Business Details
Welcome to Derry Hill Church of England Primary School
We are Derry Hill Church of England (VA) Primary School, a nurturing educational institution where children feel safe, happy, and empowered to reach their full potential. Our inclusive, values-driven ethos is rooted in Christian principles, celebrating individuality and fostering academic, personal, and moral growth. We deliver a rich, balanced curriculum enhanced by forest school opportunities, mindfulness, music, and strong community partnerships with Christ Church and local organisations.Our dedicated team prioritises safeguarding, ensuring every child thrives in an environment that values creativity, resilience, and lifelong learning. With seven single-aged classes and a maximum capacity, we maintain a close-knit village school atmosphere while offering modern facilities including an outdoor classroom, sensory garden, and access to Bowood Estates learning spaces. We welcome prospective families to visit and experience our unique approach to education firsthand.
Services
Primary Education
Forest School
After School Clubs
SEND Support
Admissions Guidance
Highlights and features
- We offer a nurturing environment with a strong Christian ethos celebrating individuality.
- Our curriculum includes forest school, mindfulness, and partnerships with local communities.
- We prioritise safeguarding and have a dedicated team with expertise in child development.
- Our facilities feature an outdoor classroom, sensory garden, and access to Bowood Estate.
- We maintain small class sizes to ensure personalised attention and inclusive learning.
What people say
Nurturing environment
Dedicated staff
Strong Christian ethos
Excellent community links
Engaging curriculum
Services
Primary Education
We deliver a comprehensive primary education curriculum aligned with National Curriculum standards, focusing on academic excellence and holistic development. Our approach combines traditional teaching with creative, topic-based learning to foster curiosity and engagement. Classes are structured to accommodate single-year groups, ensuring tailored instruction that meets individual learning needs.
Forest School
Our forest school programme utilises natural environments to promote hands-on, experiential learning. Children engage in activities that build resilience, teamwork, and environmental awareness while developing practical and problem-solving skills. This approach complements classroom learning through real-world applications in a safe, supervised setting.
SEND Support
We provide dedicated support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), including tailored learning plans and access to specialist staff. Our SENCO coordinates individualised interventions, ensuring every child receives the necessary resources to thrive academically and socially within an inclusive environment.
After School Clubs
We offer a range of after-school clubs designed to enrich learning through sports, arts, and skill-building activities. These clubs encourage physical activity, creativity, and social interaction while extending educational opportunities beyond the standard curriculum in a supportive, engaging setting.
Admissions Guidance
We provide clear guidance for families seeking admission, including school tours, application processes, and policy explanations. Our team assists parents in understanding our Christian ethos, curriculum offerings, and community-focused approach to ensure a smooth transition for new students.
People
Mrs Hayley Roberts
Headteacher
Mrs Roberts leads with a commitment to child-centred education, fostering a safe, inclusive environment where every pupil thrives academically and personally through values-driven teaching.
Mr Martyn Riley
Deputy Headteacher
Mr Riley supports school leadership while teaching Year 4, focusing on delivering engaging, high-quality instruction and fostering a positive learning atmosphere for pupils.
Mrs Emma Asfaw
SENCO
Mrs Asfaw coordinates special educational needs provision, ensuring tailored support for pupils with disabilities and learning challenges to achieve their full potential.
Mrs Kimberley Brown
School Business Manager
Mrs Brown oversees administrative and financial operations, ensuring efficient school management to support staff and pupils effectively.
Mr Mark Paxford
Chair of Governors
Mr Paxford leads governance, ensuring strategic oversight and compliance with educational standards while supporting the schools Christian ethos and community values.
Questions
What curriculum does Derry Hill offer?
We follow the National Curriculum with a creative, topic-based approach, enhanced by forest school, music, and mindfulness activities.
How does the school support special educational needs?
Our SENCO coordinates individualised learning plans and specialist support to ensure all pupils receive tailored assistance in an inclusive setting.
Are after-school clubs available?
Yes, we provide extracurricular clubs focusing on sports, arts, and skill development to enrich pupils’ learning experiences.
How can I visit the school?
Prospective families can book tours through our office to explore our facilities and meet staff.
What safeguarding measures are in place?
We prioritise child welfare with rigorous safeguarding policies, trained staff, and a secure, supportive environment for all pupils.
How are admissions handled?
Admissions guidance is available via our office, including application processes and information on our values-driven educational approach.
Reviews (3)
Mar MotherofMadness
Jan 22, 2020
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Having had 2 kids go through they had a great time at Derry Hill but sadly the head changed and the school has not been the same or has the same feel about it. The links to the church are not good and the Christian values are not practiced by staff. Upsetting to see a good school go downhill.
Campbell MacPherson
Dec 06, 2017
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Ha, I'm at a Welsh activity centre and "Derry Hill" are with us. They tried to steel our ball along with our fun. One star cause why not
Laurence Brooks
Aug 10, 2016
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Felt our kids had a good start with this school. Liked how the school was big enough for one class per year. The buildings and grounds were constantly improving whilst our children were there. Having the church so close and available for school services was a great asset as well. Teaching, leadership and curricular/extra-curricular activities were great for us and hope this continues. Only real improvement comment was I thought it was a shame the school and village hall didn't liaise to build an enclosed gated walk way linking the multi-pitch to the adjacent school playing fields so the children
