Developer donation for Cirencester school

A local housebuilder has donated £1,500 to a Cirencester school.

Persimmon Homes Wessex made the donation to Stratton Church of England Primary as part of its Community Champions programme, which sees £700,000 go to good causes and much-valued organisations across Britain each year.

The funding has been used to purchase a new pop-up gazebo that will provide essential cover at the school’s sports and outdoor events. The addition will enhance the experience for the school’s 200 pupils as well as its staff and families by offering a sheltered area for equipment, refreshments, and event coordination during sports days and inter-school competitions.

The new resources form part of a wider programme of investment undertaken at the school, which saw extensive updates over the summer, including refreshed classrooms, newly-painted walls and modernised toilets. A new Forest School base camp has also been built. 

Stratton C of E Primary School, which serves 200 children aged 4 to 11, continues to uphold its commitment to providing high-quality education within a caring and inclusive environment, enriched by strong community engagement.

The accredited five-star builder has housing projects in nearby Chippenham, with two, three, and four-bed homes available from £284,995 at Oak Hill Rise. There is also a three-bed home left for sale at Backbridge Farm in Malmesbury for £399,995, marking the site’s last plot.

Recent local recipients of Persimmon’s Community Champions scheme include Malmesbury Carnival, Chippenham Teen Takeover, and Doorway Homeless Charity.

Commenting, Persimmon Homes Wessex Sales Director Pauline Fletcher, said:

“Persimmon has a proud record of helping schools through our Community Champions programme, and we are happy to do so once again with Stratton CofE Primary.

“We believe that supporting education is critical to developing future generations of skilled housebuilders as well as demonstrates our commitment to leaving a positive and lasting legacy where we build, especially as a significant player in Wiltshire.”

Leanne Probert, Co-chair of the Stratton CofE Primary School PTA, added:

“We’re incredibly grateful to Persimmon Homes for their generous support. The new gazebo will make a real difference to our sporting events, providing a professional and practical space that supports both the children taking part and the volunteers who help run them.”

“The School’s leadership team also extended their appreciation, highlighting that the support reflects a strong partnership between the school and the local community, helping to promote active lifestyles and teamwork among pupils.”