Welcome From The Headteacher

Welcome to Totley Primary School

It is a genuine privilege to be the headteacher of Totley Primary School – a thriving, welcoming community on the edge of the Peak District in south west Sheffield, where we are proud to serve around 425 pupils and their families.

At the heart of our work is a clear and powerful vision:

To nourish every child so they can flourish.

Our rich and ambitious curriculum is designed to spark curiosity, build deep knowledge and develop the essential skills children need to achieve their very best. We want every child to fulfil their potential and move confidently into the next stage of their education as capable, enthusiastic and ambitious learners.

We are committed to nurturing the whole child. This means supporting not only academic progress, but also wellbeing, confidence and personal growth. Our aim is for every pupil to feel secure, valued and empowered, leaving Totley Primary as happy, well-rounded individuals with strong foundations for future success.

Positive, caring relationships lie at the centre of our school community. These relationships create a genuine sense of belonging and ensure that every child feels recognised, supported and encouraged throughout their time with us.

As part of Mercia Learning Trust, we share a common mission and set of values. We are committed to kindness, integrity, and diligence, and we exist to empower everyone in our communities, especially the most disadvantaged, to succeed. These principles underpin everything we do and shape the culture of our school.

We are extremely proud of our school and all that we achieve together each day. If you would like to visit, please contact the school office and we will be delighted to welcome you.

Ben Paxman, Headteacher

Our ethos

At Totley Primary School, we foster a culture where every child feels valued, challenged and supported to do their best.

We believe that children flourish when they feel a true sense of belonging and our inclusive approach means all children are recognised, supported and encouraged to learn and grow together.

We acknowledge that everyone’s ‘best’ may look different and we celebrate this by valuing each child’s unique strengths, progress and achievements.

Our approach nurtures the whole child – academically, personally and socially – so they are ready to thrive in an ever-changing world.

We aim to create an environment where pupils are inspired by an ambitious curriculum, supported by skilled and caring staff and surrounded by positive relationships.

Our school community is built on kindness, collaboration and high expectations, ensuring that children develop strong subject knowledge, emotional wellbeing and a lifelong love of learning.

We place significant value on reading, play and meaningful learning experiences that help every child succeed.

Our values

Relationships

We build a caring community where respect, trust and empathy help everyone feel safe and connected.

Outcomes

We set high expectations and support every child to achieve exceptional academic and personal progress.

Attitudes

We promote and praise positive attitudes – such as hard work, independence and resilience – so that children approach learning with confidence.

Development

We view learning as a journey and are committed to supporting the continuous growth of every child so that they develop into happy, well-rounded citizens with a deep-rooted appreciation of British Values.