THE Secretary of State for Education has announced that the proposed new primary school to be built on the Hunts Grove housing development will be an academy sponsored by the Robinswood Academy Trust.

With the development of 1,750 new homes on land at Colethrop Farm in Hardwicke, known as Hunts Grove, an academy will be opened to serve the community.

The new academy will be sponsored by the Robinswood Academy Trust who already run local academies in Robinswood and Waterwells.

The brand new school building, which will offer 315 primary school places, is expected to be completed and ready to open in September 2016.

However, the school will initially open and operate from classrooms at Waterwells Academy and pupils will transfer to the new building once it is complete.

Parents are now able to apply for reception places for September 2015 up until 15th January 2015. Cllr Paul McLain, cabinet member for children and young people said: "I’m delighted that this new school will be sponsored by a local trust with a strong track record of delivering first rate education.”

Local county councillor Tony Blackburn said: "These are exciting times for the Hunts Grove development which will benefit the future generations who will be living in this part of Hardwicke. I look forward to working with the school administration and I’m sure it will be a great success."

The new site will also provide facilities for children of nursery age once it opens.

Welcoming the news, Stroud MP Neil Carmichael said: "This is excellent news for the Hunts Grove development which will benefit the children who will be living in this part of Hardwicke.

“I look forward to working with the school and expect it will be a great success."

Details on how to apply for a reception place at the new school can be found at http://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/schooladmissions.