Construction of the new Kings Moat Community Primary School in Chester is now complete, with the council officially signing off the finished building.

The new school will provide additional primary school places for families in the growing Kings Moat community and is expected to open to pupils in 2026.

Cheshire West and Chester Council said the completion of the project marks a key stage ahead of the school welcoming its first children.

The handover to Sandstone Trust took place on Wednesday 8 July, marking the completion of construction and the start of final preparations before the school opens.

Situated at the heart of Kings Moat Garden Village, a development of around 1,300 new homes on the southern edge of Chester, the school has been designed to support the needs of the expanding community.

The school was delivered by Wynne Construction on behalf of Cheshire West and Chester Council and will be operated by Sandstone Trust, an established multi-academy trust responsible for four local schools.

The school is being delivered in two phases, allowing it to grow alongside the community.

When it opens in September, the school will initially operate at 0.5 Form Entry, welcoming Reception and Key Stage 1 pupils. Numbers will increase over time as the village grows, with the school eventually expanding to a full 1 Form Entry school with capacity for 210 pupils.

The first phase will include shared facilities such as a hall, kitchen and dining areas, which have been designed to allow for future expansion. A nursery will also open with 13 places, with capacity increasing in line with demand.

A second phase will increase the school's capacity to 315 pupils, providing an additional 105 places when required.

Headteacher Ruth Cadwallader said the school team was looking forward to welcoming its first pupils.

She said: "It's a wonderful moment to officially get the keys to this fantastic building. We have a clear vision for the school, and the environment we have here will certainly help us achieve that.

"Our focus is now on the practical preparations; we're excited to welcome families to our parent information evenings and begin getting to know the children who will be joining us.

"Through a programme of transition sessions over the summer, we'll ensure every child feels ready to start this exciting new chapter with us."

Jason Lowe, Chief Executive Officer of Sandstone Trust, added: "We have worked hard to create a school that really serves this community, and it is great to see it finally ready.

"We are looking forward to opening our doors in September, and it is brilliant to now be at the stage where we can focus on welcoming our first families through the door."

With construction complete, attention will now turn to final preparations, staff recruitment and welcoming families ahead of the school's opening.

Further updates will be shared as the school prepares to welcome its first pupils.