Old Vicarage School is a family-run, independent day school that has been providing a nurturing and caring environment for children aged 3-11 years old for many years. Our school is located in the beautiful suburb of Darley Abbey, and we pride ourselves on being a 'home away from home' for our pupils and their families.
Our Philosophy
At Old Vicarage School, we believe that every child is unique and special, and we strive to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere where they can thrive. We are committed to providing a curriculum that is engaging, challenging, and tailored to each child's individual needs. Our ethos is built on the values of character and kindness, and we encourage our pupils to be their best selves in a way that is always kind and supportive.
Our Services
We offer a range of services to support the educational, social, and emotional development of our pupils. Our nursery provides a safe and stimulating environment for children from the age of three, and our pre-prep and prep schools offer a well-rounded education that prepares children for the challenges of secondary school. Our small class sizes and excellent teaching staff ensure that each child receives the individual attention and support they need to reach their full potential.
Extra-Curricular Activities
We believe that learning is not just confined to the classroom, and we offer a range of extra-curricular activities that help to broaden our pupils' horizons and foster their interests. From sports and games to music and drama, we have a wide range of activities that cater to all tastes and abilities. Our pupils are encouraged to try new things, make new friends, and develop a sense of teamwork and camaraderie.
Community
We are a family-run school, and we believe that our community is at the heart of everything we do. We work closely with our parents and carers to ensure that our pupils receive the best possible education, and we have a strong focus on pastoral care and wellbeing. We believe that every child should feel valued, respected, and supported, and we strive to create a sense of belonging and inclusion among our pupils.
Our Achievements
We are proud of our many achievements and success stories, including our outstanding inspection reports and our 100% success rate of entry into independent secondary school of choice, often with scholarships. Our pupils consistently achieve high standards, and we believe that this is due to our commitment to excellence, our focus on individual needs, and our supportive and caring community.
Our Facilities
Our school has a range of excellent facilities that cater to the needs of our pupils. Our multi-use sports areas and woodland provide a safe and stimulating environment for outdoor learning and play, and our classrooms are well-equipped and designed to support a range of teaching and learning styles.
Our Staff
Our staff are highly qualified and experienced, and we believe that they are the key to our success. We have a low pupil-to-staff ratio, which means that each child receives the individual attention and support they need to thrive. Our staff are warm, caring, and supportive, and they strive to build strong relationships with our pupils and their families.
Our History
Old Vicarage School has a rich history dating back many years, and we are proud of our tradition of excellence and innovation. We have a strong sense of community and a commitment to providing a nurturing and caring environment for our pupils and their families.
Our Future
We are excited about the future and our plans to continue to provide our pupils with the best possible education and care. We will continue to evolve and adapt to changing circumstances, and we will always prioritize the needs and well-being of our pupils and their families.
Overall Impressions
The reviews for this school are overwhelmingly positive, with both parents praising the school's impact on their children's development and well-being.
Confidence and Academic Improvement
Both Nic Wilson and Kay Leslie highlight the significant improvements they have seen in their children's confidence and academic performance since attending this school. Nic Wilson notes that their child's confidence is "soaring" and that the improvements seen "month on month" are "astonishing". Kay Leslie's three boys similarly seem to be thriving academically, with the reviewer mentioning that the school offers a "wonderful mix" of academic, sport, and music opportunities.
Staff and Leadership
Both parents express their gratitude to the committed staff and excellent leadership of the school, with Nic Wilson specifically mentioning the school's staff and leadership as being a key factor in their child's success.
Additional Comments
There were no negative comments provided by either reviewer.
