Persimmon Homes and Taylor Wimpey are delighted to announce that reserved matters approval has been granted for the first primary school at its major Valley Park scheme in Didcot.

This milestone represents an exciting step forward in delivering a high-quality educational facility as part of the 4,254-unit development. The new school, which forms a key element of the northern phase of the Valley Park site, will include a three-form entry primary school, a nursery, and community-use spaces.

Through close collaboration between architects and engineers, the proposal ensures a building that is inherently energy-efficient and will achieve net-zero carbon operation at handover, aligning with Oxfordshire County Council's Climate Emergency Framework.

Located adjacent to Common Park and the Local Centre, the school’s design ensures excellent accessibility through green infrastructure and pedestrian-friendly pathways, aligning with the community-focused ethos of Valley Park.

The design of the school reflects Persimmon and Taylor Wimpey’s commitment to sustainability and community enrichment at Valley Park. Highlights include:

• Spacious Layout: A 3.01-hectare site incorporating sports pitches, outdoor play areas, and staff and visitor parking.
• Energy Efficiency: The building will be net-zero carbon in operation, featuring sustainable technologies, including solar panels and air-source heat pumps.
• Habitat and Play Areas: Native hedgerows, habitat zones, and a forest school enhance the site’s natural beauty and educational offerings.
• Safe and Inclusive Access: Multiple pedestrian and cycle routes ensure safe and convenient access for pupils and the wider community.

Commenting on the project, Seb Spiller, Managing Director of Persimmon Homes Wessex, said:

“We are delighted to have secured planning permission for the first new primary school at our Valley Park site in Didcot.

“We are proud to contribute to the thriving Valley Park community by delivering the first of several high-quality schools that will prioritise both education and environmental stewardship.

“This project marks an important milestone in our vision for Valley Park – building opportunities, connections, and futures for our residents and the wider community.

“As the first school to be delivered on-site, it will set the standard for the excellent facilities and sense of community that we aim to foster throughout this development.”

Aaron Wright, Senior Planning Manager, at Taylor Wimpey said:

"We are pleased to have received planning approval for a new primary school in Didcot and look forward to working with Persimmon to bring this vital infrastructure to the local community.

“A new primary school will ensure that residents at Valley Park and the surrounding areas will have plenty of options to choose from when selecting a local school for their children.

"As well as two new primary schools, we have further plans to bring a series of new facilities to our residents' doorstep at Valley Park, including local centres, a community building, shops, sports facilities and playing fields, and green open spaces."

Construction of the school is set to commence in April 2025, with the doors opening to pupils in September 2027.