Tamworth's newest primary school celebrates official opening

The newest addition to the Arthur Terry Learning Partnership (ATLP), Dunstall Park Primary School, officially opened its doors with a celebratory ceremony.

Head of School Natalie Harris was joined by Councillor Jonathan Price, Staffordshire County Council Cabinet Member for Education, for the ceremonial cutting of the ribbon at the brand-new Tamworth school in Austen Drive.

Guests were treated to fantastic musical displays from pupils, who later enjoyed cakes and balloons with parents, carers and staff on October 18.

Mrs Harris said: "I am incredibly proud to be leading this wonderful school. It's a great privilege to be in this position at a fantastic school which has already firmly established itself at the very heart of the community."

Councillor Price added: “Primary schools are the essential foundation for our children and it is everyone’s job to ensure every child has the best opportunities to succeed. Dunstall Park Primary School represents this vision. Here children will gain knowledge, learn important life skills, build character and become well-rounded individuals ready for secondary school and beyond.

“Investing in our children's education is the most important thing we can do, as they are the leaders and problem-solvers of tomorrow. I look forward to seeing the school, its staff and pupils, continue their exciting journey and can’t wait to see the amazing impact Dunstall Park Primary School will have on local children for many years to come.”

Construction work on the £8m school was led by G F Tomlinson, on behalf of Staffordshire County Council and alongside project managers and concept architects Entrust. The project was procured through the Constructing West Midlands (CWM) framework.

Ideally located to accommodate a number of new housing developments in the area, the new one-form entry two-storey school opened its doors at the start of the current academic year in September.

When the school reaches full capacity, it will cater for 210 primary pupils and 26 nursery places. The school also has the capacity for expansion to 315 places in the future, in line with the demand for places generated by further housing growth.

The 1,500 sq. metre state-of-the-art educational facility comprises seven classrooms, separate nursery and practical area, indoor school hall, staff offices and catering areas, alongside an outdoor space dedicated to a range of sporting activities.

The school’s energy-efficient design prioritises daylight and natural ventilation into the building and, to ensure easy adjustment to temperature changes, high levels of insulation and thermal mass have been applied to walls and ceilings.

Dunstall Park Primary is part of the respected ATLP, which operates ten other successful schools in Staffordshire.