Burleyfields Primary School in Stafford has officially opened following a recent ceremony, marking a significant milestone for the local community and the wider Burleyfields development.

The opening event brought together pupils, families, school staff and local residents, alongside representatives from Midlands-based contractor G F Tomlinson, Staffordshire County Council and the Creative Learning Partnership Trust, to celebrate the completion of the new school.

The school was delivered by G F Tomlinson through the Constructing West Midlands Framework, in partnership with Staffordshire County Council, design and project managers Entrust, and GSS Architecture. Burleyfields Primary School provides 420 new school places, catering for pupils from nursery through to year six.

Located on Martin Drive, the two-storey, two-form entry school has been designed using Staffordshire County Council's Touchstone Design model, which exceeds government standards for modern primary education. The design places a strong focus on safeguarding, curriculum delivery and energy efficiency to create a safe and future-ready learning environment.

The fully accessible building includes 15 classrooms, a library, SEN rooms, a hall, kitchen facilities, a studio, offices, staff breakout areas and around 7,900 sq metres of outdoor learning and play space.

Burleyfields Primary School will serve as a community hub for the wider Burleyfields housing development, which is set to deliver around 1,600 new homes, helping to meet growing demand for education provision in Stafford. The school has initially opened to nursery and reception pupils and will expand year-on-year as the local community grows.

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During construction, G F Tomlinson worked closely with local stakeholders and delivered a range of social value initiatives, including site tours and engagement activities, allowing families and future pupils to connect with the project ahead of the opening.

G F Tomlinson has a strong track record in education delivery across the Midlands and has completed 10 schools in Staffordshire to date, working closely with Staffordshire County Council and Entrust using the Touchstone model.

Andy Sewards, Group Chairman at G F Tomlinson, said: "We are incredibly proud to see Burleyfields Primary School officially open and beginning its journey at the heart of this growing community.

"Working closely with Staffordshire County Council, Entrust and Creative Learning Partnership Trust, we have delivered a modern, welcoming and sustainable school that will support pupils, staff and families for many years to come. It was a pleasure to join the local community at the opening ceremony and celebrate the positive impact this new school will have on education in Stafford."

Janet Higgins, Staffordshire County Council Cabinet Member for Education, said: “New schools like Burleyfields are vital. As Stafford continues to grow, so does the need for high-quality learning spaces. This school provides bright, flexible classrooms, excellent early years provision and spaces designed to help children flourish academically, socially and creatively.

"Most importantly, this school offers children a place to start their learning journey with confidence and curiosity. I look forward to seeing this school grow over the coming years and becoming a key part of this new community."

Sam Compton, CEO of the Creative Learning Partnership Trust, said: "Burleyfields represents far more than a building. It is the creation of a hub at the centre of a new school community. While we have watched the school take shape physically through some outstanding partnerships, we now are enjoying seeing the building come truly to life as children bring it with learning, memories, fun and laughter.

"At the Creative Learning Partnership Trust, our mission is to create transformational educational opportunities, promote social justice and unlock individual freedom. Opening a school like Burleyfields provides a wonderful blank canvas on which these new stories will be written, and we are proud to begin this next chapter alongside the community it will serve."