Abbeyfield School extension plans to be shared with the public

Abbeyfield School in Chippenham is hosting a drop in event this January to share plans for a major extension which if agreed will secure sufficient school places for years to come.

People can visit the school on Wednesday 11 January from 5pm - 7:30pm to view the plans and talk to the design team about the proposed extension.

Wiltshire Council is proposing major investment in additional school places in Chippenham to meet increasing demand.

A planning application is being prepared for the proposed three-phase expansion to Abbeyfield School. Each phase accommodates an additional 150 pupil places with the aim to complete phase 1 by September 2025.

Facilities will include a new hall, Sixth Form study area, changing rooms, and classrooms.

Cllr Laura Mayes, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills said: "Abbeyfield School is a wonderful place for young people to learn but it has now outgrown its current environment. The school needs more space and facilities to meet its rising population of pupils. We are proposing this investment to meet future demand as the need for places increases. As a council we have an excellent track record of ensuring school places are available but we are never complacent and we always plan ahead. This is an ambitious scheme over three phases which, if agreed, will ensure Abbeyfield School can continue to provide a first class education well into the future."

Abbeyfield School Headteacher Nick Norgrove said: "This is an extremely exciting opportunity for the Abbeyfield community to be part of its future development and ensure the school has the facilities to continue to grow and provide a high quality educational experience for many years to come. This combined with the ability to provide local community groups with the opportunity to make use of the new facilities will enhance the accessibility of provision for everyone on this side of Chippenham.