Branston Locks Official Opening

A milestone was celebrated last Friday (31st January) as John Taylor MAT’s newest primary school, Branston Locks
Primary and Nursery School was officially opened.
Children and staff from the school were joined by members of the Trust and wider community to witness
Headteacher, Kate Bryant and the Director General of Regions Group for the Department for Education, John
Edwards cut the ribbon and recognise the importance of this new school in a growing area of housing development
and the creation of a new community, on the edge of Burton-upon-Trent.
Guests enjoyed a tour of the school, refreshments and a fantastic musical performance from pupils – who later
enjoyed balloons and refreshments with their parents and staff at the end of the school day.
Headteacher Kate Bryant said: “I am incredibly proud to be leading this wonderful school. In the short time since
opening to pupils in September 2024, we have seen our children already embracing our values and being “Happy,
Curious and Learning” and I look forward to seeing this develop as the school and our wider community continues to
grow.”
The new school comprises a two-storey building with classrooms for each year group, a practical room, school hall
and library as well as a purpose built outdoor multi-use games area, sports pitches and an area in development for
Forest School. When the school reaches full capacity, it will accommodate 420 children across 2 forms of entry from
Reception to Year 6, and an additional 52 Nursery places for children over 3 years of age.
Director General of Regions Group for the Department for Education, John Edwards added: “I was delighted to
attend the opening of Branston Locks Primary and Nursery School and see the culmination of the hard work put in by
teams across the DfE and John Taylor MAT. The excellent facilities will give the children of the local area a great start
to their education.”
Construction work on the £13 million school was led by Tilbury Douglas, on behalf of the Department for Education
and Staffordshire County Council, alongside project managers MACE.
Branston Locks Primary and Nursery School is part of John Taylor MAT, an established Trust with over 10 years’
experience serving a total of 20 infant, primary and secondary schools across Staffordshire and Derbyshire.