Derby Cathedral School

✨Check out our exciting month of March at DCS via our monthly newsletter!✨

https://www.derbycathedralschool.org.uk/news/2026-04-01-march-2026-newsletter

Books, costumes, quizzes and a visiting poet… World Book Day at Derby Cathedral School was packed with brilliant moments 📚

Staff and sixth form students dressed as their favourite book characters, classrooms transformed their doors into creative book-themed displays, and students explored new genres through our Book Bingo challenge in the Learning Resource Centre.

Year 7 took part in a live football-themed reading quiz, while Year 11 enjoyed a special session with a visiting poet who shared the real-life inspiration behind one of her poems and how writers turn experiences into powerful stories.

Here’s just a small taster of the day — we’ll be sharing much more (and plenty more photos!) in this month’s school newsletter.

This year, Fusionscape are pleased to be expanding their provision to an additional venue, allowing them to support more young people across Derby.

Their Easter programmes will take place at:

Pear Tree Baptist Church, 154 Pear Tree Road Derby DE23 6QD
📅 1st–2nd April⏰ 10:00am – 2:00pm

Osmaston Park Community Centre, Moor Lane Derby DE24 9HY
📅 8th–10th April⏰ 10:00am – 2:00pm


These sessions provide free activities and meals for children who receive benefits-related free school meals, with low-cost spaces also available for families who are not eligible but would still like their children to attend.

Activities include sports, creative arts, games, music education and opportunities for children to socialise and build confidence in a safe and supportive environment.

Spaces are already filling up quickly and availability is limited.

Eligible families will receive booking details through HolidayActivities.com, and further information about the programme can be found at: www.derby.gov.uk/derbyHAF

Another great resource is below, which can help parents and carers have a better understanding of how to support and advise students about their choices after GCSEs.

It gives you practical steps to help students make the right choice on their next steps:

✅ What can your teen do after GCSE and sixth form?
✅ How your teen can get skills to help with interviews
✅ How parents can support teens with exams
✅ Spotlight on apprenticeships
✅ How to find work experience

https://www.theparentsguideto.co.uk/

The Parents’ Guide To | Support for Parents of Teens at GCSE & Sixth Form We help parents support their teen through school, GCSEs and sixth form – from wellbeing and safety to study skills and future choices. Everything you need, all in one place.

🐣 Easter HAF Programme 🐣

Did you know that if your child receives benefits-related free school meals, they are entitled to FREE holiday activities over the Easter holiday? Holiday clubs are available across Derby where your child can make new friends and take part in a wide range of activities including sport, dance, drama, arts and crafts, as well as enjoying a meal each day.

If your child is eligible, you will receive an email from HolidayActivities.com. Just follow the instructions in this email to book. Bookings for Easter activities will open on the evening of Tuesday 3 March. Further details can be found at: www.derby.gov.uk/derbyHAF

Derby holiday activities and food (HAF) programme - Derby City Council This website uses cookies to improve your experience and analyse information on site performance and usage. Learn more about how we use cookies.

Our latest newsletter is out now! Find out all of the exciting and engaging events that our students have been up to in February!

https://derby-cathedral-school.schudio.com/news/2026-03-02-february-2026-newsletter

📚It's National Careers Week! 📚

This week, we're celebrating the fantastic opportunities available for DCS students, whereby they can explore future pathways and start thinking big about where their talents could take them!

There's also a brilliant Virtual Careers Fair running all week, packed with employers, universities, and training providers, who will be offering insights and advice as well as inspiring students to aspire for more!

At DCS, we believe in Aspiration for all and helping every student see the possibilities ahead of them. The more doors they explore now, the more confident their choices will be later.

Students and families can explore more here: https://ncw26.co.uk/

Countdown - NCW 2026 Virtual Careers Fair 00Days 00Hours 00Minutes 00Seconds National Careers Week 2026 2nd – 7th March 2026 Getting Started Information for Educators Information for Sponsors Information for Students Subscribe for Updates Getting Started https://vimeo.com/1005075471?share=copy The Virtual Careers Fair will go live on day ...

After an intensely contested round of heats at the University of Derby, DCS Debating Society defeated Allestree Woodlands, the unbeaten reigning champions, to secure a place in the semi-finals.

In one of the highest scoring debates in the competition’s history, our students prevailed and will now face Littleover School in the semi-finals in March.

Well done to all of the students involved and good luck for March!

Thank you also to Ms Brown and Mr Griffiths for accompanying and supporting the team on their journey to the knock-out stages.

♟️ Easter Term Chess Tournament ♟️

Our Easter Term Chess Tournament is officially open for sign-ups and it’s already proving incredibly popular, with 16 students joining on the first day alone!

Students can sign up on Mr Horton’s door (2.04) and games will take place during Chess Club lunchtimes throughout the term.

There will be a prize for the winner, and it’s a fantastic opportunity to develop strategic thinking, resilience and confidence.

If your child enjoys chess or would like to sharpen their skills, this is the perfect chance to get involved.

See Mr Horton for further details. ♟️

Today is Safer Internet Day (10th February) 💻

Our young people spend a huge part of their lives online, so understanding how to stay safe, respectful and confident in digital spaces really matters.

This short video shares some key reminders about online safety, digital responsibility and looking out for one another - messages that are just as important outside school as they are in it.

A useful watch for students, parents and carers alike. 💙

It’s a wrap….what an amazing concert. A huge well done to the students from Derby Cathedral School and Ecclesbourne School, who joined our Cathedral Choir and Gabrieli for an amazing Vivaldi Gloria.

Thank you to everyone at Gabrieli for all your inspirational leadership - particularly to Charles MacDougall, Emily Dickens and Paul McCreesh. We can’t wait to welcome you back again soon!