New Leicestershire school's nod to village as it confirms name

Greenstone Primary will offer education based on a Scandanavian idea which promotes learning through contact with nature

A new forest school in a Leicestershire village has been named after its local landscape and mining heritage.

Greenstone Primary will offer education based on a Scandinavian idea which promotes learning through contact with nature.

Located in Ellistown, the 420-pupil school is being built as part of the Swinfen Vale development.

The name was chosen due to the layer of granite in the area, known locally as green stone.

Run by the Lionheart Educational Trust, the school is set to open in autumn 2025.

It will have six single-storey buildings which include teaching space as well as the school's hall, kitchen and early years accommodation.

The school will also feature green technology such as solar panels and air source heat pumps, and buildings will be naturally lit and naturally ventilated.

'Pupils will thrive'

Deborah Taylor, Leicestershire County Council cabinet member for children and families, said: "This is the first forest school to be built on behalf of the council in Leicestershire and will provide children with a unique and exciting educational experience, often using the outdoor environment as a classroom.

"It is also really fitting that the trust has chosen a name that gives a nod to both the natural landscape and rich heritage and history of the area."

Kath Kelly, CEO of Lionheart Educational Trust, added: "Our aim is to create a school that is at the heart of the community, enabling us to work together with families in the local and wider area of Coalville.

"The brand-new school facilities are second-to-none and we know that pupils will thrive in Greenstone's wonderful learning environment."