New Priorslee school opens its doors to pupils
A brand-new primary school has welcomed its first pupils as it opens in temporary accommodation in the Priorslee area of Telford. The Thomas Telford Primary Free School saw nearly 150 children, from reception to year five, walk through its doors at the start of the new school term.
The school, a joint project between Telford & Wrekin Council and the Department for Education’s Free School Programme, will move to a new purpose-built home next September. Once completed, the new site will be able to accommodate 420 local children.
Councillor Shirley Reynolds, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People, Education, Employment and Skills, said that welcoming pupils to the new school was a “major step forward” in the council’s investment plans.
She added: “By investing in our schools, we are investing in our future.”
Claire Whiting, the school’s Executive Head Teacher, said: “It’s been a joy to welcome our first cohort of pupils and families to Thomas Telford Primary. There’s a real sense of excitement and possibility in the air, and we are already building a strong, nurturing school culture.”
The council has earmarked a further £45.2 million in its 2025/26 budget to support its school expansion programme. This funding comes from a combination of government grants and developer contributions.
Parents wishing to apply for a school place in the borough can visit www.telford.gov.uk/admissions. The deadline for those due to start primary school in September 2026 is 15 January 2026.
