PRIMARY NEWS
Construction starts on new primary school in North Nuneaton
A brand-new primary school is set to become a reality for the community of North Nuneaton, as construction work begins this month on Watling Meadows Primary School.
The £16.5 million scheme, funded by Warwickshire County Council (WCC) and delivered in partnership with Central England Academy Trust (CEAT), is being constructed by contractor Speller Metcalfe, who has been appointed through the Constructing West Midlands framework. Situated on Hayloft Way in St Nicholas Park, the school, which has been designed by Bond Bryan Architects, is being built on land allocated as part of the wider Callendar Farm housing development. With significant numbers of new homes being delivered in the area, it will provide essential additional places for local families, ensuring children in Nuneaton and Bedworth have access to high-quality education close to where they live. Warwickshire County Councillor Stephen Shaw, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Finance and Property, said: “Watling Meadows Primary School represents a significant investment in the future of our children and the wider community and we are looking forward to working with Speller Metcalfe to deliver this inclusive, and inspiring learning environment. This project furthers our child friendly commitment to make Warwickshire a great place to grow up and learn.”
Due to complete in early 2027, the school will provide a two-form entry setting, offering 420 places for pupils, with classes opening gradually year-by-year from 2026. The school will also include a dedicated nursery and a specialist SEND Resource Provision for up to 14 children with communication and interaction needs.
Beyond the classrooms, the school has been carefully designed to provide a welcoming, inclusive and inspiring environment for pupils of all ages. Features will include outdoor play areas for different year groups, protected by canopies to allow safe use in all weathers. Sporting provision will be extensive, with grass pitches and a multi-
use games area supporting a broad physical education curriculum. A dedicated Eco Explorers Zone will provide opportunities for nature-based learning, while landscaped grounds, sustainable planting and on-site water management measures will enhance biodiversity and create an environmentally responsible site.
The school will also benefit from a welcoming entrance plaza, safe pedestrian routes, and cycle storage to encourage active travel. Central England Academy Trust’s CEO Andrew Dickinson said: “It’s a real privilege to be opening Watling Meadows Primary School as part of our Trust. This is a school designed with the community at its heart – a place where all children will be included and will feel safe, supported, and inspired to do their best.
“We’re committed to making sure every child who comes through the doors has the opportunity to thrive, and we’re excited to play a part in shaping a school that will serve local families for generations to come.” Contractor Speller Metcalfe brings significant experience to the project, having delivered a wide range of educational schemes, including projects locally such as the University of Warwick, and the recent Stratford upon Avon School and Myton Gardens Primary School.
Premier League and EA SPORTS FC to boost positive play in primary schools
in England and Wales through Premier League Primary Stars, the Premier League’s primary school education programme.
Developed in partnership with teachers, subject-specialists and EA SPORTS’ grassroots programme: FC FUTURES, the free resource combines football, physical activity and gaming to empower pupils to develop the physical and mental skills needed to be great leaders and teammates, both in the classroom and on the sports field.
The Premier League and EA SPORTS FC have teamed up to launch a free education resource designed to build teamwork and support a positive and inclusive football culture in primary schools. The new Positive Play with EA SPORTS FC resource complements existing PE and classroom practice and is available to every primary school
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www.education-today.co.uk
With recent research* showing that four in five young people say sport- themed video games motivate them to be active in real life, Positive Play with EA SPORTS FC uses in-game training drills from EA SPORTS FC 26, leadership activities and accountability exercises, helping children aged 7-11 to develop the key skills they need to promote inclusivity. Premier League Director of Community Nick Perchard, said: “The new Premier League Primary Stars Positive Play with EA SPORTS FC resource uses children’s passion for football to engage them in learning. “The resource is our latest free offering for primary school teachers with the Premier League’s lead partner, Electronic Arts. It complements the Premier League Primary Stars suite of more than 650 free primary school resources designed to use children’s love of the sport to help them to learn and engage in classroom and playground activities.”
January 2026
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