Construction is now underway on the first new primary school at Valley Park, Didcot, marking a major milestone in the development of the growing new community.
A ground-breaking ceremony was held on site to celebrate the start of works on the three-form entry primary school, which will include a nursery and community-use spaces.
The event brought together representatives from Persimmon Homes Wessex and Taylor Wimpey Southern Counties, alongside Vale of White Horse District Council, Oxfordshire County Council, Omnia Learning Trust, local academy partners and construction contractor Barnwood Ltd.
The school forms a central part of the northern phase of the 4,254-home Valley Park development and is designed to meet net-zero carbon operation at handover, in line with Oxfordshire County Council’s Climate Emergency Framework. Sustainability, wellbeing and community integration sit at the heart of the project.
Read more: First phase of Didcot Valley Park site granted planning permission
Located next to Common Park and the Local Centre, the school will be easily accessible via green corridors, pedestrian routes and cycle paths.
The 3.01-hectare site will include sports pitches, outdoor play spaces and parking for staff and visitors.
Design features include solar panels, air-source heat pumps, energy-efficient construction, native planting, habitat areas and space for outdoor learning, including a forest school.
Developers Persimmon Homes and Taylor Wimpey said the school represents a vital step in delivering high-quality infrastructure to support families moving into Valley Park. Local authorities welcomed the start of construction, highlighting the importance of ensuring new housing is matched with excellent educational provision.
Omnia Learning Trust confirmed the school’s website will launch in early 2026, with expressions of interest opening for Reception places and nursery applications for children aged two and above.
The school is expected to welcome its first pupils in September 2027.
The new primary school is part of a wider investment at Valley Park, which includes funding for a second primary school, secondary education provision, transport improvements and a future healthcare facility, helping to create a sustainable and well-connected community for generations to come.
