Grand opening marks new era for education in Waterlooville

Hampshire County Council has officially opened its third new primary school this academic year, welcoming pupils to a purpose-built academy near Waterlooville.

Hampshire County Council has celebrated its landmark third new primary school this academic year, as Cllrs Roz Chadd and Steve Forster officially opened Newlands Primary Academy near Waterlooville.

The purpose-built school, located on the Berewood housing development, welcomed its first pupils in September 2025. The new two-storey academy was designed by Hampshire County Council in partnership with the University of Chichester Academy Trust, and delivered by construction firm Morgan Sindall, using funds from housing developer contributions.

Once full, Newlands Primary Academy will provide 315 primary school places for children aged 4 to 11, including a resourced provision for eight pupils with special educational needs. Resourced provisions are specialist environments based within mainstream schools and allow children with additional needs to receive the tailored support they require while also accessing all the benefits of mainstream education.

The compact two-storey building has been designed to high environmental and energy efficiency standards and accommodates 11 classrooms, hall, studio, specialist practical, general admin, kitchen and other ancillary spaces.

Outside there is covered cycle and scooter storage, dedicated external play areas for both Year R and children based in the Resourced Provision as well as other formal and informal hard play areas together with a grass team sports playing field.

Newlands is one of three schools opened recently across Hampshire as part of the County Council’s ongoing investment in new school places to support growing communities and ensure that all Hampshire children can access high-quality education close to home. Stanhope Primary and Hounsome Fields Primary held their official openings in November.

Newlands’ official opening ceremony took place on January 30, where guests and partners gathered to mark the completion of the project and celebrate the school’s role in meeting growing demand for school places in the area.

Cllr Chadd, executive lead member for children’s services, and Cllr Forster, executive member for education, shared ribbon-cutting duties with the school’s head teacher Jennifer Thornton and Jennese Alozie, chief executive of the academy trust.

Speaking at the ceremony, Cllr Forster thanked all involved in the development of the new school, adding: “We are delighted to officially open Newlands Primary Academy – a modern, welcoming and high-quality school that reflects the hard work and dedication of everyone involved.

“As this community continues to grow, this new school will play a vital role in providing the very best opportunities for local children, with bright learning spaces, excellent facilities and a strong commitment to inclusion and sustainability at its heart.”

Headteacher Jennifer Thornton said: “Our staff have truly brought this wonderful new building to life. Their professionalism, dedication and unwavering commitment are evident each day, and our children are thriving as they learn in a modern, state of the art environment. It is a privilege to see them flourish as part of the Newlands community.”

Jennese Alozie, chief executive of the academy trust, added: “Newlands will be a vital part of its community, as every school should be. Rooted in our mission to achieve more, shape futures and challenge thinking, today marks an important milestone in the school’s journey. We are incredibly proud to open our doors and to celebrate this moment with everyone who supported its development.”