Work is expected to start next summer on a £6.6 million project in Wisbech that will see Ramnoth Primary School and Nene Infant and Nursery School come together mainly on one site.

Cambs Times: Planning application now in for proposed merger of Nene Infants and Ramnoth Junior schools, Wisbech. Illustrations from the application by Cambs County CouncilPlanning application now in for proposed merger of Nene Infants and Ramnoth Junior schools, Wisbech. Illustrations from the application by Cambs County Council (Image: Archant)

The new school involves a massive re-development of Ramnoth and should be ready to move from a two form entry to three by September 2018. Detailed plans are now being considered by Cambridgeshire County Council that will allow for the demolition of the south eastern extension of the existing Ramnoth School to allow for a new extension. Three reception classes will remain on the Nene site.

In recent months talks with Fenland Council, the highways authority and an exhibition for parents have drawn together the final proposals.

The three form entry will allow for up to 630 pupils to be accommodated in 12 new classrooms with six remaining from the original school. Parking will be reconfigured and emphasis has been placed on creating play areas including a soft informal area to the south of the site and a new hard games area.

“Creating new breakout spaces and outdoor teaching spaces to the north” is also emphasised in the report.

Cambs Times: Planning application now in for proposed merger of Nene Infants and Ramnoth Junior schools, Wisbech. Illustrations from the application by Cambs County CouncilPlanning application now in for proposed merger of Nene Infants and Ramnoth Junior schools, Wisbech. Illustrations from the application by Cambs County Council (Image: Archant)

A two storey extension is planned to the west of the site where a new entrance plaza will be created with access from Elizabeth Terrace.

Every effort says the council has been made to provide “a design and layout that is for educational purposes and meets the needs of both the staff and pupils”.

The council says consultations began a year ago when a number of design options were brought forward. In May a public exhibition received 25 feedback forms and these were “supportive with comments made about the positive design of the school and the amalgamation of the two schools on the one site”.

Since October 2013 Ramnoth converted to be part of the Elliot Foundation Academy Trust and federated with Nene Infant School.

Cambs Times: Planning application now in for proposed merger of Nene Infants and Ramnoth Junior schools, Wisbech. Illustrations from the application by Cambs County CouncilPlanning application now in for proposed merger of Nene Infants and Ramnoth Junior schools, Wisbech. Illustrations from the application by Cambs County Council (Image: Archant)