Chance to express views on proposed new primary school

Cheshire East Council is seeking to build another new primary school in the borough to ease pressure on local places and meet the needs of families taking up new homes.

An initial one-form entry school is proposed for the Shavington/Basford area of Crewe, where 774 new homes are to be built to help meet the growing demand for housing in the area.

A four-week consultation has begun so that residents and all interested parties can comment on the proposal. Details are on the council’s website and the consultation will close on Sunday 22 May. A public drop-in session will take place at Shavington Village Hall, Main Road, Shavington on Tuesday 3 May from 8am–5pm.

The school would have initial capacity for 210 pupils but would be designed and built so that expansion could take place to develop a two-form setting,for up to 420 children, if required.

The school would be funded through developer contributions from local housing schemes and a grant from the Department for Education (DfE). The DfE will be informed of all feedback from the consultation as part of the process.

Councillor Kathryn Flavell, chair of the council’s children and families committee, said: “We have considered current capacity of all the primary schools within a two-mile radius and there is limited scope for further expansion at these schools.

“We considered a number of factors, including a safe walking route, distance and site restrictions due to size of neighbouring schools. If we do not progress with this new school there will be a shortfall of places from September 2025.

“Therefore, I would urge all interested parties, including parents, ward and parish councillors and faith groups, to express their views at this opportunity.”

The proposed new primary school would need planning approval. If approved, the aim would be to complete construction in time for the September 2025 autumn term. 

The consultation will seek views and comments about the ethos of the school, provision for special educational needs and nursery provision and any other aspects of the proposal.

To complete the survey online visit: 

Basford East Pre Launch Consultation for a New Primary School 

Comments can also be posted to Cheshire East Council, School Organisation and Capital Strategy Team, Floor 5, Delamere House, c/o Municipal Building, Earle Street, Crewe CW1 2BJ; Alternatively, email: 

SOCS@cheshireeast.gov.uk