Kier Construction has been appointed to deliver a two-form entry primary school at the flagship Graven Hill development in Bicester.

Kier will commence development in August 2022, and the school is set to open in September 2023. With an intake of 420 pupils aged 4–11, there will be 12 classrooms as well as specialist facilities for art, design and technology. More than 13,000 sq m of pitches, play and multi-use games areas will also be delivered.

The early years facility will accommodate a further 90 pupils aged between 2-4 years in three classrooms, with dedicated facilities and play areas.

Karen Curtin, Managing Director of Graven Hill Village Development Company, said: "This is an exciting part of the Graven Hill development. Despite the significant inflation of construction cost in the UK, by more than 20 per cent, we are still committed to delivering this key asset prior to the occupation of the 550th home.

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"Designed to promote collaboration and flexible learning, the new school will enhance the great sense of community spirit here. With a focus on great architecture, the building has been designed to reduce energy and water consumption, enhance ecology, protect biodiversity and maximise natural ventilation."

This sustainable development is targeting BREEAM Very Good. BREEAM is an independent best practice assessment evaluating energy and water use, health and wellbeing, transport, materials, waste, ecology and management processes.

The building has been designed with enhanced thermal values and high-performance materials to the principles of Net Zero Carbon. The photovoltaic panels will also provide power to the local grid when the school is not in use.

Graven Hill Village Development Company has appointed Kier Construction and will oversee the delivery of the school, before handing the 3-hectare site to Oxfordshire County Council to operate. The site also includes capacity to extend to a three-form entry school in future.