Children playing hopscotch in the same playground that former students used nearly 200 years ago, older pupils serving lunch to younger classmates, and a historic cottage transformed into a breakfast club, are just a small part of what makes one Stapleford primary school unlike any other.
St John’s C of E Primary School has been educating local children from its Grade II listed Victorian building since 1837. While much has changed over the last two centuries, the school remains proud of the traditions, sense of community and family atmosphere that its unique setting has helped to create for almost 200 years.
Today, children still play traditional playground games in the school grounds, just as generations before them did, while staff have carefully adapted the historic site to provide opportunities and experiences that help make school life feel special.
The primary school, often described as “small & mighty”, has now joined Archway Learning Trust, a well-established multi-academy trust serving communities across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. The school will benefit from the opportunities, expertise and support that come from being part of a family of schools, while continuing to nurture the strong, caring and child-centred environment that makes St John’s so special.
Matthew Downes, who has been at the school as Headteacher for 16 years, said: “This school feels different. Children and staff get a genuine family and community feel here, and we have truly created an environment where every child can thrive.
“Our building is not a conventional school, and we’ve used this to our advantage. For example, we don’t have a dining hall, so every lunchtime, our pupils remove our classroom wall partitions to create a large space for all year groups to come together. They sit at tables of 12, where older children serve lunch to younger pupils. This teaches them the importance of service, gratitude and manners.
“Our morning breakfast clubs also take place in our Cottage on our site, which was likely previously been used as a Headmaster’s accommodation. We normally have between 10 and 15 children join us for a healthy breakfast, mindful activities and playtime before the school day starts.
“Archway Learning Trust immediately recognised and appreciated the uniqueness of our school. Its Trust values and ethos tie in seamlessly with our own, and we instantly felt the match was right.
“Our biggest priority for our students has always been securing the best outcomes – not just academically, but also in the enrichment and opportunities we provide. Our students and staff will have access to further opportunities, development and training, as we move forward with shared ambition and aspiration for the future and enhance the already excellent provisions on offer.”
St John’s Stapleford’s decision to join Archway Learning Trust follows a successful Ofsted report in February 2025, where the school was rated Good overall. It joins from a position of strength to carry forward its vision and ambitions for the future. As the Trust marks 320 years of educating children in the region, the partnership brings together two entities both deeply rooted in Nottinghamshire’s history.
James Higham, CEO at Archway Learning Trust, added: “St John’s is a truly special primary school, offering a unique educational experience for children and families in Stapleford. We’re delighted that it has chosen to join Archway at this point in its journey. Its ethos and approach feel like a natural fit with our Trust. Our role is to build on what already makes St John’s such a strong and caring environment for children and staff, while continuing our wider commitment to improving life chances across the communities we serve. We’re really looking forward to working together and seeing the school continue to grow and thrive as part of the Archway family.”
Archway Learning Trust is a Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) with 12 academies across Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, Derby and Derbyshire.
