New primary school for Basford East moves closer as trust appointed

North West Academies Trust has received Secretary of State approval to operate the proposed mainstream free school, which is targeted to open in September 2028. 

Cheshire East Council has a statutory duty to ensure there are sufficient school places for children across the borough. The council's school organisation team has led the project, working closely with the Department for Education (DfE) to secure a sponsor for the new school. 

Located within the Basford East development, a strategic site identified in the Cheshire East Local Plan, the new school will provide 210 primary school places as well as a nursery with capacity for up to 30 children. 

The new school will play a key role in supporting the area's growing population by providing high-quality education close to home. It will help reduce pressure on oversubscribed schools nearby, minimise travel for families, and lessen the impact of additional traffic on local roads. 

North West Academies Trust is a successful multi-academy trust comprising 14 schools across Cheshire and Shropshire. The trust is continuing to expand its education offer in the borough, with a school in Nantwich, Kingsbourne Primary Academy set to welcome pupils when it opens at the start of the new academic year this September . 

Councillor Emma Gilman, Cheshire East Council's cabinet member for education and SEND, said:

"This new school is eagerly anticipated and will become a vital part of the Basford East community. It represents a significant investment in the future of local children and families, ensuring access to high-quality education right at the heart of this growing development. 

"I am delighted that North West Academies Trust has been appointed to lead the school. The trust has a strong track record of delivering excellent educational opportunities, and I look forward to working closely with them as plans progress from development through to opening. 

"At Cheshire East Council, we are on an ambitious improvement journey, focused on delivering the very best outcomes for our children and young people. The appointment of a high-quality trust to run this new school reflects that commitment. By working together, we can create an inspiring learning environment where children thrive, achieve their full potential and enjoy the best possible start in life.” 

Steve Docking OBE, CEO of North West Academies Trust, said:

“We are delighted to have been selected to run the new school at Basford East and to have the opportunity to play a part in the development of this growing community. 

“The school will become the 15th school in the North West Academies Trust family, marking another important milestone in our continued growth. We are particularly pleased to be strengthening our presence in Cheshire East, following the opening of Kingsbourne Primary Academy in Nantwich. 

“Opening a new school is a rare and exciting opportunity, and we look forward to working closely with Cheshire East Council, local families and the wider Crewe community to create a school where every child is encouraged to discover their talents, develop a love of learning and have their eyes opened to a world of possibility.”