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."placeholder image
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."

In pictures: A look back at 2025 in Derbyshire schools from awards, historic Ofsted report to proms and nativities

As pupils are set to return to the classroom after the Christmas break we’ve taken a look back at a busy year for Derbyshire schools.

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.

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