Today (Thursday 12th March), the Rt Hon Bridget Phillipson MP, Secretary of State for Education, visited Telford for a wide-ranging education visit organised by Telford MP Shaun Davies.
The Secretary of State attended Wombridge Primary School, Thomas Telford Free School, Telford Park School, Telford Sixth and Harper Adams University at the Quad as a part of the visit today.
The visit highlighted Telford’s education journey, celebrated the work of local teachers and staff, and discussed how national education policy can better support pupils, teachers and families across Telford.
During the visit to Thomas Telford Free School, the Secretary of State viewed the construction of the new school building, which is being delivered by principal contractor Reds10. The project forms part of the Department for Education’s (DfE) Free Schools Programme and is jointly funded by Telford & Wrekin Council.
The Secretary of State then travelled to Telford Park School, where she met with a group of students to discuss the school’s ongoing improvement journey and wider national issues, including a potential social media ban for under-16s, the voting age of 16, and their career aspirations. Students also shared their experiences of growing up and studying in Telford, sharing both their ambitions and the challenges facing young people today.
Telford Park School is also currently undergoing an expansion project being delivered in partnership with Paveways and Telford & Wrekin Council. The development will increase the school’s capacity to 900 students, creating an additional 300 places by September 2026.
The visit continued with a focus on post-16 and higher education opportunities in the town. The Secretary of State toured the new town-centre campus at Telford Sixth in the town centre before visiting Harper Adams University to discuss how education providers can work together to equip students with the skills needed for the future.
The visit concluded with a roundtable discussion with Telford & Wrekin Council, local education leaders and partners, hosted by European Innovation it focused on opportunities for innovation, skills development and the role of emerging technologies in supporting the region’s future workforce.
Shaun Davies MP for Telford said: “It was great to welcome the Education Secretary to Telford and show her the brilliant work happening here – it is an honour to stand up for Telford and our young people every week in Parliament, and I’m incredibly proud of everyone who works so hard every day to give young people in Telford the best possible start in life. This visit was about celebrating that work but also making the case absolutely clear that to back our schools and families we need to go even further.
“I was also able to pass on feedback I’ve heard directly from parents, carers and partners including from recent conversations about SEND support.
“Telford has a real story to tell when it comes to education one built on ambition, hard work and opportunity and it was fantastic to showcase that during such a busy and productive visit.”
The visit forms part of ongoing work between Shaun and local education leaders and the Government to ensure Telford’s young people can access high-quality education and the get the support they need to thrive locally.
Bridget Phillipson, Secretary of State for Education, said:
“It was great to visit Telford and see the hard work happening in schools and colleges across the town. Meeting students, teachers and education leaders and hearing about their ambitions for Telford was incredibly valuable, and I’m grateful to Shaun Davies for bringing everyone together during such a productive visit.”
“Hearing directly from pupils and staff provides real insight into what works and what doesn’t. For the government, this is key to shaping the change that actually benefits our families, especially in areas such as SEND provision, school funding, and opportunities for young people.
“Shaun is a real champion for Telford’s young people and local parents – he is determined to give children growing up in Telford the best start in life.”
Councillor Shirley Reynolds, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People, Education, Employment and Skills at Telford & Wrekin Council, said:
“I’m proud to champion our schools, teachers, support staff and pupils every day — they represent the very best of Telford and Wrekin.
“As a Council, we’re committed to supporting and investing in our schools so every child and young person benefits from the highest quality education and facilities.
“In recent years, we’ve invested millions of pounds to expand school capacity, create hundreds of new places and strengthen specialist support through our SEND hubs. That commitment continues, including our recent plans to deliver around 100 new SEND places this September.
“It was a pleasure to meet Rt Hon Bridget Phillipson MP and share our ambitions for the future.”
ENDS
