A ceremony has been held to mark the official opening of the new Greywood Primary Academy and Nursery School in Lichfield, Staffordshire, following the completion of the £10m education scheme and arrival of the new Reception cohort earlier this month.
Delivered by Midlands-based contractor, G F Tomlinson, through the Constructing West Midlands (CWM) Framework, in partnership with Staffordshire County Council, Entrust and GSS Architecture, the new school has been developed to provide high-quality learning facilities for families in the area – supporting demand for school places generated by the nearby St John’s Grange and Cricket Lane Housing developments.
The opening ceremony, held on 25 September, was attended by representatives from the new academy, G F Tomlinson, Staffordshire County Council, Entrust, Primitas Learning Partnership, and other project stakeholders, marking the successful completion and opening of the new school.
The two-storey, two-form entry school includes 15 classrooms, a library, SEN rooms, a hall, kitchen facilities, a studio, offices and breakout spaces for staff, alongside approximately 7,900 sq. metres of outdoor learning and play space.
It includes an early years nursery and provides modern learning environments for pupils from nursery through to Year 6. Designed using Staffordshire County Council’s Touchstone Design model, the fully accessible school has been delivered to exceed government standards for modern primary education, with a strong focus on safeguarding, curriculum delivery and energy efficiency.
Throughout construction, G F Tomlinson worked closely with local stakeholders and delivered a range of social value initiatives and community engagement activities including work experience placements and apprenticeships to support the project and connect with future pupils and families.
Andy Sewards, Chairman at G F Tomlinson, said: “It was fantastic to join the Greywood Primary Academy and Nursery School community for the opening ceremony and to celebrate the completion of this important project.
“Working collaboratively with Staffordshire County Council, Entrust, Primitias Learning Partnership and the wider project team, we have delivered a modern and inspiring learning environment that has been designed around the needs of pupils, staff and the wider community.
“The new school will provide an important educational facility for the growing local community, and we are proud to have played a part in bringing the project forward. I’d like to thank everyone involved for their hard work, collaboration and commitment throughout the project.”
Janet Higgins, Cabinet Member for Education and SEND at Staffordshire County Council, said: “It’s wonderful to see the school up and running and the children settling in well.
“The facilities are exceptional and include the latest technology to help pupils thrive and achieve their full potential.
“Investing in education is investing in our future, and this school demonstrates our commitment to providing modern, high-quality learning environments.”
Jane Jane, headteacher at Greywood Primary Academy and Nursery School, said: “It is an honour to be the headteacher of Greywood Primary Academy. GF Tomlinson built with care and attention and with the young people in mind and now, the building has been transformed into beautiful, creative areas where the children can grow, learn and thrive.
“From dance lessons in our studio to enjoying delicious lunches in our expansive hall, the children are incredibly fortunate to have such a wonderful environment in which to learn and already, the school is establishing itself as the heart of our local community.
