In April 2005, Swindon Borough Council (SBC) appointed Private Finance Initiative (PFI) specialists Equion Ltd, a division of John Laing plc, and contractor Laing O'Rourke Ltd, to design, build and operate a suite of schools for Priory Vale. The schools – Red Oaks, Brimble Hill, Uplands and Isambard Community School in the Learning Campus, and Orchid Vale in Haydon End – will open this autumn, except Isambard, which will open in September 2007.

"Everyone's worked together to create an impressive selection of schools," smiled Sarah Hudd, Operations Manager from Education Support (Swindon) Ltd (ESSL): a company appointed by Equion to manage the schools. "At every step, we wanted to offer unbeatable educational environments and facilities."

From November 2006, the community can book facilities at the schools and Learning Campus: "From floodlit pitches, tennis courts and a gym to a dance studio, drama hall, video conferencing, meeting rooms and TV studio facilities, we aimed to provide diverse facilities that benefit the whole community."

"Working with our PFI partners has allowed us to deliver some truly exceptional schools featuring great designs, equipment and, of course, excellent teaching teams through the Children Services department," said Ashley Twine from SBC. "We're confident the schools will be a source of great pride for everyone in Priory Vale."

For advice on applying for places, click here.