Lantern Academy, Telford

In its own words: "The start of this journey involved significant building work to the exterior of the academy and a complete decoration internally. Both the staff and children are proud to be a part of the Lantern Primary and Nursery family. Lantern Primary and Nursery has been part of the Learning Community Trust since September 2022."

Clubs and activities named on the school's website include football, basketball, dance, drama, choir, cooking, eco club and art.

The school runs a breakfast club from 7:45am and after-school care.

In 2025, 63% of Year 6 pupils at Lantern Academy reached the expected standard in reading and 88% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 76% and 76% in Telford and Wrekin and 77% and 75% across England.

Results rose from 44% in reading and 44% in maths in 2024.

With small year groups, a few pupils can move these figures by several points.

For September 2026 entry, 11 families put Lantern Academy as their first choice and 18 named it as one of their preferences, for 14 places offered. It had fewer first-choice applications than places. Every family who put it first was offered a place there for 2026 entry.

The nearest other state primary schools to Lantern Academy are Wombridge Primary School (0.7 miles, Good, 85% reading, 85% maths); St George's Church of England Primary School (0.8 miles, Outstanding, 82% reading, 90% maths); Old Park Primary School (0.9 miles, Good, 81% reading, 81% maths); and Newdale Primary School & Nursery (1 mile, Outstanding, 83% reading, 88% maths).

Each of them had higher 2025 results than Lantern Academy.

Lantern Academy is one of 13 schools run by Learning Community Trust, an academy trust.

Across the trust's primary schools, 74% of Year 6 pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths in 2024/25.

44.2% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well above the average state school (25%), according to the 2026 school census.

In 2026, 36 pupils (31.9%) received SEN support and 6 (5.3%) had an education, health and care plan, against 16.2% and 4.6% at the average state school. The most common need among them is a moderate learning difficulty.

The nearest railway station is Telford Central Rail Station, about 780 metres away (roughly a 10-minute walk).

9 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Queenswood Primary School (adjacent), 50 metres away.

Measured by the 2025 English Indices of Deprivation, the neighbourhood Lantern Academy stands in is among the 20% most deprived neighbourhoods in England. This describes where the school is, not where its pupils live.

In August 2026, police recorded 309 crimes within a mile of the school, most often violence and sexual offences, shoplifting and anti-social behaviour. That is well above the typical figure around schools in Telford and Wrekin (139), as is usual near a town centre.

In 2024/25, Lantern Academy issued 15 suspensions, 12 for every 100 pupils (the average state school: 6.3), and no permanent exclusions.

The secondary schools closest to Lantern Academy are Thomas Telford School (0.6 miles), Holy Trinity Academy (1.4 miles), New Road Academy (1.5 miles) and The Telford Langley School (1.6 miles).