A NEW primary school for Tidworth is taking shape.

The Wellington Primary Academy opens its doors in September this year with headteacher Jo Andrews, formerly head at Durrington Infant School, at the helm.

She said: “I have had the privilege of being a headteacher in this area of Wiltshire since 2004 and was incredibly honoured to be asked to be involved in the creation and establishment of the new school from April 2014, in preparation for its opening in September.

“From my local headship experience and from growing up in this area, I fully understand the experiences and needs of children and families from both military and civilian backgrounds.”

The new build will be part of the Wellington family of schools, which includes the nearby Wellington Academy and its sponsor Wellington College in Berkshire. It will serve the local community and will open with a reception class and mixed age classes through to Year 6.

Mrs Andrews said: “Through opportunities to learn creatively, explore and inquire, the children at Wellington Primary Academy will be encouraged to think deeply about their learning in an environment where there is a strong emphasis on providing an inspiring academic experience that is pupil-centred and stimulating.”

Academies are schools that are funded by central government and are independent of direct control by the local educational authority.

They are self-governing and set up as not-for-profit charitable trusts.

The majority of academies are secondary schools, but some primary schools also have academy status.

Academies may receive additional support from personal or corporate sponsors.

They have to meet the same National Curriculum requirements as other state schools and are inspected by Ofsted in the same way.

To apply for a place at Wellington Primary Academy, visit www.wiltshire.gov.uk.

To find out more about the school, visit www.wellingtonprimary.org.uk.