Staff and students celebrate opening of new Telford primary school and nursery

The official opening of a new Telford primary school took place this week.

Staff and pupils at Thomas Telford Primary Free School moved into its new permanent home in Priorslee last month.

But on Thursday afternoon (October 22) the school played host to local MP Shaun Davies, as well as local councillors and contractor Reds10 for an event to celebrate the opening.

The school’s oldest and youngest pupils took part in a ribbon-cutting ceremony before a commemorative plaque was unveiled.

Guests were then invited to tour the building, meet staff and pupils, and explore classroom activities and displays of children’s work.

Delivered through the Department for Education’s Free Schools Programme, the new two-storey school on George Lees Avenue provides modern teaching spaces and extensive outdoor facilities including a floodlit multi-use games area, netball court and sports pitches.

Built using ‘modern methods of construction’, the school is made up of 78 modules manufactured off site - a system contractors say reduces on-site construction activity and limit disruption to nearby residents.

The school has been designed to be eco-friendly too, with air source heat pumps, solar panels and intelligent classroom ventilation controls working alongside a smart building management system to support efficient building performance.

A green roof, landscaped grounds and dedicated habitat areas contribute to biodiversity, while cycle storage and electric vehicle charging infrastructure support more sustainable travel choices.

Headteacher Claire Whiting said: "This new school marks an important milestone for our pupils, families and staff.

“Having grown as a school community within temporary accommodation, we are delighted to move into a purpose-built environment that reflects our ambition for every child.

“The facilities provide exceptional opportunities for learning, sport, creativity and personal development, and will serve generations of children in Priorslee for many years to come.”

Telford MP Shaun Davies said the opening was “a real achievement” for the town and thanked everyone who had played a part.

He said: “A new school is about so much more than the building itself. It’s about giving children in Telford a great place to learn, make friends and build a future they can be proud of.

“It’s fitting that the school shares its name with Thomas Telford, whose work helped connect communities across Britain. Education does something similar, opening doors and giving children the chance to make the most of their talents.

“This new building gives the school a fantastic home, but it’s the children, teachers and wider school team who will really bring it to life. I’m delighted to see this investment in Priorslee and look forward to seeing the school go from strength to strength in the years ahead.”