WORK to build a new £7m primary school in north Swindon will start tomorrow.

Oakhurst Primary School and Nursery in Pioneer Way, will have places for up to 420 pupils aged five to 11, and a further 52 nursery places.

The environmentally-friendly school is being built in response to the urgent need for more primary school places in the north of Swindon.

Councillor Garry Perkins, cabinet member for children services, said: “This is a much-needed school in North Swindon and we hope it will be a valuable asset to local people. This isn’t just about providing a suitable building for education near to where pupils live; it’s also about providing a hub for community activities and bringing people together.”

Swindon Commercial Services (SCS) is building the school, which will have 16 classrooms, two halls, three community rooms, and further spaces for external teaching and other work. There will also be a sports field suitable for a variety of games, and bike shelters.

Classrooms will be divided by sliding partitions, and Wi-Fi equipment may be incorporated so pupils can do computer work away from the classroom or IT areas.

Part of the school will also have a green roof which provides a mini-eco system for plants, insects and other wildlife, helps with insulation and delays water running off the roof. Sun pipes, which reflect natural sunlight into the school, are also an environmental feature.

The doors will open to all pupils in September next year, while children in the reception class and Year 1 can attend from September and will be based in temporary accommodation until the new school is ready.