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Willow Tree Primary secures £150,000 grant for new nursery

Wednesday, 25 March 2026 13:49

Willow Tree Primary School on Wetherby Road.

A Harrogate primary school has secured major funding to develop new teacher-led nursery provision as part of a new "Early Education Centre" for the town.

Willow Tree Community Primary School on Wetherby Road has secured £150,000 from the Government's "school-based nursery" programme.

The grant is being matched with investment from Northern Star Academies Trust to create an Early Education Centre with spaces for up to 37 babies and children from birth to nursery-age.

The Centre, which will provide an all-year-round service, is scheduled to open in September 2027.

Work to develop the Centre will begin this summer.

Willow Tree Headteacher, Robert Mold, said:

"We already provide excellent early years education at Willow Tree, with a strong network of early education practitioners across our multi academy Trust.

"Our curriculum develops children's communication skills and a love of books and reading, with time spent learning in nature and enrichment opportunities.

"We know there is high demand for school-based and teacher-led nursery provision that focuses on school readiness and is available all-year round.

"That's what our Early Education Centre will provide, offering parents a school-led option for their youngest children".

Northern Star Academies Trust, which includes Willow Tree Community Primary School, is a group of 15 primary and secondary schools across Harrogate, Skipton, Keighley and Bradford.

The Chief Executive of Northern Star Academies Trust, Jenn Plews, said:

"We know from research that children's development in their earliest years shapes their opportunities in future life.

“That's why we're investing in high quality early education, to improve life chances for our youngest children in Harrogate".

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