The Old Vicarage is steeped in local history. The building has connections with the Strutt and Evans families. A local historian is currently looking into the exact early history of the building. We are very happy that it has recently been included in the Derby City Council’s local list of buildings with historical significance.

It was previously used as the Vicarage for St Matthew’s Church close by in our village of Darley Abbey. Those familiar with the area will be aware of its natural beauty. Our school is blessed with a wonderful design and pleasant gardens.

The Old Vicarage School was established in 1933 is an independent, fee paying day school for boys and girls aged 3 to 11 years. The school celebrated its 75th Anniversary in 2008. It is situated one and a half miles north of Derby city centre occupying a splendid late nineteenth century Victorian house. On entering the school from Church Lane one is struck immediately by the safe seclusion of the environment. The many varied trees and shrubs provide an enviable rural beauty. The school grounds are extremely well tended and extensive enough to afford all children opportunities for a full range of organised games and general recreational activities. Tennis and netball are played on the court adjacent to the open lawns. The former Coach House is a further resource for nursery activities, assemblies, drama, PE, gymnastics and a plethora of engaging after school activities such as aerobics, scalextric, cheer-leading, break-dancing and ballet to name but a few.

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We aim to ensure that each child's first crucial steps in the world of education are compelling and exciting enough to draw them into the magical world of learning so that it becomes a joyous and integral part of their daily existence - for life.

We believe we have a duty to unlock the potential in every child to achieve their best in every aspect of their lives with us, be it academically, socially, physically and spiritually.

The school from its historical background is Christian, encouraging the Gospel values of respect and fair treatment of others. The Old Vicarage School welcomes children from Anglican, Roman Catholic and all Christian denominations or world faith traditions who share in these values.

The Religious Education programme has an emphasis on Christianity but other world religions are explored. Assemblies are based on a particular, encouraging theme and incorporate a hymn and prayer as part of the school’s communal worship. We have strong links with the local Church of England parish of St Matthew’s, Darley Abbey. We enjoy regular visits from the Vicar who come sin to talk to the children at assembly. The children have regular informal visits to St Matthew’s. We celebrate our annual Harvest Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter services at this beautiful church.

The ethos is best seen in our four aims for an Old Vicarage School Leaver. We believe these aims to be essential to achieve happiness, contentment and fulfilment in later life. It is hoped that a child leaving our school will be:

• Well educated with a love of learning, ready to engage with the wider world.
• Happy, friendly and self-confident with a good sense of humour.
• Generous in spirit, ready to place their talents at the disposal of others, especially the most needy.
• Prepared to take their place in society and aware of how fully they can contribute to the common good.