CHILDREN moving into 1,000 homes being built in Monkton Heathfield will be able to attend a brand new primary school.

West Monkton Primary School, in School Road, is to close and be replaced by premises adjacent to Brittons Ash.

The future of the current site has not yet been decided, although it could be kept to allow nearby Heathfield School to expand.

Education bosses decided on the new build as the current school has insufficient capacity for the expected demand from housing developments in the area.

It will eventually have 14 classes, playing fields and community use facilities.

After the completion of the first phase, there will be room for 300 pupils, plus 52 full-time bursary places.

As more homes go up, the vacant classrooms will be brought into use.

Cllr Frances Nicholson, Somerset County Council cabinet member for children and families, said: “This is a really positive move to provide the extra school places needed to cope with local demand.

“A new and relocated school means new and improved facilities which will benefit the whole local community, not just pupils of the school.”

A county spokesman said the cost of the new school was not yet know, but it will be shared between the council and developers.

People will be able to see the proposals at an open drop-in event at West Monkton Primary School on Wednesday, October 15 from 2.30pm to 7.30pm.