Chester’s brand-new Primary School marks official opening with High Sheriff ribbon-cutting

Kings Moat Community Primary School has officially celebrated its opening, welcoming special guests, local dignitaries and its first cohort of pupils to share in the memorable occasion.

While the school officially opened its doors to children on 3^rd September 2026, the community gathered on 30^th September for the official ribbon-cutting ceremony, officiated by the High Sheriff of Cheshire, Lynn Pegler.

Built at the heart of the Kings Moat Garden Village, a vibrant new community of around 1,400 homes on the southern edge of Chester, the school forms an important part of the new community, providing a new place for local children to learn and grow. It was developed by Wynne Construction on behalf of Cheshire West and Chester Council and is operated by the Sandstone Trust. The school is now fully operational across its initial year groups, currently welcoming children into Preschool, Reception and a mixed Year 1 and 2 class.

The celebratory event was attended by local MP Aphra Brandreth (MP for Chester South and Eddisbury) and the High Sheriff of Cheshire, Lynn Pegler, alongside proud parents, staff, and governors. Marking the historic occasion, pupils helped to plant a Silver Birch tree on the school grounds, kindly donated by Premier Plants of Ledsham. The school will also create a time capsule to commemorate its first year, preserving memories, photographs and messages from pupils to be shared with future generations.

Since opening its doors, Kings Moat Community Primary School has embraced every opportunity to build a strong sense of community and belonging. Children have been welcomed with a special opening assembly centred on the school's motto, Belong, Believe, Achieve.

Reception pupils have received a handcrafted dolls' house, Kings Moat House, made especially for the school by Mrs Cadwallader's father; the Kings Moat Sorting Hat has placed pupils into their house teams of Eastgate, Northgate, Bridgegate and Watergate; and pupils have voted to name the school's mascot, Kingsley the Lion. These memorable experiences have helped create a strong sense of identity and excitement as the school begins its journey.

Headteacher Ruth Cadwallader said:

"As a brand-new school, every day brings another memorable moment. Our first pupils are helping to create the traditions that will become part of our school's story for years to come, and seeing them learn, grow and thrive is incredibly rewarding for all of us at the school. We were delighted to welcome High Sheriff of Cheshire Lynn Pegler, Aphra Brandreth MP, Amanda Perraton, Executive Director of Children and Families, Sal Thirlway, Director of Education and Inclusion at Cheshire West and Chester Council, and members of our school community to celebrate this special milestone with us.”

Jason Lowe, Chief Executive Officer of Sandstone Trust, added:

"It is so rewarding to see Kings Moat Community Primary School fully open and thriving after all the hard work that went into bringing this project to life. Our partnership with the Council, the DfE and Wynne Construction has created a wonderful, sustainable school at the heart of this new community, and we are delighted to see our first pupils settling in so brilliantly."

The High Sheriff of Cheshire, Lynn Pegler, who cut the ribbon to officially open the school, added:

“It is a huge honour to be here in Chester to mark the official opening of Kings Moat Community Primary School. It is wonderful to see the enthusiasm of its first pupils, and I hope the school becomes a place where children flourish, discover a love of learning and create many happy memories.”

Councillor Langan, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Families at Cheshire West and Chester Council said:

"It has been great to see the school open and welcoming the first children through the doors.  I wish all the pupils, staff and families, success and happiness as they begin this exciting new chapter together."

Aphra Brandreth, MP for Chester South and Eddisbury, who previously toured the site ahead of its completion, shared her delight at seeing the project fully come to life.

She said:

"It’s fantastic to see the school fully open and welcoming children after following its journey from construction to completion. This new school is a vital part of the development, giving families access to high-quality education right on their doorstep. Getting this balance right, homes alongside vital infrastructure like a fantastic local school, is so important for building a strong community."

For more information, visit: 

Kings Moat Community Primary School - Home

...or follow the school’s Facebook page for updates:

https://www.facebook.com/KingsMoatCP

Pictured - Guests and members of the school community gather to mark the official opening of Kings Moat Community Primary School.