Burleyfields Primary School in Stafford has officially opened following a ceremony on 30 January, marking a major milestone for the local community and wider Burleyfields development.

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

Delivered by G F Tomlinson through the Constructing West Midlands (CWM) Framework, in partnership with Staffordshire County Council, design and project managers Entrust, and GSS Architecture, Burleyfields Primary School provides 420 new school places 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 building places a strong emphasis on safeguarding, curriculum delivery and energy efficiency, creating a safe, inspiring and future-proofed learning environment.

The fully accessible school features 15 classrooms, a library, SEN rooms, a hall, kitchen facilities, a studio, offices, staff breakout spaces and approximately 7,900 sq. metres of outdoor learning and play space.

Burleyfields Primary School forms a community hub to service the wider Burleyfields housing development, which will deliver around 1,600 new homes in the area, helping to meet growing demand for high-quality education provision in Stafford.

The school has opened initially to nursery and reception pupils and will continue to grow year-on-year as the community expands.

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

G F Tomlinson has extensive experience delivering education projects across the Midlands and has completed 10 schools to date in Staffordshire alone, 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.”

Becki Bell, Executive Headteacher at Burleyfields Primary School said, “In the very early stages of our journey at Burleyfields, something truly symbolic was created: our school logo. It is far more than a simple emblem. It is a visual story of who we are, where we come from, and who we aspire to be. It reflects the natural heritage that surrounds us and the historical pathways that have shaped our community. The lines that run through it represent the train tracks of Stafford – subtle but powerful reminders of the route to anywhere and of the opportunities waiting for our children.

“At the centre of everything we do is our school motto: Walk the Burleyfields Way – belonging, achieving, and thriving. This is not simply a motto; it is a promise. A promise that everyone who steps through our doors will feel valued, challenged, and supported to become the very best version of themselves. The opening of Burleyfields is a milestone for all of us. Together, we are the founders of Burleyfields and this is a story that will be told for generations to come.”