The countdown has begun for the opening of a new primary school in Waterlooville.

Newlands Primary, the new-build school in Newlands - also known as the Berewood development - opens its doors on September 4 to Year R children with new headteacher Jennifer Thornton busy preparing to welcome the school’s first pupils,

Talking about the opening, Mrs Thornton said she is creating an engaging and inspiring environment, where the school values are to SHINE (Safety, Honesty, Inclusion, Nurture, Effort)

Fernhurst Primary School children and staff celebrating the Ofsted outcome.

placeholder image — Fernhurst Primary School children and staff celebrating the Ofsted outcome.

She said: “‘I feel excited, privileged and honoured to be selected as the inaugural headteacher for Newlands Primary. I believe the school should be at the heart of the local community, and I will work to ensure our collaboration enriches lives and creates shared opportunities.

“As part of the University of Chichester Academy Trust family, I have been supported by a team of people dedicated to ensuring pupils will feel welcomed and nurtured where they will have fun learning, feel inspired and thrive.’

“Collaboration is of key importance to the Trust’ said Jennese Alozie, CEO and commented that ‘the Trust places a high value on ensuring all its staff have the skills and knowledge to deliver high quality education and respond swiftly and flexibly to meet pupil needs.”

Jennese went on to say that ‘this was recognised at a recent Ofsted visit of Fernhurst Primary, with Jennifer Thornton as headteacher, judging the school to be good in all areas and outstanding for personal development. ‘Inspectors praised the school’s calm environment, high expectations, and the rich experiences offered to pupils’ with pupils arriving ‘eager to begin their school day’.