Council’s drive to help children thrive highlighted
Telford & Wrekin Council’s drive to help children and young people thrive in education was highlighted during a visit by the Education Secretary this week.
The Rt Hon Bridget Phillipson MP, Secretary of State for Education, visited a number of education establishments across Telford, in a visit organised by Telford MP Shaun Davies.
The visit brought together leaders from schools, further education and higher education to highlight Telford’s education journey, celebrate the work of local teachers and staff, and discuss how national education policy can better support pupils, teachers and families across Telford.
During the visit, the Secretary of State visited Telford Park School where she was able to meet with staff and students and find out more about the school’s major expansion to increase capacity to 900 students, adding an extra 300 places over the next five years.
The Council is investing in this project as part of its ongoing school expansion programme to create more school places for local children and young people.
The Secretary of State also visited the Quad, where a Regional Innovation and AI roundtable was held with partners including European Innovation, Harper Adams University and Telford College.
The Quad, part of the wider Station Quarter development, opened in September 2024 and is now home to Harper Adams University, a Digital Skills Hub operated by Telford College, and a new start-up Business Hub. The project was part-funded by the Council as part of its ongoing investment in education and skills across the Borough.
That investment is continuing. Telford College’s new A Level centre, Telford 6th, is rapidly taking shape in the heart of Station Quarter and is on track to open this September.
The Council remains committed to giving local young people the best possible learning opportunities and has helped fund the creation of the new sixth form centre, which will sit alongside The Quad.
Councillor Shirley Reynolds, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People, Education, Employment and Skills, said:
“We’ve got a great story to tell when it comes to the education journey in Telford and Wrekin - from our strong early years and SEND provision to our family hubs and our diverse school offer, including academies, maintained schools, grammar schools, high schools, and a City Technology College.
“I was proud to welcome the Secretary of State to the Borough, as part of the visit organised by the Telford’s MP, and share first-hand the work we are doing to invest in our schools and further education facilities, such as Telford Park School, the Quad and Telford 6th. This demonstrates our commitment to giving children and young people the best start in life, the best education and the best opportunities post 16.
“Our offer supports residents throughout their learning journey, whether this is young people, adults, or veterans, with services such as Job Box and Access to HE and our skills strategy.
“We’ve also recently announced plans to invest and secure the Priorslee university campus, this will be preserved for education, sport and business uses - safeguarding higher education in the Borough.
“Education is the cornerstone of a vibrant community. By investing in our schools, we are investing in our future.”
The Rt Hon Bridget Phillipson MP, Secretary of State for Education, said:
"Telford & Wrekin Council's commitment to education is commendable, from investing in modern, inspiring school environments to expanding post-16 pathways that give every young person the tools to thrive and achieve this.
“This is a council that understands education isn't just about classrooms, it's about building futures.”