A TURF-CUTTING ceremony to mark the start of construction at Devon’s newest school is to take place on Wednesday, February 28.

Dignitaries, staff and pupils will gather at the site of Kingsteignton School, Exeter Road, Kingsteignton, at 9.30am.

The cutting will be performed by former councillor Mike Walters whose support for the project has been vital to its success and never waned despite health challenges.

The free school welcomed its first children in September 2016 but has to date shared facilities with St Michael’s C of E Primary.

The state-of-the-art premises being built at Newcross could be open by the end of the year and will eventually provide classes for 420 four -to-11-year-olds.

‘Delivery of this new facility is a key element in the area’s continued expansion,’ said principal Dr Penny Fitch.

‘More than 12,000 new homes are planned for Teignbridge in the coming years with hundreds of those being built right now next to our site at Newcross.

‘People rightly call for the infrastructure to serve our growing communities and this is an excellent example of that happening.

‘We’ve done so well in our temporary accommodation at St Michael’s that we had to create extra space for more children and we are aiming for an “Outstanding” first Ofsted report.

‘Combine this great start with the prospect of state-of-the-art new premises and the people of Kingsteignton can fully expect to have one of the county’s, if not the country’s, finest primary schools on their doorstep.’

The land was formerly owned by minerals firm Sibelco who obtained planning permission for the project.

The company’s UK operations manager, Adam Daniels, said: ‘We work very closely with Teignbridge Council to ensure our estate serves the Local Plan the best it can,’ he said.

‘Strategic growth that genuinely meets the needs of residents can only come about through partnerships like this.

‘Land that formerly supplied the nation with vital minerals is being given a new purpose as places for people to live in, work, relax and, in this case, get a great education.

‘We’re thrilled to see construction of Kingsteignton School getting under way and look forward to returning for the official opening ceremony.’