Lawley Village Academy celebrates multi-million pound expansion
Lawley Village Academy has officially opened its newly expanded facilities, following a multi-million-pound investment from Telford & Wrekin Council.
The project, completed in the autumn term of last year, has added 210 school places, enabling the school to grow from a one-form to a two-form entry.
The expansion was undertaken to meet the increasing demand for school places in the growing community. The new facilities include six additional classrooms, a SEN support room, a nurture space, and a nursery class. A special assembly and ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the official opening, with guests invited to tour the expanded school.
Councillor Shirley Reynolds, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People, Education, Employment and Skills, emphasised the council's commitment to providing new school places.
"As a Council we are committed to providing hundreds of new school places as we look to meet the demands of our growing population," she said. "At Lawley Village Academy, the expansion has helped future-proof the school and provide quality facilities for both staff and pupils." Cllr. Reynolds also noted the council's ongoing investment in school expansions, with a further £45.2 million earmarked in the proposed budget.
Cathie Paine, CEO of REAch2 Academy Trust, expressed her delight at the expansion. "Our commitment to providing great schools for local communities is reflected in the expansion of Lawley Village Academy," she said. "We are thrilled to be extending our provision of a great education for children and offering wider support for families as the school doubles in size.”
Claire Freestone, Headteacher at Lawley Village Academy, described the transformative impact of the expansion. "This expansion has been transformative for our school community," she said. "The additional space and modern facilities mean we can offer an even better learning environment for our pupils, ensuring they have the best possible start to their education. We’re excited to welcome even more families into our school community.”
The council’s proposed 2025/26 budget includes £365 million invested across various service areas, including the £45.2 million for school expansions. This investment, funded by government grants and developer contributions, aims to support job creation, housing, transport improvements, and town centre regeneration, alongside its commitment to education.
