodiversity net gain being delivered as part of the construction process.

Willow Mercer, associate in planning and development at Carter Jonas' Bristol office, said: "Securing planning consent for this important educational facility marks a significant milestone for the project.

"Pupils will be able to move from temporary accommodation into a purpose-built, sustainable school building that will serve the community for generations to come."

Paul Gale, south west regional director at Tilbury Douglas, added: "We are committed to delivering a school building that meets the highest standards of design and sustainability.

"The net-zero carbon approach, combined with enhanced biodiversity and community facilities, will create an exemplary educational environment for pupils and the wider Yeovil community."

The scheme is anticipated to be completed in the early-summer of 2027, allowing the new intake in September to take full advantage of the new facilities.