PARENTS can get a glimpse of the long-awaited new Kingsteignton school at an open day on Thursday.

The as yet unbuilt 420-pupil primary school, which will also house a nursery, is due to welcome its first pupils in September, 2016.

Planning permission for a permanent campus has been granted for land at Newcross, close to Teign School. While building is taking place children will initially be taught in temporary accommodation at St Michael’s Primary School. They will then move into the new school building in September, 2017.

The headteacher’s position has been awarded to Dr Penny Fitch, currently headteacher at Brixton St Mary’s Primary School.

Both St Mary’s and St Michael’s are part of the United Schools Federation group, which work closely together. The new school will be part of this group.

Dr Fitch said: ‘I’m looking forward to my new role. Kingsteignton school will eventually cater for 420 pupils and have a large nursery on site.

‘It will open in September 2016, using temporary accommodation at St Michael’s School, and will begin with a reception class to accommodate 30 pupils as well as a Year 1/2 class of 30 pupils.

‘The new purpose-built school will open in September 2017. It will have its own large hall, state-of-the-art classrooms, plenty of outdoor areas and accommodation for a large nursery.

‘By working in close partnership with the United Schools Federation, particularly St Michael’s, we will ensure that every child receives an education of the very highest quality.’

Martin Harding, the federation’s executive head and also headteacher of St Catherine’s primary, Heathfield and Marldon primary schools, added: ‘There will be an emphasis on making strong community links and ensuring the children lead healthy lives both now and into the future.

‘They will be offered regular cooking opportunities, physical activity and the encouragement to walk, bike or use their scooters to get to school.

‘We are also determined that Kingsteignton school will be dementia-friendly, with children having the chance to sing, talk and eat with members of the community affected by a condition that will have an ever-increasing impact on our ageing population.

‘Our motto is aiming higher, achieving more. It’s a philosophy that underpins all we do.’

The open day sessions will be at St Michael’s Primary School from 2.30pm to 4.30pm and 6pm to 8pm.

For more details visit www.kingsteigntonschool.org or call 01626 241166.