A new educational institution, Burleyfields Primary School, officially opened in Stafford on January 30, 2024, welcoming its first cohort of nursery and reception students. The school is designed to accommodate growing community needs and will expand year-on-year as more families move into the area.
Located on Martin Drive, Burleyfields Primary School aims to provide 420 new school places, ultimately serving students from nursery through to year six. The opening event brought together pupils, families, staff, and local residents, fostering a sense of community from the outset.
Community-Centric Vision
Becki Bell, the Executive Headteacher, highlighted the school’s mission and values. She stated, “Our school motto: Walk the Burleyfields Way – belonging, achieving, and thriving. This is not simply a motto; it is a promise.” The school’s logo, she explained, symbolizes not just its identity but also the historical and natural heritage of the surrounding area.
The design of Burleyfields Primary School was executed by G F Tomlinson, in partnership with Staffordshire County Council, Entrust, and GSS Architecture. It adheres to the county’s Touchstone Design model, surpassing government standards for modern primary education. The school encompasses 15 classrooms, a library, special educational needs (SEN) rooms, a hall, kitchen facilities, and a studio. Outdoor learning and play areas span approximately 7,900 square metres, ensuring that children have ample space to thrive.
A Response to Growing Demand
As Stafford’s population continues to grow, the need for high-quality educational facilities becomes increasingly urgent. Burleyfields Primary School is part of a broader initiative to support the burgeoning Burleyfields housing development, which will see approximately 1,600 new homes built in the area.
Andy Sewards, Group Chairman at G F Tomlinson, expressed pride in the school’s opening, noting its role as a core component of the expanding community. He remarked, “We have delivered a modern, welcoming and sustainable school that will support pupils, staff, and families for many years to come.”
Janet Higgins, Staffordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, emphasized the importance of such institutions. “New schools like Burleyfields are vital,” she explained. “This school provides bright, flexible classrooms, excellent early years provision and spaces designed to help children flourish academically, socially and creatively.”
The Creative Learning Partnership Trust’s CEO, Sam Compton, echoed these sentiments, stating, “Burleyfields represents far more than a building. It is the creation of a hub at the centre of a new school community.”
With the first students now enrolled, Burleyfields Primary School stands as a beacon of educational opportunity for the families in Stafford, marking the beginning of an exciting chapter for both the school and the community it serves.
