A NEW primary school for 420 pupils on the Hounsome Fields development has taken a step forward, as a public consultation on the potential operator has opened.

The £14.5m Hounsome Fields Primary School was given the green light in September last year, with a target opening date of September 2025.

The proposed operator is the Engage Enrich Excel Academies (EEEA) Trust and it is now inviting views from interested parents, stakeholders and the community on whether to enter into a funding agreement with the secretary of state for education to establish the school.

READ MORE: Hounsome Fields Primary School given planning permission

Artist's impression of how the Hounsome Fields Primary School will look (Image: Hampshire County Council/Willmott Dixon) In a letter on the consultation website, trust chief executive David Harris said: “Our trust believes every school should be a great school and the Hounsome Fields Primary School will be a place of excellence and enjoyment.

“Children will learn about the rich local history of Basingstoke as well as the diversity and wonders of our country and the world.

“We understand how important it is that families make the right decision for their child. Being part of Hounsome Fields Primary School family will be a rewarding, inspiring and wonderful experience.”

The school will open with one reception class in September 2025 and the school will grow each year alongside the development.

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Mr Harris added: “The Hounsome Fields Primary School will be an extension of the local community, and, with your co-operation as parents, your child has a unique contribution to make and we shall all find much to discover, share and enjoy together.

“The families that will be the first to experience the school will benefit from helping to shape and mould the school community. We believe learning is a process of co-operative teamwork and families that will attend from September will benefit from a world-class learning environment.”

The school has been designed to allow the expansion of up to 630 pupil places, but this will be subject to future demand and capital funding.

The consultation will run until Monday, September 30 and a consultation event will be held at Beggarwood Community Centre, Broadmere Road, on Monday, September 30.

To find out more about the trust or to get involved in the consultation, go to hounsomefields.school.

The school will be located on land within the 750-home Hounsome Fields development on A30 Winchester Road, opposite the golf course development where 1,000 homes are being built.