A Church of England Primary School celebrated the grand opening of its new £11m building on July 12.

At 1.30pm Shrivenham's staff, pupils, and special guests gathered in Raven Way, Shrivenham, to cut the ribbon and declare it open.

The site boasts 13 classrooms, sports pitches, outdoor play and dining areas, a forest school, and a studio.

Built to accommodate up to 315 primary pupils and 75 pre-schoolers – currently hosting 212 students – the new building replaces an older structure on the High Street.

The school, approved by Oxfordshire County Council, first opened on April 12 following a relocation and expansion project that kicked off in 2021.

Planning permission was granted in August 2022 after the inaugural project meeting in February 2021 sparked the building process.

ISG, Hatcher Prichard, and Mott MacDonald collaborated to create the new building.

Oxfordshire County Council secured part of the building cost from housing developers, while it covered the remaining balance of the £11m expense.

The ceremony saw speeches from executive headteacher Jude Scutt, Faringdon Learning Trust chief executive Richard Evans, chair of trustees, Anthony Cook, councillor John Howson, OCC cabinet member for education, and MP Charlie Maynard.

Students joined Mr Maynard in cutting the ribbon and creating a vibrant paper chain representing each child in the school.

MP Maynard said: "Great to see the school opening and well done to everyone who made it happen.

"It's taken a huge amount of work.

"What's important is seeing and hearing how happy the children and staff are in their new school."

Councillor John Howson added: "The new school buildings will have big educational benefits for pupils.

"The school has been designed to achieve net zero carbon, with sustainability features including an air source heat pump system, a large photovoltaic array system on the roof, and electric vehicle charging points."

Jude Scutt, executive headteacher, added: "Today is a joyful day for everyone as we mark the opening of our wonderful new school building.

"We have watched the plans on paper transform into this amazing school and we are excited for the future at Shrivenham C of E Primary School."

Richard Evans, Faringdon Learning Trust chief executive, added: "Having visited the school multiple times over the past few weeks it is wonderful to see the children and staff embracing and relishing their amazing school.

"The school works closely with the other schools within Faringdon Learning Trust and it is a delight to see Shrivenham sharing best practice with lots of other schools. I wish the school the very best for the  future."