The proposal to build a new primary school in the heart of Chard has been described as an “incredible opportunity” by Dave MacCormick, headteacher of Holyrood Academy. The planned school aims to meet the growing demand for primary education caused by recent and upcoming housing developments in the area.
The Chard Eastern Development Area (CEDA), bordered by the A358 Tatworth Road and the A30 Crewkerne Road, was initially planned to support at least 2,700 new homes alongside employment land and two new primary schools. However, delays—partly due to challenges like the phosphates crisis—have slowed housing delivery. In September, the council announced plans to locate the new primary school next to the existing Holyrood Academy secondary school on Zembard Lane, near the town centre.
This announcement has sparked concern among leaders of Chard’s existing primary schools. In an open letter to the council dated October 20, the headteachers of Avishayes, Manor Court, and Redstart primary schools, as well as nearby schools in Combe St. Nicholas and Tatworth, voiced frustration over the perceived lack of prior consultation and transparency. They stressed the importance of collaboration and local insight to ensure the best outcomes for the community.
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Responding to these concerns, Mr MacCormick emphasized that Holyrood Academy had no intention of undermining other primary schools. He clarified that Holyrood’s involvement in the project began relatively late and was initiated by council discussions about land availability. He reassured that the goal is to strengthen Chard’s entire educational landscape, not to compete or draw students away from established schools.
Chard’s ongoing housing growth—including the recent completion of the Blackdown Heights and nearly finished Snowdon Grange developments—means nearly 1,000 new homes are expected within the next decade, driving demand for an estimated 300 additional primary school places by 2027. The new school will provide capacity for 210 primary pupils plus a 40-place nursery, helping meet this pressing need.
Site considerations for the school include three potential locations within Holyrood’s 43-acre grounds, each with its own challenges related to access and drainage. The final site and design decision will be made by early 2026, followed by a planning application. Although the general public will not be consulted on the site selection, there may be opportunities to comment on admission arrangements and construction impacts.
Notably, the new school will likely be built within Redstart Primary School’s catchment area, requiring a potential review of local catchment boundaries. Mr MacCormick proposed the possibility of removing a dedicated catchment area for the new school, instead using a “nearest first” admissions policy to avoid tensions and promote fairness.
Financially, the project is supported by £7.75 million allocated by the council, including nearly £1.9 million from housing developer contributions. Additional funds will come from borrowing recouped through future developments, including the construction of 236 homes on Tatworth Road, which also includes part of the long-awaited eastern relief road.
Mr MacCormick is optimistic that the new school, expected to open in September 2027, will allow Holyrood Academy to deepen its community engagement and create valuable educational pathways. He highlights opportunities for older students to mentor younger ones and for families to connect with the school from pregnancy through early years education. The school’s integration with local health and support services aims to give children the strongest possible start in life, making the project a significant asset for Chard’s future.