A new primary school in Wokingham has had to delay opening due to less demand for places than expected, according to Wokingham Borough Council. 

St Cecilia’s Church of England Primary School was due to open for the 2022 academic year, but the plan has been put on hold after only a small number of applicants chose it as their first preference. 

The executive member for children’s services, Councillor Graham Howe, said: “It will be a pleasure to announce the opening of St Cecilia’s Church of England Primary School, but now is not the right time – there simply isn’t enough demand.” 

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A new opening date is yet to be announced but the council expects demand to rise as families populate the area, which is why the school was built. 

Construction of the school was funded by developers building housing on the major development in North Wokingham, where 2,100 new homes have been granted planning permission. 

The executive member for planning and enforcement, Councillor Wayne Smith, said: “It was crucial that we built this school to serve our residents as it’s vital that we’re ready to meet the need of a growing population when it arises. 

“In the meantime, we’ll look for as many opportunities as possible for the community to benefit from the development.” 

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The school, which will have 210 places, has a new 500 sq/m community centre with two large rooms, a kitchen, outdoor space, and a new toilet. 

CEO of The Keys Academy Trust, Hester Wooller, said: “Education at St Cecilia’s Church of England Primary will be built on a firm foundation of Christian values with an expectation of high academic standards and pastoral care for all.”