Building for the Future

• Established in 1744 Dame Catherine Harpur’s School has continuously provided education for children in Calke and Ticknall for over 250 years.
   
• In 1987 the local authority who had maintained the school for a number of years decided to close the school. Existing and new parents originally formed a co-operative to run the school for the benefit of local children. A head teacher was appointed and fund raising was undertaken, supported by parents who carried out the cleaning and other aspects of the work essential to keeping the school open. A gift shop (The Catherine Wheel) was opened at a nearby craft centre staffed by parent volunteers and this contributed to the funding of the school.
   
• Over the past 22 years the school has achieved much and has an exceptional reputation for child centred learning, creativity and environmental awareness. Wild life areas developed and a no waste policy adopted. The school has won many awards for its environmental learning projects.
   
• With good OFSTED reports and local recognition for its quality of teaching and the success of its pupils entering secondary school the school has established itself in the community.
   
• However the last OFSTED report although praising the school for its educational success drew attention to the urgent need to improve the buildings facilities. The original 19th century school building lacks many facilities that are essential for a modern school. In particular the school needs to improve toilets, food preparation areas, special needs facilities and a flexible teaching area. Without these improvements the school would only just be deemed fit for purpose.
   
• Over the past year the school community has developed a building project to meet the identified needs
   

An artist impression of the new build