Two new schools opened this week, heralding an exciting new era for education in Chelmsley Wood.

The new-look Fordbridge and Coleshill Heath Primary Schools opened on Monday, 7th September for the academic year, 2015/16.

The schools, which cost £18m to build, are further proof of Solihull Council's commitment to the North Solihull Primary Programme, as part of the North Solihull Partnership's continuing investment in the area over the past 9 years.

As well as providing education in brand new buildings, the schools will be at the heart of the local community providing two school nurseries, two neighbourhood nurseries, two adult learning centres, plus sports pitches and multi-use games areas (MUGAs).

Councillor Bob Sleigh, leader of Solihull Council, said: "Both of these schools are testament to the Council's commitment to providing the best education facilities for local children, while continuing our investment in the communities of North Solihull.  Both schools look fantastic and will provide first-class learning environments for both staff and pupils. They will inspire teaching and give young children the best start in life and the chance to succeed."

There will be 540 places at each school, two school nurseries each offering 40 full-time equivalent places, while the neighbourhood nurseries will both offer full day care for up to 130 children in total.

There will be 'wraparound' facilities for before and after school activities, while both adult learning centres will have community spaces.

The expansive sports pitches include three MUGAs, with community changing facilities designed into the scheme at Coleshill Heath.

The schools are the fifth and sixth new primary schools built, following the opening of the first school (Kingshurst) in 2008, as part of a 10-school programme of works.

They are part of North Solihull Partnership's education investment plan which has seen £60m invested in replacing or refurbishing all the primary schools in the North of the borough, alongside new village centres at Chelmund's Cross and Smith's Wood.