Inspired by nature, driven by curiosity

Welcome to Thoresby Vale Primary Academy – a brand new primary school, nestled in the historic village of Edwinstowe, in the heart of Sherwood Forest.

Opening our doors in September 2025, our academy will offer a warm and nurturing environment for 210 local children, aged 5 to 11 (reception to year 6).

We are proud to be part of Diverse Academies Trust working in partnership with Nottinghamshire County Council and the Department for Education (DfE) to offer local children educational excellence in a setting rich with history and natural beauty.

We can’t wait to welcome you and your family to our school community.

A unique school site

Thoresby Vale Primary Academy isn’t just a school – it’s at the heart of an exciting new community being developed by Harworth Group plc. The academy will be set within a neighbourhood of 800 new homes, next to a stunning 350-acre country park.

View our location within Thoresby Vale development

 

Our academy will be surrounded by woodlands and wildflower meadows, offering children the chance to learn and play in nature. We will also have a dedicated food production area and orchard, along with a rain garden featuring water channels, wetland plants, and stepping stone paths, all fed by rainwater from the academy roof.

Our build progress

Follow along as we shape the foundation of brighter tomorrows. From the first groundbreaking moments to the final touches, we’re thrilled to share every milestone with you – in partnership with Harworth Group plc.

Frequently asked questions

When can I apply for a school place?

You can apply for a place at Thoresby Vale Primary Academy now, to start in September 2025. Please apply via the Nottinghamshire County Council website before 15 January 2025. More information about applying for a place can be found on our admissions section.

What is the catchment area of Thoresby Vale Primary Academy?

The catchment area for Thoresby Vale Primary Academy can be found on Nottinghamshire County Council website.

How many children will the school accommodate and what will be the class sizes?

Nottinghamshire County Council plans for the academy to start by accepting 120 children and gradually increase to 210 children over a number of years, becoming a one-form entry primary school.

This will be made up of 30 children in reception and 15 children from year 1 to year 6 in the first year of opening.

You can find more information about the planned class sizes on the admissions section of our website.

Will there be a nursery provision?

Thoresby Vale Primary Academy will be accepting children from reception to year 6 (children aged 5 to 11 years).

For a reception place in September 2025 your child’s fifth birthday must fall between 1 September 2025 and 31 August 2026.

Will there be a wraparound care available?

We are in the process of finalising the details for our breakfast and after-school clubs. We will share this information once it has been confirmed.

Can I visit the school for a tour before it opens?

We hope to offer tours of the new building in the future and will share more details as soon as the information becomes available.

What is a forest school?

‘Forest school is an inspirational process offering ALL learners regular opportunities to achieve and develop confidence and self-esteem through hands on learning experiences in a woodland or natural environment with trees. Forest school is a specialised learning approach that sits within or complements the wider context of outdoor learning.’ www.forestschoolassociation.org

At Thoresby Vale Primary Academy, our curriculum will provide every child with the best possible chance to learn and grow. We follow the early years foundation stage for the youngest children and the national curriculum from key stage 1. This is enhanced by our ‘natural curriculum’ which is inspired by our unique setting in the forest.

You can find more details on our curriculum page.

How will you engage with the local community?

We will be launching a ‘Friends of Thor’ group, bringing together families and members of the wider community to help build a strong and connected Thoresby Vale Primary Academy community.

The group will provide opportunities for everyone to get involved in various activities, including fundraising events, social gatherings, and community initiatives.

Find out more on our community page.