Work has officially commenced on a new primary school in Stafford, set to open its doors to students for the 2025/26 academic year.

Burleyfields Primary School, located on Martin Drive, will be part of the Creative Learning Partnership Trust, helping to meet the growing demand for school places in the area. The project is being delivered by Midlands contractor G F Tomlinson in collaboration with Entrust, under the Constructing West Midlands framework, on behalf of Staffordshire County Council.

The new two-storey, two-form entry (2FE) school will accommodate 420 students from reception to Year 6, with admissions increasing gradually in a phased approach. The development will include 15 classrooms, a library, special educational needs (SEN) rooms, a hall, kitchen facilities, offices, breakout spaces, and a studio. The site will also feature landscaping, car parking, and pedestrian and vehicle paths.

Burleyfields Primary School is part of the wider Burleyfields housing development, which has delivered 1,600 new homes to the area. It is the 10th school built for Staffordshire County Council using the Touchstone design model.

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A ground-breaking ceremony on Friday, 17 January, attended by representatives from G F Tomlinson, Staffordshire County Council, Entrust, and the Creative Learning Partnership Trust, marked the start of construction.

To minimise disruption, close engagement with local residents is ongoing, and a delivery time management schedule has been implemented.

G F Tomlinson, known for its extensive work in the education sector, has previously delivered nine schools for Staffordshire County Council, including St Leonard’s Primary School and Beaconfields Primary School. As part of its social value commitments, the company will provide site tours and engagement events for local families.

In an initiative, incoming students have been invited to contribute their own designs for the school's appearance, with selected colours and ideas incorporated into the final build.

Group managing director of G F Tomlinson, Adrian Grocock, said: "It's an honour to continue our long-standing relationship with Staffordshire County Council providing much needed educational provision in the region.

"Following our ground-breaking ceremony, we are well-positioned to deliver the build for this landmark primary school, ensuring much-needed primary and nursery places in the area."

Staffordshire County Council Cabinet Member for Education including SEND, Jonathan Price, said: "It's great to see the start of work on the new school, which is really important for the area and for the families in the new estate.

"It's vital that we have sufficient school places for children from across the county and that our schools are fit for future learners. We know that having good facilities helps improve children's learning, and once open with its state-of-the-art facilities, I’m sure children will thrive.

"The new school will also be one of the most sustainable in the County, which will help meet our target of reaching net zero by 2030. I look forward to seeing the school grow over the next few years."