ONE of the smallest schools in the county is set for a major transformation after securing more than £220,000 to upgrade its facilities and extend its age range.
Darley Churchtown Church of England Primary School, on the edge of the Peak District, will benefit from £220,970 secured through a Section 106 developer contribution, aimed at enhancing facilities and supporting the long-term future of the historic village school.
The funding, paid to Derbyshire County Council in 2023, will be used to modernise the school and to open a 12-place nursery, allowing children as young as three years old to attend.
Plans for the project include a wide range of improvements to both indoor and outdoor spaces. These will see the refurbishment of infant toilets and cloakrooms, upgrades to classrooms and the creation of new dedicated spaces for inclusion support and a school library.
The school hall will also be enlarged to better accommodate collective worship, physical education and lunchtime activities, while early years pupils will benefit from a resurfaced outdoor area and the addition of canopies to provide shade and shelter.
Further works will include improved accessibility and security measures, upgraded flooring and lighting, and energy-efficient LED installations throughout the building.
An unused classroom will be converted into a sensory room for high level need children while improvements to the exterior of the school building will improve security.
Head of school Tom Lloyd said the investment would help bring the school in line with modern educational standards while preserving its historic character, with parts of the building dating back to 1848.
He added: “We are absolutely delighted to secure this funding, which will make a real difference to the experience of every child at our school.
“This investment allows us to modernise our facilities while respecting the character and history of our building, ensuring we can offer an education that meets the needs of today’s pupils.
“Our aim is to create a school environment that is inclusive, inspiring and fit for the future – one that will continue to serve our community for generations to come.
“These improvements will give us the space and resources to better support children with additional needs, enhance learning opportunities, and make our school even more welcoming to local families.”
The project is expected to deliver enhanced support for children with additional needs, improved spaces for whole-school activities, and a more engaging learning environment overall.
The school belongs to the Matlock and Dales Primary Partnership – which runs across five schools that belong to Derby Diocesan Academy Trust (DDAT).
Sarah Clark, CEO of DDAT, said: “Darley Churchtown plays a vital role at the heart of its community and this funding will help ensure it continues to thrive.
“This project reflects our long-term commitment to sustaining rural education, ensuring that schools like Darley Churchtown remain inclusive and able to meet the needs of future generations.
“By enhancing facilities and creating more flexible learning spaces, we are helping to make the school even more attractive to families and strengthening its role within the local community.”
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