A New Primary School for Didcot

Written By Paul Reilly

A New Primary School for Didcot

Philip Pank Partnership LLP is delighted to announce that construction has officially commenced (October 2025) on a brand-new Primary School at Valley Park, Didcot.

This major project marks the next chapter in supporting the rapidly expanding Valley Park development, delivering a high-quality educational facility designed to serve the community for decades to come. Once complete, the school will offer a 3-Form Entry Primary School with Nursery, providing up to 630 pupil places.

A Modern, Purpose-Built Learning Environment

The two-storey school building has been carefully designed to meet the needs of learners from Early Years through Key Stage 2. It will include:

  • 3 Reception classrooms

  • 18 Primary classrooms

  • 4 Nursery classrooms

  • 1 Specialist Resourced Provision classroom

  • School halls, a studio, kitchen facilities, staff accommodation and head teacher offices

The scheme also incorporates extensive external works, including:

  • Secure and well-landscaped grounds

  • Hard and soft play areas

  • Adequate car parking and cycle storage

  • Robust boundary treatments

Sustainable, Future-Focused Design

The school, designed by Stride Treglown, will be delivered in accordance with Oxfordshire County Council’s Net Zero carbon criteria, supporting the county’s sustainability commitments and creating an energy-efficient learning environment.

Following the successful completion of St John’s Academy Primary School in Grove, Wantage, Philip Pank Partnership was jointly appointed by Persimmon Homes (Wessex) and Taylor Wimpey (Southern Counties) to act as Employers’ Agent and Quantity Surveyors for this project.

After a comprehensive two-stage tender process and a review of their track record in the education sector, Barnwood Limited has been appointed as Principal Contractor.

Looking Ahead

Construction is now underway, with completion scheduled for Spring 2027. The school will be handed over to Oxfordshire County Council / the Academy in time for opening at the start of the September 2027 academic year.

Philip Pank Partnership is proud to play a key role in delivering this vital community asset and looks forward to seeing the project come to life over the coming months.

Paul Reilly
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