Kingsbourne Academy welcomes its first pupils as new Nantwich school opens its doors

Nantwich’s newest primary school has officially opened its doors, welcoming its very first pupils as Kingsbourne Academy begins a new chapter for families in the local community.

The brand-new school, which has been built as part of the Kingsbourne development in Nantwich, welcomed its first cohort of 19 Reception pupils on Monday 7th September, marking a significant milestone for the school and the wider community.

The school will provide an inclusive learning environment for all pupils, featuring a dedicated Resource Provision that offers specialist support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)."

Led by founding Head of School Sally Burns, Kingsbourne Academy is being established as part of North West Academies Trust (NWAT) and will grow year by year as new Reception cohorts join the school.

Councillor Laura Crane, cabinet member for children’s services at Cheshire East Council, said:

“It’s fantastic to see Kingsbourne Academy officially opening its doors and welcoming its first pupils.

“This new school is a wonderful addition to Nantwich, providing much-needed places for local families and creating exciting opportunities for children to learn, grow and thrive.

“Kingsbourne is about so much more than a new building. It will become an important part of the local community, providing support for families, helping to meet growing demand for school places, and giving children the best possible start to their education.

“I’d like to thank Conlon Construction and the North West Academies Trust for bringing this fantastic new school to life. I'm excited to see Kingsbourne Academy become a valued part of the community and look forward to celebrating the successes of its pupils for many years to come.” 

Sally Burns, Head of School at Kingsbourne Academy, said:

“Today has been such a special day and one that I have been looking forward to for a very long time.

“To finally welcome our first children through the doors of Kingsbourne Academy is incredibly exciting, and it has been wonderful to see their enthusiasm as they begin their school journey with us.

“As a founding Head of School, I feel incredibly privileged to have the opportunity to shape a brand-new school and build a community where every child feels valued, supported and inspired to achieve their very best.

“Our first 19 pupils will always have a very special place in the history of Kingsbourne Academy, and I’m excited to see what the future holds for them.” The school has been designed to provide a modern, inspiring learning environment for children, with bright classrooms, specialist spaces, a large hall, library and extensive outdoor areas.”

Kingsbourne Academy is the latest school to join North West Academies Trust, which operates 14 primary and secondary schools across Cheshire and Shropshire.

Steve Docking OBE, Chief Executive Officer of North West Academies Trust, said:

“Today is a hugely significant moment for Kingsbourne Academy and for the Nantwich community. Opening a brand-new school is a rare opportunity, and to see our very first pupils arrive this morning has been a tremendously proud moment for everyone involved.

“We are delighted to welcome Sally, her staff team and our founding families to the Kingsbourne community. There is an enormous amount of excitement about what this school can become, and we are looking forward to watching it grow over the coming years.”

Guy Parker, Chair and Managing Director of Conlon Construction, said:

“Kingsbourne Academy is an important investment in the growing Kingsley Fields community and a project we’re incredibly proud to have delivered. 

“Our long-standing relationship with Cheshire East Council is built on collaboration, trust and a shared commitment to delivering the best possible outcomes for local communities. It’s fantastic to now see pupils coming through the doors and making the school their own.

“Creating places that deliver lasting value is what our work is ultimately about, and we wish Sally, her team and every pupil at Kingsbourne Academy every success in their new school.”