On Tuesday 30th September, Pupils, parents and teaching staff at the new Sky Primary and Eden Project Nursery joined forces with key education and community stakeholders to celebrate the opening of this state-of-the-art education facility for West Carclaze Garden Village.
More than a new school building, the opening represents a defining milestone for West Carclaze Garden Village itself, placing education and long-term community at its heart from day one.
Attendees received a presentation and guided tour of the new school before assembling for a performance by the school choir and Cornish singer, songwriter and musician Will Keating. The school was then officially opened by former MP for Truro and St Austell, Matthew Taylor, Lord Taylor of Goss Moor.
Education at the Heart of the Village
From the earliest masterplanning stages of West Carclaze Garden Village, education was never an afterthought. It was central to the vision.
A thriving community depends on more than homes, it depends on places where children can grow, families can connect, and futures can be shaped. Sky Primary and Eden Project Nursery provide that anchor.
Located within walking distance of new homes, lakes, trails and green spaces, the school ensures that daily life is simpler and more connected for families. It reinforces West Carclaze as a true neighbourhood not just a housing development.
Designed for Modern, Future-Focused Learning
Designed in close association with the Department for Education (DfE) and the Kernow Learning Trust which provides education, training and support to schools across Cornwall, the new primary and nursery were delivered by Reds10, a leader in industrialised construction, with architecture and interior design by Sense of Space Architects.
The new 1,750m² school accommodates 210 pupils and 26 nursery places within the wider residential development at West Carclaze Garden Village.
Delivered utilising Reds10’s MMC factory in East Yorkshire, 87% of the two-storey building was constructed off-site before being transported and assembled on site, ensuring speed, quality and minimal disruption.
Importantly, the school has been designed as a zero-carbon in operation building, aligning with the wider sustainability ambitions of West Carclaze Garden Village.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Sky Primary’s vision goes beyond traditional models of education. It is forward-thinking and globally minded focused on nurturing not just academic achievement, but character, curiosity and responsibility.
Here, much of the learning happens outside the classroom.
Through its unique partnership with the Eden Project, pupils experience immersive, nature-based education that connects geography, science, sustainability and creativity. Meadows, outdoor spaces and the surrounding landscape become living classrooms.
In a recent Ofsted report, inspectors praised the school’s highly ambitious personal development curriculum and its strong collaboration with external partners:
“Pupils cherish the outdoor ‘meadow’ to learn beyond the classroom. The school’s strong partnerships with external providers, through visits and visitors, means the development of pupils’ character is impressive. Pupils demonstrate a mature understanding about the world around them and the difference they can make.”
This is education designed to create citizens of the world, young people who understand their place within it and their responsibility to shape it.
A Shared Vision
Clare Crowle, CEO of Kernow Learning Trust, said:
“This school has been built with tenacity, resilience, determination, innovation, and an abundance of laughter, creativity and love from everyone involved since 2015. When a school is founded in such a spirit of partnership, collaboration and sustainability, it becomes a very special place to grow the next generation of artists, scientists, explorers, athletes, writers, and global citizens.”
Emma Vyvyan, Headteacher at Sky Primary, added:
“We are very excited to be in our permanent home, proudly continuing to develop our community and partnerships to offer our children an exceptional education through our learning beyond the classroom approach. Our vision is to prepare children not just for secondary school, but for the wider world.”
Joe Shepherd, Public Sector Managing Director for Reds10, said:
“The delivery of the Sky Primary and Eden Project Nursery is the result of a shared vision between Reds10, the Department for Education, the Kernow Learning Trust, the Eden Project, Eco-Bos and Cornwall Council. We are proud to have demonstrated the benefits of MMC in delivering a sustainable, high-quality and cost-effective school for West Carclaze Garden Village.”
Dr Jo Elworthy, Director of Interpretation, Science and Engagement at the Eden Project, commented:
“This is a momentous occasion for Sky Primary and Eden Project Nursery. The school is a powerful example of nature-based learning and how the natural world can — and should — be central to children’s education. We hope it inspires others to see outdoor learning not as an addition, but as essential.”
Dorian Beresford, Eco-Bos Chief Development Officer, said:
“The opening of Sky Primary marks a defining moment for West Carclaze Garden Village. From the very beginning, education sat at the heart of our vision — a place where children can learn not only within four walls, but among lakes, trails and meadows. Just as importantly, this is a zero-carbon school in operation, aligned with our commitment to building a truly sustainable community. It is designed to inspire curiosity, creativity and care for the world around us, while proving that learning and sustainability can thrive hand in hand. The school will grow alongside the community itself, anchoring village life for generations to come.”
Building More Than Homes
The opening of Sky Primary and Eden Project Nursery demonstrates West Carclaze Garden Village’s long-term commitment to placemaking – delivering infrastructure, opportunity and community alongside new homes.
It signals that this is not simply a place being built, but a place coming to life.
