Erith's newest primary school which has been built alongside the development of 800 new homes has welcomed reception pupils into their first term of learning.
Lime Wood Primary on Sandy Road has promised to provide high-quality learning in a nurturing environment for its young pupils since its opening.
The grand opening event on November 16 marked a significant milestone for all involved in the development of Lime Wood.
The headteacher Claire Ingrams said: "The Autumn term has been incredible. Jam-packed with lots of opportunities for children to engage with members of our local community and for parents, carers and families to come together.
"Some of our children took part in a sponsored read in conjunction with Usborne Books (Ready, Steady, Read) – children read 118 books between them and raised around £650 through sponsorship, with sales of books and some matched contribution, we have £1140 to spend on books to supplement our book corners and school library. What an achievement."
As the Woodland Academy Trust's newest addition, the school will enlarge each year to eventually become a three-form entry school for children aged 4 to 11.
Lime Wood is designed to serve the children of Bexley and Kent.
The school is built on Erith's former quarry site, alongside more than 800 new homes under construction as part of a development being delivered by The Anderson Group and L&Q.
With the school’s vision to deliver “a curriculum that is provided by good teachers underpinned by a culture of excellence in behaviour, attainment and wellbeing - to find the champion in everyone,” Lime Wood embraces innovation, inclusivity and excellence in education.
Upcoming plans of the school include their Christmas performances, carols around the Christmas tree and supporting Christchurch Church by decorating and sponsoring a Christmas tree at their Christmas Tree Festival.
In the New Year, the school will be working in partnership with Age UK, Men in Sheds (a project where the children will be helping make wood dragons to celebrate Chinese New Year) and the children will be visited by a dance workshop to experience dragon and Chinese dancing.
At the grand opening of the school, Headteacher Claire Ingrams said: “We are thrilled to celebrate the opening of Lime Wood Primary. The opening was a proud day for everyone at the school and the Trust and we thank our guests for joining us to mark the special occasion.
“We look forward to becoming an integral part of The Quarry and Erith community as we deliver our vision to find the champion in everyone."
CEO of Woodland Academy Trust, Nav Sanghara, said: “We are overjoyed to welcome the many hands and hearts that have brought the vision of Lime Wood Primary to life, celebrating not just the culmination of our planning and hard work but the beginning of a new legacy in education here in Erith.
“As we open our doors, we are not just unveiling a building; we are launching a promise to our community—a promise of a future where education is the cornerstone of personal and collective growth.
“Together, we are planting the seeds for tomorrow's leaders, innovators, and compassionate citizens. Lime Wood Primary is a place where we aim to cultivate not only academic excellence but also the values that make us a community.
“We're not just growing a school; we are growing a family, and that is something that every one of us can hold in our hearts with immense pride.”
Robert Rodney, the Anderson Design & Build Ltd Project Manager who oversaw the delivery of the school, said: “We are immensely proud of Lime Wood Primary School and the unique learning environment we have created for future generations growing up in Erith.
“From our first meetings with the Leader of The London Borough of Bexley, through to Design and then the Build, the focus has been on quality and creating a public building that inspires young people to achieve their very best and provides the staff with great spaces in which to teach.
“For the whole team involved in this project, it was an incredibly rewarding moment to see the first cohort of pupils walk through the gates. We could not be happier and we wish the Woodland Academy team and pupils the best of luck."
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