A new school has big dreams of becoming a “village school in the heart of Watford.”

St John’s Church of England Primary School, in Estcourt Road, Watford, is moving to a new site in Clarendon Road this September.

The school has already been open in its temporary building for nearly two years and currently, only Reception and Year 1 pupils attend.

But when it is at full capacity, by the time the current Year 1 pupils are in Year 6 in 2024, it will house 420 children.

Business development manager Vix Moore

Watford Observer:

Business development manager Vix Moore said: “It’s not just about English and science and maths, it’s about developing life skills.

“We have an ethos of giving back here. We are a Christian school and we teach children to love their neighbour.

“But those aren’t just Christian traits – those are life traits.”

The school takes children from a range of different backgrounds – not just Christians – and currently has Hindu and Muslim pupils on its books.

It encourages a “family style” dining system where children are not given trays in the canteen and can only leave the table when everyone is finished.

The new site in Clarendon Road will also have a rooftop playground – something the pupils are “really excited” about.

Clarendon Road is a busy street filled with offices and two hotels and there will be no parking available on site.

But parents will be encouraged to walk their children to school or drive halfway and walk the other half, to help promote healthy living.

“We’re really looking forward to settling into our new school,” Ms Moore added.