New primary school reaches key milestone ahead of September 2026 opening

Cheshire West and Chester Council has officially handed over the brand-new Kings Moat Community Primary School, marking a major milestone for one of Chester’s growing communities.

The handover to Sandstone Trust took place on Wednesday 8th July, signalling the completion of construction and the start of the final preparations before the school welcomes its first pupils in September 2026.

Situated at the heart of the Kings Moat Garden Village, a thriving development of around 1,300 new homes on the southern edge of Chester, the school has been purposefully designed to serve the expanding community. Its central location - close to new playing fields, 3G pitches and a public park - cements its role as a key hub for local families.

Delivered by Wynne Construction on behalf of Cheshire West and Chester Council, the modern, high-quality facility will be run by Sandstone Trust, an established multi-academy trust already responsible for four local schools.

The school is being delivered in two phases, ensuring it can grow alongside the community:

During Phase 1, when it opens in September, the school will initially operate at 0.5 Form Entry, welcoming Reception and Key Stage 1 pupils, with numbers gradually increasing as the village grows to a full 1 Form Entry (210  places) school with high-quality shared facilities including a hall, kitchen and dining areas, all already designed for future expansion. The nursery will also open in Phase 1 with 13 places, expanding in line with local need. 

Phase two will increase capacity to 315 pupils (or 1.5 Form Entry), providing an additional 105 places when demand rises.

Graham Dickson, Senior Contracts Manager at Wynne Construction, said:

“We’re very pleased to have reached this stage. It’s been a great collaborative effort with the Council and the Trust to deliver a high-quality building on time. With the main construction work now behind us, we’re just focusing on those final finishing touches to ensure the site is perfect for the staff and pupils come September.”

Headteacher, Ruth Cadwallader said excitement is building as the opening approaches:

“It’s a wonderful moment to officially get the keys to this fantastic building. We have a clear vision for the school, and the environment we have here will certainly help us achieve that. Our focus is now on the practical preparations; we’re excited to welcome families to our parent information evenings and begin getting to know the children who will be joining us. Through a programme of transition sessions over the summer, we’ll ensure every child feels ready to start this exciting new chapter with us.”

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

“Reaching this handover is a very proud moment for all of us. We have worked hard to create a school that really serves this community, and it is great to see it finally ready. We are looking forward to opening our doors in September, and it is brilliant to now be at the stage where we can focus on welcoming our first families through the door.”

Chris Dobson, Technical Manager at Redrow NW said:

“We’re excited to see the new primary school completed and ready to welcome its first pupils this September.

“The school has been largely funded through developer Section 106 contributions, linked to Kings Moat Garden Village, and will be a valuable addition for local families living here for generations to come. Its inclusion in the scheme reflects our garden village principles and our commitment to creating sustainable neighbourhoods, where residents have access to high-quality local facilities.

“Kings Moat Garden Village is one of our most sought-after developments, offering an extensive network of green spaces, including parks, meadows, children’s play areas and tree-lined open spaces. Residents and the wider community also benefit from a range of cycleways and footpaths, designed to encourage active travel and connect people to the city of Chester. The school is another wonderful addition to this already thriving community.”

Cllr Adam Langan, Cheshire West and Chester Council Cabinet Member for Children and young people said:

“It’s an exciting moment to hand over this brand-new school to the Sandstone Trust ready for the children of the area to be welcomed in September.  The project has run smoothly, finishing ahead of schedule. I wish the headteacher, teachers and support staff all the best for the years to come and hope the children who attend truly thrive.”

With construction now complete, attention will turn to final preparations, staff recruitment and welcoming families ahead of opening day.

Residents can expect further updates throughout the summer as the school gets ready to open its doors.

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