Bracknell Forest's new Binfield Learning Village breaks ground

Construction of the first all-through school in Bracknell Forest was marked on Friday 4 November in a ground breaking ceremony on the site of the new school.

The ceremony involved key representatives from King’s Group Academies, appointed as education provider in June this year. Mace was appointed as principal contractor in July by Bracknell Forest Council, which is funding the state-of-the-art school.

Binfield Learning Village will consist of high quality nursery, primary, secondary, post-16 and special educational needs provision for 1851 pupils. The school will not only provide an excellent learning environment for education, it will also deliver amenities for the local community such as sports pitches and playgrounds.

Terry Spraggett, Business Unit Director of Public Sector at Mace, said: “We are delighted to be part of this important project for the future generations of children, in a Borough where we have a strong track record for delivering schools and, of course, the new town centre. Our relationship with Bracknell Forest Council commenced with our construction role at Garth College and we are pleased to be working alongside BFC once again. Mace is also engaging with other local schools to strengthen local community ties.”

Cllr Paul Bettison, leader of Bracknell Forest Council, said: “The ceremony marks the beginning of a new generation of learning in our borough. Both King’s Group and Mace have the track records to deliver the standard we have set for Binfield Learning Village, which will provide future pupils with an exciting learning environment and the education opportunities they need for the best possible start in life.”

Cllr Gareth Barnard, executive member for children, young people and learning, said: “Binfield Learning Village will result in us providing school places for almost 2,000 more children in modern and interactive environments, giving them the best possible start to life. I’m looking forward to watching the learning village progress as we head towards 2018.”

Sir Roger Fry, chairman of King’s Group & King’s Group Academies, said “I am delighted King’s Group Academies will be providing education for more than 1,800 young people in Bracknell Forest and look forward to providing high quality education that delivers the best possible outcomes for our young people, as well as contributing to the wider community.”

The ground breaking marks the council-led, first step in delivering a master plan for this site. Outline planning consent for homes, community facilities, open space and sports provision has also been granted.