We are delighted to announce that a permanent site has been secured by the EFA for Bishop Chavasse Primary School. The school will be located on the site next to the Somerhill Green housing development at the east end of Tudeley Lane, subject to planning permission by Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council.

Applications are now open for September 2017 when, subject to the Tenax Schools Trust signing a funding agreement with the Secretary of State, the first children will start at the new school. A series of information events will take place between now and February, the dates of which are on the website www.bishopchavasseschool.org.uk

Bishop Chavasse is a brand new Church of England primary school for children in Tonbridge and will be welcoming applicants for Reception age children born from September 2012 to August 2013. Parents can apply for a place at this school as well as naming three choices via the Kent admissions process.

The new school will be part of the Tenax Schools Trust, led by Bennett Memorial, and will provide an excellent quality of education as well as superb enrichment and extension opportunities for the children of Tonbridge.

The school will be housed in a brand new, state of the art building, with outdoor space for recreation and sport and games. Subject to planning permission, modern, safe and comfortable temporary buildings will accommodate the school’s first year group, adjacent to the permanent building construction of which will start in summer 2017. Children will move into the new permanent building from September 2018.

Ian Bauckham, CEO of the Tenax Schools Trust said: “We are very excited that after two years of planning we are now able to share the news that, subject to planning permission and signing a funding agreement with the Secretary of State, this fantastic new primary school will be built in Tonbridge. The town’s population is growing and many residents have told us how much they want a new school. We are privileged to be able to help deliver this for the town’s children. We are now finalising the appointment of the headteacher, and we look forward to meeting parents and children to tell them about the new school over the coming weeks.”

Tom Tugendhat, MP for Tonbridge and Malling, said: “Bishop Chavasse School will be a fantastic addition to the educational map of Tonbridge. Tenax Schools Trust have worked incredibly hard with the Department for Education and the Education Funding Agency to deliver what the community needs – a new primary school in Tonbridge. I am delighted with the result having spent much of the past year ensuring all parties have delivered this year. I am now delighted that the school plans to open in September 2017.