The effects of the Covid crisis on education, from home-schooling to exam result assessments, has played a major part in parents’ considerations about the homes they need and more appealing places to live. With major developments often involving the construction of brand new schools, it could be just the amenity that is key to the final choice of home.
We look at a few developments with new primary schools attracting young families to the new homes for sale there.
Orchard Green @ Kingsbrook, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire
Kingsbrook View Primary Academy will open its doors this September for an initial 30 children in Foundation Stage (aged 4-5). This is located within the heart of Barratt Homes’ Kingsbrook development, where the housebuilder has worked with the RSPB and Aylesbury Vale District Council to deliver the UK’s first fully nature-friendly housing development, creating more than 2,500 new homes. Some 60% of the development is given to open spaces, with plans for a 250-acre nature reserve and visitors centre. New facilities including retail units, schools and a community centre.
Karly Williams, sales and marketing director at David Wilson North Thames, commented: “Kingsbrook continues to be a popular choice for families who are attracted to the development’s family friendly features. The new primary school will form an integral part of the Kingsbrook community, providing excellent educational facilities for our residents and the surrounding community to enjoy.”
Ideal for families, there are three grammar schools in the area and an Ofsted-rated ‘Outstanding’ primary school within walking distance. Plenty of leisure activities are available with Aylesbury Waterside Theatre nearby, and Whipsnade Zoo and Wendover Woods within easy reach.
The homes are designed for contemporary living, with spacious open-plan living and dining areas which open onto the garden. Each home offers a modern kitchen including an energy-efficient oven, hob and hood, as well as built-in storage and a WC on the ground floor. Main bedrooms also benefit from an en suite.
One- and four-bedroom homes with prices starting from £252,500 for a one-bedroom coach house, and from £377,995 for a three-bedroom family home. Help to Buy is available on selected plots. Find out more about Orchard Green @ Kingsbrook from Barratt Homes.
Woodhurst Park, Warfield, Berkshire
Designed to create the feeling of a quintessential English village, Woodhurst Park is a development of 750 homes, where core elements of the English idyll have been recreated, including a country park, traditional village green, duck pond, children’s play areas, orchard park, tree-lined riverside cut and nature trails. The site includes a new primary school, ideal for young families.
Benjamin Ivey, director of sales and marketing at Berkeley Homes (Oxford and Chiltern), commented: “Woodhurst Park is a top choice for families thanks to the excellent education opportunities available to residents right on the doorstep. Warfield C of E Primary School & Nursery is a state-of-the-art facility located on site, plus we have additional primary schools and four secondary schools within easy reach. The onsite school plays a pivotal role in the community, helping to maintain the village lifestyle at Woodhurst Park. Not only does it provide access to a well-resourced learning environment, it also offers a whole host of after-school and holiday clubs, as well as sports and activities to complement the curriculum.”
The recently unveiled ‘The Peacock’ is the latest show home within the latest phase, Bluebell Way, and is now open to visitors. It’s an example of the style of open-plan dining and kitchen areas, with integrated appliances and high-quality fittings. Patio doors leading out to the garden, providing all-important access to outside space, ideal for al fresco entertaining in the summer.
Prices at Bluebell Way start from £397,500 for a three-bedroom coach house, with two-, three-, and four-bedroom houses starting from £415,000, £530,000 and £645,000 respectively. Find out more from Berkeley.
Buckton Fields West, Northampton
Buckton Fields, located just outside of Northampton, is a Martin Grant Homes development which offers buyers a range of two-, three- and four-bedroom properties, ideal for first-time buyers and young families. The latest phase of four-bedroom homes have features such as traditional brick facades, landscaped front gardens and generous rear gardens. Each home will also benefit from its own private garage and a contemporary fitted kitchen with integrated appliances.
Once complete, the overall Buckton Fields scheme will offer a range of facilities including its own primary school (launching in September 2021), convenience shops and services, open parkland and play spaces.
Ideal for commuters, Northampton railway station is just a few miles from Buckton Fields West and offers direct services to London Euston in under an hour, while Milton Keynes and Coventry are just 13 and 29 minutes respectively by rail.
Prices are from £290,000 for a three-bedroom mid-terrace home. Find out more at www.martingranthomes.co.uk.