We are delighted to announce an exciting new chapter in our school’s journey. From September 2026, Arc School Old Arley will officially become Elderbrook School.
The new name reflects the significant progress our school has made in recent years and our continued commitment to providing exceptional education and support for pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.
Over the past two years, we have invested substantially in both our people and our environment. Through high-quality staff training and ongoing improvements to our facilities, we have strengthened our ability to deliver the specialist education and care that our pupils deserve. This commitment was recognised in our most recent Ofsted inspection, where the school was rated ‘Strong’ for Leadership and ‘Expected’ across all other areas under the new framework, an outcome broadly equivalent to a ‘Good’ judgement under the previous inspection framework.
Why Elderbrook?
The name Elderbrook School has been carefully chosen to reflect our values, our local community and our aspirations for every pupil.
It sits proudly alongside our motto, “Brave beginnings, bold futures.”
The elder tree, found throughout the local area, symbolises growth, resilience and strength. The brook refers to Bourne Brook, which runs close to our playing fields and represents renewal, freshness and forward movement. Together, these elements capture our belief that every child deserves a supportive start in life and the confidence to build an ambitious future.
Investing in Our Future
Alongside our new identity, we are continuing to enhance the school experience for our pupils. This summer, we will be installing a brand-new Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA), creating exciting opportunities for sport, play and physical activity. We are also developing a new school library, providing a welcoming space where pupils can read, learn and explore together.
What This Means for Our Community
While our name is changing, the things that matter most will remain exactly the same. There will be no changes to the school’s leadership, governance or core values. Instead, the move to Elderbrook School is a confident expression of who we are today and where we are heading in the future, both within our local community and as part of the wider Kedleston Group family.
We are incredibly proud of how far our school has come and excited about what lies ahead. We look forward to continuing to work closely with our parents, carers, local authorities and partners as we support our wonderful pupils to thrive.
Welcome to Elderbrook School. Brave beginnings, bold futures.
