Willow Grove Primary School in Wixams has moved one step closer to its opening as the foundations of the school have been successfully completed.

The new school is set to be open next September on a 3.4 hectare site in the future town centre, and will be part of the Kingsbridge Educational Trust.

A special cevent to mark the landmark was held in November, where Bedford Borough councillors toured the site to see the progress so far.

The first cohort will be 25 reception children, 25 Year 1 and 25 Year 2 pupils, but in time the school will expand to be four-form entry with 120 children admitted each year and 840 pupils across the school.

Pupils will be able to enjoy high-spec purpose-built new classrooms, a large hall, library, specialist rooms, playing fields with a range of sports provision, and car parking for staff and visitors.


Wixams already has two existing primary schools and a secondary school, with demand growing as the population expands. Wixams is expected to become the third largest settlement in the Borough, after Bedford and Kempston.

Councillor Jane Walker, portfolio holder for family, education and children's services at Bedford Borough Council, said: "Willow Grove will be a key part of Wixams for generations to come, making it very exciting to see the vision being brought to life.

"This school will be at the heart of a new community with children who only deserve the best. We are determined to do everything we can for their future."

Sean Conneely, Director at Pick Everard, said: "We're proud of the collaboration that will help fulfil the educational needs of pupils in the area, as well as the significant value the project will deliver to local communities too.

"Having provided project management, cost management, NEC supervisor, health and safety services, it's a perfect example of a scheme that underpins our ethos to deliver better together and we look forward to continuing our collaboration with the wider team as the next build phase progresses with completion in August 2024."