Shaun Davies, MP for Telford, has officially opened the new £17 million Thomas Telford Primary Free School in Priorslee, unveiling a commemorative plaque to mark the occasion.
Shaun joined pupils, staff, families, local councillors and project partners on 22 October 2026 to celebrate the opening of the new school, which will provide a permanent home for 420 primary pupils and a 26-place nursery.
During the ceremony, the school’s oldest and youngest pupils took part in a ribbon-cutting before Shaun unveiled the plaque. Guests also toured the building and explored classroom activities and displays of children’s work.
Delivered by Reds10 through the Department for Education’s Free Schools Programme, the school features modern teaching spaces, a floodlit multi-use games area, sports pitches and a dedicated nursery play area. Built using Modern Methods of Construction, the two-storey school comprises 78 off-site manufactured modules. It also incorporates air source heat pumps, solar panels and other sustainable features designed to meet the Department for Education’s Net Zero Carbon in Operation requirements.
The new school provides modern learning facilities and outdoor spaces to support children’s education and development for years to come, marking an important milestone for the growing Priorslee community.
Shaun Davies, MP for Telford said: “The opening of Thomas Telford Primary School is a real achievement for our town, and one that’s taken a lot of hard work to make happen. I want to thank everyone who has played a part, including the teachers and staff, Telford & Wrekin Council, the Department for Education and Reds10.
“A new school is about so much more than the building itself. It’s about giving children in Telford a great place to learn, make friends and build a future they can be proud of. It’s fitting that the school shares its name with Thomas Telford, whose work helped connect communities across Britain. Education does something similar, opening doors and giving children the chance to make the most of their talents.
“This new building gives the school a fantastic home, but it’s the children, teachers and wider school team who will really bring it to life. I’m delighted to see this investment in Priorslee and look forward to seeing the school go from strength to strength in the years ahead.”
Claire Whiting, Executive Headteacher at Thomas Telford Primary Free School, said: “This new school marks an important milestone for our pupils, families and staff. Having grown as a school community within temporary accommodation, we are delighted to move into a purpose-built environment that reflects our ambition for every child. The facilities provide exceptional opportunities for learning, sport, creativity and personal development, and will serve generations of children in Priorslee for many years to come. We are grateful to the Department for Education, Reds10 and all project partners who have supported the delivery of this remarkable school.”
Richard Abrams, Framework Delivery Director at Reds10, said: “It was a pleasure to celebrate the opening with pupils, staff and families and see them enjoying their new school. Projects like this have a lasting impact, giving communities the facilities they need while creating inspiring environments for children to learn and thrive.
“Maintaining education throughout construction was a key priority, and by working closely with the school, the Department for Education and our project partners, we were able to provide continuity for pupils and staff while delivering the permanent building on programme. We’re proud to hand over facilities that will serve local children and families for many years to come.”
