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Since the publication of the New Towns Taskforce’s final report1 six months ago, we find ourselves on the cusp of a defining moment; one that brings us closer to clarity, purpose, and a bold re‑imagining of what place‑making can achieve. The 10 guiding principles for new towns offer not just an anchor, but a launchpad for truly transformative, high‑quality development. This for us is more than a call to action; it is an invitation to shape the future. The creation of new towns and large‑scale housing schemes transcends the building of homes; it is the visionary crafting of vibrant, resilient, and future‑ready communities where generations will not simply live, but truly flourish.
A central recommendation within the report,underscores the vital need to deliver social infrastructure early, with education at its heart. Schools, alongside healthcare and cultural facilities, are not simply amenities; they are the foundation stones of community wellbeing and opportunity. Resident surveys consistently highlight primary schools and GP surgeries as the most valued facilities, directly influencing where people choose to settle and build their lives.
Global and UK evidence is clear; access to high-quality educational infrastructure is a decisive factor in the success and sustainability of new communities. Early investment in schools fosters cohesion, supports public health, and drives economic growth. For example, a new town delivering 10,000 homes will require 8–9 primary schools, a secondary school, and multiple health and care centres, each serving as a cornerstone for community development.
As we look to the future, it is essential to recognise that educational infrastructure is not just a physical necessity but a catalyst for innovation, inclusion, and social mobility. Thoughtfully designed school environments can inspire creativity and learning, while accessible facilities support equity by ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of background. The integration of green spaces, technology, and flexible learning areas further enriches these environments, making them adaptable to the changing needs of families and communities.
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The information provided by Virtua Research cited herein is provided “as is” and “as available” without warranty of any kind. Use of any Virtua Research data is at a user’s own risk and Virtua Research disclaims any liability for use of the Virtua Research data. Although the information is obtained or compiled from reliable sources Virtua Research neither can nor does guarantee or make any representation or warranty, either express or implied, as to the accuracy, validity, sequence, timeliness, completeness or continued availability of any information or data, including third-party content, made available herein. In no event shall Virtua Research be liable for any decision made or action or inaction taken in reliance on any information or data, including third-party content. Virtua Research further explicitly disclaims, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any warranty of any kind, whether express or implied, including warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose and non-infringement.
The consensus estimate provided by Virtua Research is based on estimates, forecasts and predictions made by third party financial analysts, as described above. It is not prepared based on information provided by AtkinsRéalis and can only be seen as a consensus view on AtkinsRéalis' possible future results from an outside perspective. AtkinsRéalis has not provided input on these forecasts, except by referring to past publicly disclosed information. AtkinsRéalis does not accept any responsibility for the quality or accuracy of any individual or average of forecasts or estimates. This web page contains forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by third parties. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between AtkinsRéalis' actual future results, financial situation, development or performance, and the estimates given here.
Visionary planning and design in educational facilities as new schools demands authentic engagement with multiple stakeholders, ensuring that new developments go beyond bricks and mortar to become true communities. Participatory planning is essential, creating environments where belonging and agency flourish, and where educational spaces adapt to evolving needs.
Investing in educational infrastructure is an investment in life itself. It elevates quality of life, strengthens social bonds, and unlocks the latent potential of every resident. The timing of delivery is crucial with the early provision of schools and community facilitiescreates anchor points that define a sense of place and identity.
Early investment in education also has a ripple effect that extends far beyond the classroom. It attracts skilled professionals, encourages business investment, and enhances the long-term resilience of new communities. Partnerships between central government, local authorities, developers, educators, and residents are essential to deliver projects that reflect genuine community aspirations and foster a shared sense of ownership. By championing educational infrastructure as the backbone of new developments, we lay the groundwork for vibrant, sustainable towns where future generations can live, learn, and prosper together.
Ultimately, the success of new towns will be measured not by the number of homes built, but by the empathetic integration of educational and social infrastructure at its heart for communities. For new communities to truly thrive and flourish, robust planning and ambitious investment in schools must be at the heart of every decision. These are the seeds of immediate wellbeing and the roots of long-term prosperity.
1 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/new-towns-taskforce-report-to-government
Please note that you are now leaving the AtkinsRéalis website (legal name: AtkinsRéalis Group inc.) and entering a website maintained by a third party (the "External Website") and that you do so at your own risk.
AtkinsRéalis has no control over the External Website, any data or other content contained therein or any additional linked websites. The link to the External Website is provided for convenience purposes only. By clicking "Accept" you acknowledge and agree that AtkinsRéalis is not responsible, and does not accept or assume any responsibility or liability whatsoever for the data protection policy, the content, the data or the technical operation of the External Website and/or any linked websites and that AtkinsRéalis is not liable for the terms and conditions (or terms of use) of the External Website. Further, you acknowledge and agree that you assume all risks resulting from entering and/or using the External Website and/or any linked websites.
BY ENTERING THE EXTERNAL WEBSITE, YOU ALSO ACKNOWLEDGE AND AGREE THAT YOU COMPLETELY AND IRREVOCABLY WAIVE ANY AND ALL RIGHTS AND CLAIMS AGAINST ATKINSRÉALIS, AND RELEASE, DISCHARGE, INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS ATKINSRÉALIS, ITS OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, DIRECTORS AND AGENTS FROM ANY AND ALL LIABILITY INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO LIABILITY FOR LOSS, DAMAGES, EXPENSES AND COSTS ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH ENTERING AND/OR USING THE EXTERNAL WEBSITE AND/OR ANY LINKED WEBSITES AND ANY DATA AND/OR CONTENT CONTAINED THEREIN.
Such waiver and release specifically includes, without limitation, any and all rights and claims pertaining to reliance on the data or content of the External Website, or claims pertaining to the processing of personal data, including but not limited to any rights under any applicable data protection statute. You also recognize by clicking “Accept” that the terms of this disclaimer are reasonable.
The information provided by Virtua Research cited herein is provided “as is” and “as available” without warranty of any kind. Use of any Virtua Research data is at a user’s own risk and Virtua Research disclaims any liability for use of the Virtua Research data. Although the information is obtained or compiled from reliable sources Virtua Research neither can nor does guarantee or make any representation or warranty, either express or implied, as to the accuracy, validity, sequence, timeliness, completeness or continued availability of any information or data, including third-party content, made available herein. In no event shall Virtua Research be liable for any decision made or action or inaction taken in reliance on any information or data, including third-party content. Virtua Research further explicitly disclaims, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any warranty of any kind, whether express or implied, including warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose and non-infringement.
The consensus estimate provided by Virtua Research is based on estimates, forecasts and predictions made by third party financial analysts, as described above. It is not prepared based on information provided by AtkinsRéalis and can only be seen as a consensus view on AtkinsRéalis' possible future results from an outside perspective. AtkinsRéalis has not provided input on these forecasts, except by referring to past publicly disclosed information. AtkinsRéalis does not accept any responsibility for the quality or accuracy of any individual or average of forecasts or estimates. This web page contains forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by third parties. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between AtkinsRéalis' actual future results, financial situation, development or performance, and the estimates given here.
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