Welcome to Derwent Primary School

We are a Values-led School

We respect ourselves; We respect others; We respect the environment.

I am delighted to be able to share our website information about Derwent Primary School. We are a values-led, two form entry primary school in a federation with Southill Lower School, with exceptional curriculum and teaching resources for all year groups from nursery age to Year 6. On transition, our children have a guaranteed place in Year 7 at Henlow Academy if they wish.

We have a full primary curriculum and excellent KS2 SAT's results. Our knowledge based lesson sequences are linked coherently and key subjects overseen by specialists including mathematics by Assistant Head Mr Masterson and English by Mrs Harris. To support teaching and learning and behaviour, we have phase leads who oversee EYFS - Ms Fisher, KS1- Miss Kell, LKS2 - Mr Masterson and for UKS2 it is me as my office sits directly on the end of the corridor for years 5 and 6. 

As the Head of School,I oversee the school on a daily basis and am on the playground morning and afternoon for any concerns or shout outs for the superb team we have here. 

Mental wellness is on our agenda this year, with Miss Bell and Miss Kell among other staff members, leading the pastoral support for those pupils in need. We are lucky to have a Breakfast and After School Club which has a dedicated Sunshine Room.  This is also used for pastoral support in the school day. Miss Kell is our Family Engagement Worker and she has a dedicated room on site for meeting with families who would like extra support. 

Safeguarding is a key priority, and we have a Designated Safeguarding Lead, Mrs Barlow who is the Executive Head for the federation, and Ms Sarah Tuckwelll who is our Safeguarding governor.  In addition we always have Safeguarding staff on site and Ms Bell, Mr Masterson Mrs Read and Miss Kell and I are Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads.  Do speak to any of us about any concerns you have.

Admission to our Reception classes is via the Local Authority and places are in demand - so far this year 2025-2026, we are full.  We do however, have priority in admissions for service families and we enjoy working closely with the service families living on the RAF station nearby. Our Early Years are managed by Mrs. Read, who is also the Head of School at Southill. Mrs. Read oversees the curriculum and timetables for all of the Early Years classes. 

The grounds of the school are in constant development, although we already now have a netball, football and basketball hard standing, football pitches and two play park areas. In addition to plans for increased outdoor learning which include development of the pond, we have plenty of places to leave bikes and scooters and, most unusually for a primary school, a proper car park with electric charging points and specific spots for disabled drivers.  

We also have excellent catering via AIP and ensure that high quality lunch with a full vegetable and fruit offering, enables children to try different foods and also help them understand how to keep well through a proper balanced diet. 

Please do book an appointment for a look around if you are considering applying for a pre school or primary school place here with the office. Mrs Sidoli and Miss Ferris and Miss Bryant are always available to answer any questions. 

 

Best wishes,

Mrs. Tenille Rimmer 

Head of School