Empty primary school could be turned into new pre-school

The 19th century school building was put on the market for £560,000 in January

A former primary school could get a new lease of life. The former Kennett Primary School on Station Road in Kennett, Newmarket, was put on the market for £560,000 in January.

Plans have now been submitted by Colourbox Montessori School Ltd to change the former school into a pre-school. Kennett Primary School still runs as a school, but moved from its former 19th century building in November 2025.

If approved, the pre-school could accommodate up to 64 children and employ 15 new staff members. The pre-school would open from Monday to Friday between 7.30am and 6pm.

The applicant does not wish to make changes to the existing buildings or part of the exterior. The trees, boundary hedging, and soft landscaping will also be retained as part of the plans.

As part of the plans, 10 onsite car parking spaces are proposed, alongside a separate cycle storage facility. There is also already a playground on site.

The applicant said the proposals to reuse a former primary school are “wholly appropriate”. The applicant added that the proposals will “suitably respect the character, scale and design of existing neighbouring and nearby dwellings along with the setting, character and appearance of the wider rural surroundings”.

The school building was first built in 1865 by W. Godfrey, who was lord of the manor and rector. It was also used as a school then and had an adjoining school house.