South Darley C.E. Primary School is a village Church of England school in Darley Bridge, near Matlock, drawing families from across Darley Dale, Matlock and the surrounding Derbyshire Dales villages.

Our children learn in three classes — Infants (Reception to Year 2), Lower Juniors (Years 3 and 4) and Upper Juniors (Years 5 and 6) — and every child is known by name. Ofsted's most recent inspection, in June 2024, confirmed that we continue to be a good school and found that "the school is calm and orderly." Our SIAMS church inspection in December 2023 found that "this rural Church school has the feel of a loving family where there is a strong and positive sense of belonging."

The headteacher, Mr Paul Wilde, teaches the Lower Juniors class — Years 3 and 4 — himself, so he knows the children as well as the families. Our three class teachers, Mr Wilde, Miss Gill and Mrs Worth, have each taught at South Darley for more than ten years.

South Darley is a Church of England school in the Diocese of Derby, and children of all faiths and none are welcome. You do not need to be a member of the Church of England, or a regular churchgoer, for your child to be offered a place. Children do take part in church services at festivals and special occasions, as part of school life.

Browse the pages below to find out more about our school, meet our staff and governors, read our inspection reports, and get in touch.