New Staffordshire primary school is officially open!
A milestone was celebrated last Friday as John Taylor MAT’s newest primary school, Branston Locks Primary and Nursery School was officially opened.
Children and staff from the school were joined by members of the trust and wider community to witness Headteacher, Kate Bryant and the Director General of Regions Group for the Department for Education, John Edwards cut the ribbon and recognise the importance of this new school in a growing area of housing development and the creation of a new community.
Guests enjoyed a tour of the school, refreshments and a fantastic musical performance from pupils – who later enjoyed balloons and refreshments with their parents and staff at the end of the school day.
Headteacher Kate Bryant said: “I am incredibly proud to be leading this wonderful school. In the short time since opening to pupils in September 2024, we have seen our children already embracing our values and being “Happy, Curious and Learning” and I look forward to seeing this develop as the school and our wider community continues to grow.”
The new school comprises a two-storey building with classrooms for each year group, a practical room, school hall and library as well as a purpose built outdoor multi-use games area, sports pitches and an area in development for Forest School. When the school reaches full capacity, it will accommodate 420 children across 2 forms of entry from Reception to Year 6, and an additional 52 Nursery places for children over 3 years of age.
Director General of Regions Group for the Department for Education, John Edwards added: “I was delighted to attend the opening of Branston Locks Primary and Nursery School and see the culmination of the hard work put in by teams across the DfE and John Taylor MAT. The excellent facilities will give the children of the local area a great start to their education.”
Construction work on the £13 million school was led by Tilbury Douglas, on behalf of the Department for Education and Staffordshire County Council, alongside project managers MACE.
Branston Locks Primary and Nursery School is part of John Taylor MAT, an established Trust with over 10 years’ experience serving a total of 20 infant, primary and secondary schools across Staffordshire and Derbyshire.
