Orchard Grove Primary School opens on Taunton development

The Orchard Grove development - on Taunton’s western edge, between the A38 Wellington Road and Honiton Road - now has a nursery and primary school that is Somerset’s first net zero carbon school.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on Friday, October 4, with headteacher Richard Healey cutting the ribbon as fifteen of the school's students, who were the first to join, were given a ribbon to untie in a "heartwarming" moment.

Orchard Grove Primary School's grand opening, October 4. (Image: NQ)Blackdown Education Partnership CEO, Lorraine Heath, OBE said: "We are delighted to be able to offer excellent education to the Orchard Grove community in this cutting-edge school.

"Our children are very lucky to have such fabulous classrooms and resources and we are grateful to everyone from the architects, designers, construction teams and the local council who worked so hard to make it happen.

"But a school is more than just its buildings and we pledge to work hard every day to do justice to the vision behind Orchard Grove and secure an exceptional education for our children as well as a great place to work for our staff."

Headteacher, Mr Healey said: "The school centres itself firmly in the heart of its local community and supports it by ensuring pupils have a clear sense of what makes a good citizen and a good neighbour.

The nursery at Orchard Grove Primary School. (Image: NQ)

First year students performing to the crowd on opening day. (Image: NQ) "Pupils have a strong sense of themselves in the local, national and global context and of the responsibility they have to others, in the present and in the future.

"Orchard Grove creates an environment where children, staff and the community can cultivate a positive and progressive school culture around sustainability and education.

"Within the setting of Somerset’s first net zero carbon school, children will be inspired by a unique curriculum that is preparing them for lifelong learning and a positive impact in the world".

The nursery, part of Orchard Grove Primary School. (Image: NQ)

He added: "Thank you to Blackdown Education Partnership's collaboration which has allowed us to make such a positive start."

Mayor of Taunton, Councillor Vanessa Garside, said: "I'm extremely proud that Taunton has opened Somerset's first-ever carbon zero school."

Gideon Amos, MP for Taunton and Wellington, said: "I'm very proud of our local Liberal Democrat Somerset Council who have successfully opened this brand new state-of-the-art primary school without the support of any government funding and only supported by local developer contributions. Taunton is growing, and that's fantastic news for our county."

The nursery, part of Orchard Grove Primary School. (Image: NQ)

Architect Helen Cooke, from Stride Treglown, said: "The building is net zero carbon in use. We're building for the future, and I was thrilled to see the children looking so joyful this morning. It is what it's all about." 

Parents wishing to apply for a place for their child for September 2025 can email office@orchardgrove.bep.ac or contact the school on 01823 711014.

Open days are set to be held on Monday October 7 at 9am and 1.30pm, and on Wednesday, October 9 at 4.30pm

There will also be places available at Pioneers Nursery, a nursery within Orchard Grove Primary School.