Kids see a school shape up

Clive Westall, the appointed head-teacher of St Francis Primary School, in Taw Hill, North Swindon, laid out his vision for the future to parents of prospective pupils at a packed meeting at the Taw Hill Worship Centre on Saturday.

The school will open in September and Mr Westall, who will officially take on the job in January, said: "I am really pleased that so many people are getting behind the school.

"There is a genuine feeling of hope in this community and people are really looking forward to the school opening.

"At the moment children are travelling all over Swindon to get their education there is nothing like having a school on your own doorstep."

Mr Westall said he felt honoured to be given the opportunity to start a school from nothing.

"There is not many times when a head-teacher has the chance to start up a school," he said.

"And I am really excited by that challenge and what is going to happen."

The Rev Ruth Cram, of St Andrew North Swindon, in Lady Lane, will be the school's head of governors.

She said residents could look forward to an exciting time in the coming months.

"This is a significant occasion in the life of this new community and everyone is playing a vital role in the process," she said.

Sir Maurice Johnston, the Lord Lieu-tenant of Wiltshire, officially cut the first turf for the school.

In his speech, he drew parallels between the work being carried out in Taw Hill and the construction of Canberra in Australia, during the early 20th century, which was led by Walter Burley Griffin.

"Canberra has been built from scratch and the community played an important part in that," said Sir Maurice.

"The people of Taw Hill are following that same pattern and I wish them all well."

He also promised to get a member of the Royal Family to officially unveil the school in the autumn.

Mr Westall has also said he will set aside times to talk to parents of prospective pupils in the New Year.

Kevin Shoesmith