Teachers will be looking ahead with exciting plans for 2026 but we’ve taken a look back at some of the highlights of 2025 – including a historic Ofsted report and celebration parties.
Our photographer has been on hand to capture the year with local schools – from awards for impressive play provision, pupils nervously opening their exam results, to the annual school proms and nativity plays.
1. January
Clowne Junior School was recognised for the successful implementation of the Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL) project. Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL) is a national programme endorsed and supported by Sport England, which aims to improve play time at schools across the UK. OPAL play revolves around fostering child-led play, where children engage in learning through exploration, creativity, and the utilization of outdoor spaces to cultivate their play experiences in a bid to improve their wellbeing and overall development. Following a successful assessment, Clowne Junior School received the most prestigious platinum OPAL award. Rachel Morris-Jones, OPAL Lead at Clowne Junior School said: “Achieving the Platinum OPAL Award is a huge honour for our school and means that our children have access to great play opportunities all year round, whatever the weather." Photo: Clowne Junior School
2. February
For the first time in its history Springwell Community College in Staveley was awarded ‘good’ ratings across all areas after being inspected by Ofsted. The report, which celebrated the college’s significant progress in recent years, reads: “Springwell Community College has been through a transformative change in recent years. This is reflected in the views of pupils and many parents and carers.” Photo: Submitted
3. March
Holmesdale Infant School at the The Avenue in Dronfield marked Mother's Day - as six pairs of mums and daughters work together every day. Sarah Lockwood, headteacher at the school, who works alongside her daughter Molly Lockwood, who is a teaching assistant at Holmesdale, added: "All 12 mums and daughters who work together at our school get on really well and it adds to the family feel. “We've got great relationships with each other, but we’ve also got a strong relationship within the community, so we know our schools family very well.” Seen L-r Dawn Curry, Caspian Curry, Sallyann Francis, Rhaya Francis, Leann Vaughan, Jess Sidey, Jane Wilkinson, Natalie Wilkinson, Molly Lockwood, Sarah Lockwood, Jill Radford, Lyndsey Radford, Laura Johnson, Sarah Johnson and Lily Bebbington. Photo: Brian Eyre
4. April
Eyam Primary School celebrated the installation of solar panels. Headteacher Oona Gilbertson, who has a passion for preserving the environment, said: “The school decided to reduce its carbon footprint and energy costs by installing solar panels to generate electricity and additional insulation to reduce heat loss." She added: “Small rural schools are struggling with energy costs which reduces funds for staff, equipment and maintenance and they are entering fuel poverty. Future plans include working with other local schools to run a climate action event as part of the national expectation that schools are to work towards a net zero target: reducing direct and indirect emissions from education and care buildings, driving innovation and improving education.” The school eco team and head pupils, welcomed Ghazala Ahmed-Mear to launch the solar panels. Photo: Brian Eyre