Stepnell has announced the successful completion of the new Thoresby Vale Primary Academy in Edwinstowe, Nottinghamshire.

The milestone was marked with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by local representatives, project stakeholders, and partners.

Located in the heart of Sherwood Forest, the school was designed by Lungfish Architects to be highly sustainable. It provides a nature-inspired, forest-style environment intended to support the learning and development of pupils aged 5 to 11. The building's design and construction reflect both its natural setting and the educational vision of the Diverse Academies Trust.

The construction featured energy-efficient materials and methods throughout. Stepnell Group's in-house businesses played a key role:

• Step Energy installed sustainable features, including air source heat pumps and photovoltaic panels.

• Lawford Bespoke Joinery manufactured and installed internal elements, such as teaching walls, IPS cubicles, and a food tech workstation.

The new academy opened its doors to pupils for the first time in September. It forms a central component of the wider Thoresby Vale development, led by Harworth Group plc. This development is creating a new community in Edwinstowe that includes 800 new homes, a 350-acre country park, and commercial space.

Tom Sewell, director at Stepnell, commented on the firm's contribution: "Delivering Thoresby Vale Primary Academy has been a fantastic opportunity to contribute to a wider development that combines education, sustainability and community growth within a new community in Edwinstowe. "From day one, we were committed to delivering a high-quality, energy-efficient building that brings Diverse Academies Trust's vision of a natural learning environment to life. Through maintaining close collaboration on project requirements, we have created an inspiring new primary academy that will support community development and nurture the next generation of learners."

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Representatives from the Diverse Academies Trust, Nottinghamshire County Council, and Harworth Group joined Stepnell to celebrate and tour the completed facilities.

To enhance the learning environment, Nottinghamshire County Council invested an additional £240,000 specifically for essential equipment, including new IT equipment and furniture.

David Cotton, chief executive officer at Diverse Academies Trust, praised the collaboration: "I am incredibly proud to gather with our partners to mark this special occasion. This magnificent new school is the result of a true partnership - built on the dedication, collaboration, and shared vision of so many. I want to sincerely thank all our partners who worked tirelessly to make this possible. Thoresby Vale Primary Academy is a testament to partnership and community - a place where children can learn and grow, and where futures can thrive."

Councillor Rory Green, cabinet member for children and families, described the academy as "one of the best new builds of recent times," highlighting it as "A stunning environment integrated into the green space surroundings."

Andrew Blackshaw, chief operating officer at Harworth Group plc, stated: "The opening of Thoresby Vale Primary Academy is a milestone moment at our innovative multi-million-pound regeneration-based development, Thoresby Vale. "At Harworth, we believe that creating sustainable, successful places goes beyond building homes - it's about delivering the green and social infrastructure that helps communities flourish. And, this new school will provide a fantastic environment for children to learn and grow, while supporting families to build strong connections with each other and the natural surroundings. "We're delighted to have worked with a range of partners to deliver the school and show the power of collaboration between local and national partners to deliver much-needed new infrastructure and amenities, which will support the community for generations to come."