A PROVIDER behind two bids to build new primary schools in Swindon says past examples prove it can deliver successful projects.

Last week it emerged the Diocese of Bristol Academies Trust has submitted separate applications to bring a school to Middle Wichel and the Eastern Villages.

Over the next decade Swindon will need more than a dozen new primary schools, which will have to be provided through the Government’s free school programme.

This sees providers who want to operate a new school apply for funding and, in the latest wave of bids, DBAT put in two.

The organisation already runs Tadpole Farm Academy and will run the Ridgeway Farm primary school when it opens.

DBAT's chief executive John Swainston said: “We have got a good record of delivering schools and so are seen as a trusted bidder.

“This means we have been able to put in two bids this time.

“Swindon is growing quickly, certainly as fast as anywhere else we have schools. Where we have religious schools, we try to grow at the same time.

“So if we have 20 per cent of the schools in an area, we will look to keep that, which is why we have bid for two schools.”

If the bids are successful, it is expected the Middle Wichel school will open in 2018, while the one in the Eastern Villages will open two years later.

The Church of England organisation says their record shows not only can they deliver projects but offer a strong education for pupils.

“We have an approach of providing an education which is high quality and distinguished,” said John.

“We teach the values which you would expect from a Church of England school alongside the curriculum.”

It has also been revealed the secondary school DBAT will be opening in a few years will be located in the Wichelstowe development, close to the Waitrose Supermarket.

When the bid was accepted last year, a number of sites were considered, including the town centre, but Wichelstowe provided the only opportunity for a new building.

John said: “The site we have is the best one to suit our needs. We are having weekly meetings and are developing plans for the school.

“The land was not procured in time to open in 2017 so we are now looking at opening in 2018.”