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Buntingford First School to open in temporary premises due to “unavoidable” delays with the state of the art new building

A longer than anticipated planning process has delayed completion of the proposed new two-form entry First School for Buntingford.

The delay to construction works means that the county’s first net zero school is now due to open in September 2023.

Hertfordshire County Council (HCC) is working closely with the Scholars’ Education Trust, which runs the school, and work will continue apace on the much-need two-form entry First School for four to nine-year-olds, which will become the first school in the county to be built and operate at net zero carbon, in line with the council’s sustainability strategy and ambition to be carbon neutral by 2030.

Councillor Terry Douris, HCC’s Executive Member for Education, Libraries and Lifelong Learning said: “While we are naturally very disappointed that these unavoidable delays have set back the competition of this much-needed new school for Buntingford, we are working very hard to ensure pupils’ education will continue as planned.

“The Scholars’ Education Trust, HCC and Edwinstree are confident that this arrangement provides the best possible start for the new school and its pupils in advance of its permanent trailblazing accommodation being ready.”

Prospective parents can apply for reception places for September 2023 at Buntingford First School through HCC’s admissions website Buntingford First School | Hertfordshire County Council | www.hertfordshire.gov.uk  In this, its first year of opening, Buntingford First School, has a separate application process for Reception admissions and the school can therefore be a “fifth preference” in addition to the four preferences expressed on the usual HCC application form.

The new school will be open to pupils across all other year groups from September 2023 and In Year applications for a place in Years 1-4 can be made in the summer term.

Matt Gauthier, Executive Headteacher Buntingford First School said: “I am really excited about being the Executive Headteacher for Buntingford First School and the wonderful opportunities the school will provide for the children of Buntingford.  Shortly we will complete an important next step with the appointment of the Headteacher and other key staff to ensure we create a vibrant, dynamic and nurturing environment for our children.”