A new educational institution, Burleyfields Primary School, officially opened in Stafford on January 30, 2023. The school currently serves nursery and reception students, with plans to expand year by year as the surrounding community develops. This opening marks a significant milestone for local families and the wider community.
The inaugural event attracted pupils, families, staff, and local residents, alongside representatives from G F Tomlinson, Staffordshire County Council, and the Creative Learning Partnership Trust. Becki Bell, Executive Headteacher of Burleyfields Primary, expressed her enthusiasm during the ceremony. She noted the creation of the school logo as a symbol of the institution’s identity and aspirations, reflecting both the local heritage and the opportunities available to children.
“At the centre of everything we do is our school motto: Walk the Burleyfields Way – belonging, achieving, and thriving,” Bell stated. “This is not simply a motto; it is a promise that everyone who steps through our doors will feel valued, challenged, and supported to become the very best version of themselves.”
The school, located on Martin Drive, is designed to accommodate 420 students from nursery to year six. Delivered by G F Tomlinson through the Constructing West Midlands (CWM) Framework, it has been built in partnership with Entrust and GSS Architecture. The architectural design adheres to Staffordshire County Council’s Touchstone Design model, which exceeds government standards for modern primary education.
The facilities include 15 classrooms, a library, special educational needs (SEN) rooms, a hall, kitchen facilities, a studio, offices, and staff breakout spaces. Additionally, there is approximately 7,900 square metres of outdoor learning and play space, emphasizing both safety and environmental efficiency.
Burleyfields Primary School serves as a community hub for the expanding Burleyfields housing development, which is set to deliver around 1,600 new homes in the area. This initiative aims to address the increasing demand for quality educational services in Stafford.
Commenting on the school’s opening, Andy Sewards, Group Chairman at G F Tomlinson, expressed pride in the project. “We are incredibly proud to see Burleyfields Primary School officially open and beginning its journey at the heart of this growing community,” he said. Sewards emphasized the collaboration with local authorities and educational partners in creating a sustainable environment for future generations.
Janet Higgins, the Cabinet Member for Education at Staffordshire County Council, highlighted the importance of new schools in rapidly expanding areas. “As Stafford continues to grow, so does the need for high‐quality learning spaces,” she commented. Higgins praised the school’s design for fostering academic, social, and creative growth in young learners.
The CEO of the Creative Learning Partnership Trust, Sam Compton, described Burleyfields as more than just a building. “It is the creation of a hub at the centre of a new school community,” Compton said. He expressed excitement about the educational opportunities that the school will provide, emphasizing the value of community engagement in shaping its future.
As Burleyfields Primary School begins its journey, the focus remains on nurturing a supportive environment that fosters learning and growth for all students. The school is poised to become a vital part of the community, supporting educational aspirations for years to come.
