PLANS for a new 420 primary school in Taunton are moving forward.

A consultation for resident in the area is set to start on Monday (October 8) for the new school on Nerrols Drive.

Nerrols Primary School is set to open in September 2019 after a £7million development.

Building work started during the summer next to a residential development being built by Barratt and David Wilson Homes.

Access from the site will be via Nerrols Drive, with footpaths also leading into the school from both the west and east, and a sports pitch being provided at the northern end of the site.

The new school is set to be under the umbrella of the Richard Huish Trust, which sponsors a number of other schools in the area as well as having links to Richard Huish College.

Initially only reception, year 1 and year 2 students will be accepted, with further years added in subsequent terms.

The trust has appointed Mike Snowden as executive headteacher of Nerrols School, in addition to his current headship of North Town Primary School in Taunton.

He said: “The establishment of Nerrols Primary School reflects the strong collaboration between Richard Huish Trust and North Town Primary School, which serves the community of north Taunton.

“I am totally committed to ensuring a successful start to the life of our new school.

"It will be a creative and innovative place of learning, where children will be encouraged to be as successful as they can be in all that they do.

“We want the children of Nerrols Primary School to develop lively and enquiring minds and to acquire knowledge and skills relevant to a fast changing world. We are eager to work in partnership with families and the local community to support our children, enabling them to develop and flourish, fulfilling their potential at school and in life as citizens of the world.”

The school is the latest addition to the Richard Huish Trust, which also sponsors The Taunton Academy, West Buckland Primary School and North Curry Church of England School.

John Abbott, Chief Executive of the Richard Huish Trust and principal of Richard Huish College, said: “We are a locally based well established and growing Multi Academy Trust, which already has a presence in the North Taunton area.

"We pride ourselves in having a strong local and national reputation and a recognised identity across the town.

“As part of our mission we are committed to providing a values based primary and nursery school at the heart of our community, striving for excellence, enabling our children to achieve their highest potential in all areas of the curriculum.

"Our vision is to create a stimulating and enriching environment where each child is encouraged to learn, to develop as a whole and to understand their value and place in the world.”

The consultation period is from Monday October 8 until Friday ​ November 30.

Leaflets are being sent to families in the catchment area inviting them to comment on the proposals for the new school.

There will also be an event on October 25, from 3pm – 7pm at Brittons Ash Community Hall, when prospective parents will be able to see how the school will look and talk to Mr Snowden and other key figures involved with the project.

The school plans to open with 30 reception places, 15 Year 1 and Year 2 places in September 2019. It will also open a nursery/pre-school for 2-4 year olds.

Admission application forms and inquiries are available from richardhuishtrust@richuish.ac.uk or by calling Xanne Blythe from Richard Huish College on 01823 320800.