Work seemed to be progressing at speed today (September 14) up at the new Silver Street development - with news that the first pupils will be in the new primary school by the end of next month.

The children are currently being taught at Longvernal Primary School, but will move across in the October half term.

Nub News has been sent this update on how plans are progressing and what fantastic new facilities will be on offer to the 630 pupils who will eventually be at the site.

Midsomer Norton Schools Partnership are delighted to announce the opening of Norton Hill Primary School. The construction of the new £10.9m school is due to be completed in October 2020, having been slightly delayed by COVID-19 complications. Children due to attend Norton Hill Primary School in September are initially be educated in a purpose-built wooden lodge, situated at Longvernal Primary School, which has been funded through Midsomer Norton School Partnership. It is expected that these children will move to the new school in the October half-term.

Increased housing in the area has resulted in a shortage of primary school places within the Midsomer Norton area. The opening of this new primary school will address growing demand for pupil places with capacity to accept up to 630 children.

The new three form entry, two-storey primary school will include 21 spacious classrooms for children aged 4-11, as well as a dedicated science/design technology room, a cookery room, a large hall together with a smaller interconnecting hall, a dance studio, Special Educational Needs (SEN) therapy room and a library.

Occupying an entirely new site in the North East Somerset town, the scheme includes significant upgrades and improvements to the public highways and associated infrastructure, including a new cycleway, to encourage sustainable travel to and from the school. Adopting a 'STEM and Forest School' ethos, Norton Hill Primary will make extensive use of a thoughtfully designed landscaping scheme for teaching subjects outdoors and enriching the learning experience for pupils.

The new school will also bring much-needed sporting facilities to the wider community, making available for out of hours use a large multi-user games area, and two playing pitches designed for under 8 and 12 year olds.

Kerrie Courtier, Executive Headteacher of Midsomer Norton Schools Partnership, said: "We are excited about the wealth of opportunities on offer for pupils who will attend Norton Hill Primary School. Examples include: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), Modern Foreign Languages and Forest School/Outdoor Learning. As part of the Midsomer Norton Schools Partnership, the staff and pupils will work closely with secondary school specialists to support all pupils in experiencing a high quality education in order that they are equipped with the skills required for the 21st Century workplace. Our aim is to ensure pupils achieve their full potential academically, including literacy and numeracy skills. The school will foster a love of learning, while also developing confident, independent-minded citizens of the future.

The bespoke, high quality all-purpose building offers opportunities for a wider curriculum; our unique provision will support pupils through their primary school life with a seamless transition into their secondary school education."

Alun Williams CEO of Midsomer Norton Schools Partnership, "I am delighted that the construction of the new Norton Hill Primary School is due to be completed in October 2020. The building is impressive and will offer many opportunities for children within the Midsomer Norton area. I know that the local community are excited about this fantastic provision, which will ensure there are sufficient primary school places in Midsomer Norton and the surrounding area for many years to come."