New era for education in Waterlooville as Newlands Primary Academy celebrates grand opening

Glasses have been raised to celebrate the grand opening of Newlands Primary Academy following a mulit-million pound project to create the new provision, which welcomed its first wave of students in September 2025.

Once full, the two storey primary school, which is part of the University of Chichester Academy Trust, will provide education for 315 children aged between four and 11, with specialist resources for eight pupils with special education needs.

Those involved in the launch of the school, which is located on the Berewood development, witnessed an official ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, January 30, marking a key milestone for the provision.

Jennifer Thornton, headteacher at Newlands Primary Academy, said: “All of the people that have been involved in the design process have been able to come and see what we’ve done with the building and the space. They’ve been able to see how we’ve brought it to life to meet the needs of our children.

“It’s been brilliant. We are so fortunate, we’ve got an amazing team of people working with us. Our staff are incredible and being part of the University of Chichester Academy Trust is a real benefit to everybody including the children, so all of the opportunities that those doors open are great.

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“In September the school will grow and we will have year R and year 1 as well as our resource provision for SEMH (social, emotional, and mental health) children.

Newlands Primary is one of three schools that have opened across the region as part of the Hampshire County Council’s ambitious plans to deliver 10 new schools by September 2028, creating 3,175 additional school places.

As part of the grand opening, guests heard from Hampshire councillors Roz Chad and Steve Forster as well as Newlands Parish councillors, David Crichton and Tony Berry and Jennese Alozie, chief executive officer of the University of Chichester Academy Trust.

Jennese said: “It is brilliant because it will be a key part of the community as a school should be and the official opening will be part of history.

“Everyone has been so supportive during the process which is why it is so important to have everyone here today (January 30).”

Nikki Moore is the first early years teacher at the school who spent months last year tailoring a curriculum to best benefit the first wave of students.

She said: “I think it is the biggest privilege being the first teacher in the school and I feel really lucky to build relationships with people in the community.

“September comes round quickly. I’ll miss this first class because it is really special as they were the first class in this school.

“Everyone says our classroom is so welcoming so that is really nice. We have had some really positive feedback from the parents as well so that has been lovely.”

For more information about Newlands Primary Academy, click here.