PCA Cambridge was commissioned to undertake a programme of archaeological trial trenching in response to an archaeological planning condition attached to development proposals for the school, where an extension to the current nursery, staff and visitor parking, a new Year 6 block building, a KS2 playground, a multi-use games area and basketball court are to be built on the site. During this initial phase of works, the area proposed for the Year 6 block and the KS2 playground at the north of the site was excavated, with the remaining areas to be completed later.

The trenches provided a representative sample of those areas of the site likely to be impacted by groundworks. Although a Saxon cemetery was observed to the east, west and north of the site, and the site is set within a prehistoric landscape, no archaeological remains were observed at the site. Modern made ground comprising modern gardening soils and occupational debris, as well as an infilled modern brick lined well, was observed at a depth of 0.40m below the present ground level.

Although no archaeological remains were observed, discussions were had with Suffolk County Council Archaeological Service to move trenches to ensure the earth-fast play equipment and current path were left undamaged. Following the excavations, the reinstatement of the land ensured this area would be suitable for the children to return and play on in a shorter timeframe, prior to its removal for the subsequent construction works.

Following the completion of this initial phase of archaeological trenching, a short archaeological evaluation report was compiled, which will be expanded upon following the completion of the remaining areas at the site.