Welcome to William Gilbert School from our headteacher Mrs Helen Britten
William Gilbert Endowed C of E Primary School and Nursery is a very special place to learn, grow and achieve.
We want our children to become creative, independent, and confident young people able to forge their own future and have a positive influence on the wider world.
We hope that our website will give you a taste of the life and learning at our school; an exceptional school in which Christian values and ethos permeate and underpin all that we are and do. William Gilbert School is proud to be a Church of England Primary School and part of the Derby Diocese Multi Academy Trust.
We are a thriving community of over 240 children, aged between 4 and 11, plus a 26 place Nursery. The normal catchment area is the Ecclesiastical area which covers mainly the village of Duffield, but pupils are welcome from outside the area if a place is available.
Our vision for excellence at William Gilbert Primary School is a safe and healthy learning environment where everyone is happy, motivated, challenged and with a thirst for learning. We aim to equip young learners with the confidence, skills, attitudes, and qualities to thrive within a Christian setting as encapsulated in John 10:10, “I have come in order that you might have life – life in all its fullness.”
Staff, supported by governors, work hard to deliver a rich and challenging curriculum; to prepare children for their future education and to help them acquire the skills and enthusiasm needed to pursue learning for the rest of their lives.
Our Christian values ensure that our children have a sound understanding of the respect and kindness needed to get along with everyone in and around our community. We take our responsibility to promote community cohesion seriously and foster a respect for diversity and individual rights. We provide opportunities for pupils to explore their own culture and have a clear understanding and appreciation of the wide range of cultural influences that shape modern Britain.
Close partnership between home and school is a recipe for a child’s success and this website is just one link in this important relationship. Our strong supportive culture is due to the real sense of partnership between home and school.
From their very first school experience, our children benefit from a highly dedicated team of teachers, support staff and governors who strive tirelessly to provide a caring and supportive environment which enables all our pupils to flourish. I am extremely proud to lead a team committed to achieving high standards and providing the very best opportunities for the children in our care. We very much believe that happy learners make successful learners. Every child is special, and we celebrate their unique strengths and abilities.
Latest News
View all🐾🎨 Celebrating Wildlife – One Pebble at a Time 🎨🐾
To mark the 100th birthday of Sir David Attenborough on 8th May 2026, our Junior Travel Ambassadors are inviting pupils to take part in a Paint an Animal Pebble project.
We would love children to paint a pebble of their favourite animal, insect or creature from land, air or sea. Pebbles can be painted at home, or large pebbles are available to buy in school at lunchtime until Friday 24th April for £1. All funds raised will be donated to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).
Please return finished pebbles to school by Wednesday 29th April so they can be included in our walking‑to‑school wildlife trails around Duffield. The pebbles will be placed along paths and pavements our pupils use on their journey to school – how many animals will they spot?
Wouldn’t it be amazing if we reached 100 painted pebbles to celebrate this special birthday!
Inspiration ideas are attached.
Thank you for your support, we hope the children get on board with this lovely idea.
🐾🎨 Celebrating Wildlife – One Pebble at a Time 🎨🐾 To mark the 100th birthday of Sir David Attenborough on 8th May 2026, our Junior Travel Ambassadors are inviting pupils to take part in a Paint an Animal Pebble project. We would love children to paint a pebble of their favourite animal, insect or creature from land, air or sea. Pebbles can be painted at home, or large pebbles are available to buy in school at lunchtime until Friday 24th April for £1. All funds raised will be donated to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). Please return finished pebbles to school by Wednesday 29th April so they can be included in our walking‑to‑school wildlife trails around Duffield. The pebbles will be placed along paths and pavements our pupils use on their journey to school – how many animals will they spot? Wouldn’t it be amazing if we reached 100 painted pebbles to celebrate this special birthday! Inspiration ideas are attached. Thank you for your support, we hope the children get on board with this lovely idea.
☕🍰 Save the Date – Christian Aid Coffee Morning & Bake Sale 🍰☕
We’re pleased to give advance notice that we will be hosting a Christian Aid Coffee Morning & Bake Sale on Friday 15th May, as part of Christian Aid Week.
This will be a lovely opportunity for families and members of the community to come together, enjoy a cuppa and some tasty treats, and help us raise vital funds for Christian Aid.
If you are able to support by baking or donating cakes or savoury items, we would be extremely grateful. More details will follow nearer the time.
Thank you, as always, for your support. Mrs Britten
☕🍰 Save the Date – Christian Aid Coffee Morning & Bake Sale 🍰☕ We’re pleased to give advance notice that we will be hosting a Christian Aid Coffee Morning & Bake Sale on Friday 15th May, as part of Christian Aid Week. This will be a lovely opportunity for families and members of the community to come together, enjoy a cuppa and some tasty treats, and help us raise vital funds for Christian Aid. If you are able to support by baking or donating cakes or savoury items, we would be extremely grateful. More details will follow nearer the time. Thank you, as always, for your support. Mrs Britten
Good Morning The PTA at William Gilbert School would like to warmly invite you to attend our upcoming meeting on Friday 17th April at 2:30pm in school. This will be a great opportunity to come together, share ideas, and hear about the exciting plans and activities taking place within our school community. Everyone welcome. Thank you! The PTA Team
Derbyshire Parent Carer Voice - Free Webinar - Supporting and Anxious Child
Derbyshire Parent Carer Voice - Free Webinar - Supporting and Anxious Child
Artist of the Month Winners -March 2026
Congratulations to Jack Stack in EYFS, Lexi Burton in KS1 and Hannah Macdonald in KS2 who were selected as the Artists of the Month for March, inspired by the work of the artist Georges Seurat. We received an incredible range of Pointillism artwork, and these pieces are now displayed in the school’s art gallery.
In April, our Artist of the Month will be Henri Rousseau, whose vivid jungle scenes and imaginative depictions of animals make him the perfect inspiration for our David Attenborough celebrations. We invite children to create their own pieces of animal art inspired by Rousseau’s style. These will form a special gallery displayed in school throughout May, showcasing our pupils’ creativity and love for the natural world in honour of Sir David Attenborough’s birthday.
Closing date for artwork: Thursday 30th April 202
Artist of the Month Winners -March 2026 Congratulations to Jack Stack in EYFS, Lexi Burton in KS1 and Hannah Macdonald in KS2 who were selected as the Artists of the Month for March, inspired by the work of the artist Georges Seurat. We received an incredible range of Pointillism artwork, and these pieces are now displayed in the school’s art gallery. In April, our Artist of the Month will be Henri Rousseau, whose vivid jungle scenes and imaginative depictions of animals make him the perfect inspiration for our David Attenborough celebrations. We invite children to create their own pieces of animal art inspired by Rousseau’s style. These will form a special gallery displayed in school throughout May, showcasing our pupils’ creativity and love for the natural world in honour of Sir David Attenborough’s birthday. Closing date for artwork: Thursday 30th April 202
Derbyshire Parent Carer Voice - Supporting Children and Young People with ADHD
Derbyshire Parent Carer Voice - Supporting Children and Young People with ADHD
Derbyshire Parent Carer Voice - Understanding Behaviour as Communication Workshop
Derbyshire Parent Carer Voice - Understanding Behaviour as Communication Workshop
PLEASE NOTE We have been informed that Seven Trent are working on Castle Hill on Tuesday 24th March for possibly 4 days, with a temporary road closure in operation. Please be aware and park away from the area if possible. Thank you for your support
Good Morning We are still needing additional parent helpers to walk the children to school on Wednesday afternoon. If you are able to help please contact the school office. Volunteers need to be at school for 1pm on Wednesday. Thank you in advance of your support.
Dear Parents A black, 'Peter Storm', padded coat has been left on the infant slope following pick-up/uniform sale. There is no name in it I'm afraid, but it is safe in the school office for collection. Thank you.