Contractor appointed to deliver new Weston school

The developer behind the major Haywood Village scheme in Weston-super-Mare has appointed Willmott Dixon Construction LTD to deliver the site’s school.

The new 630-pupil primary school is being built to service a growing community on the edge of the North Somerset town and is part of the package being delivered by Persimmon Homes Severn Valley, the five-star house builder, on the site of the former Weston Airfield.

The T-shaped building will be the second school Persimmon has delivered for the local community as part of the site. It will be equipped with solar panels, powered by air-source heat pumps, while the estate will also include wildflower areas, insect hotels, potential beehives, and log-based habitats.

There will be 630 places through three forms of entry at the school to serve the wider development. It will comprise of 21 classrooms, a 103-place nursery provision together with school hall, kitchen facilities, and staff and head teacher rooms. In addition, there is a community hub comprising of studios and changing room facilities

Last autumn, it was announced that the school would be opening in September 2026 under the name Airfield Primary Academy in recognition of its location and the town’s rich aviation heritage.

The name had been chosen following local research and engagement by the Cabot Learning Federation (CLF), which has been chosen to run the new school. Leaders at the CLF – which already runs six other schools in Weston, all of which are rated good or outstanding by Ofsted – wanted a name which represents the local area and community.

Airfield Primary Academy – which secured formal planning permission in September – will be built by housebuilder Persimmon Homes, the firm behind the Haywood Village development, to specifications set out by the CLF and North Somerset Council.

Persimmon’s Haywood Village site is set to deliver 2,500 new homes for local families and first-time buyers and includes the construction of two new primary schools and a local centre.

Commenting, Persimmon Homes Severn Valley Managing Director Claire Burton, said “We are proud to announce the appointment of Willmott Dixon to deliver Airfield Primary Academy – a key milestone in our commitment to creating a thriving, sustainable community at Haywood Village.

“This will be the second primary school we’ve brought forward on-site, and it represents our continued investment in infrastructure that supports local families, enhances educational opportunities, and reflects the area’s heritage. With its innovative design and eco-friendly features, this school will serve future generations and play a central role in the life of this growing community.”

Richard David – Director at Willmott Dixon – added “Willmott Dixon is delighted to be working with Persimmon on the Airfield Primary Academy at the Haywood Village Scheme. We have significant experience delivering projects within the education sector across the region, and this new primary school and nursery will provide the pupils with a robust and sustainable environment in which to learn and thrive.”