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.

The Head of School, Mrs. Rimmer, oversees the school and is on the playground morning and afternoon for any concerns or shout outs for the superb team we have here. For teaching and learning, curriculum or behaviour concerns, Mrs. Rimmer is your first port of call and her office is housed in the Buttercup Building along with Miss Bell the SENCO. 

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. 

Admission to our Reception classes is via the Local Authority and places are in demand - so far this year 2024-2025, 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 Assistant Head teacher 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.

For those looking to submit an in-year application for their child to join Derwent, please contact Miss Ferris in the school office for information.  To apply for a Reception place you need to contact the Local Authority but we will be happy to show you round and answer any other questions. If you are interested in the nursery, then please come to the office for an application form. 

Best wishes,

Mrs. Samantha Barlow

Executive Headteacher Derwent and Southill Federation