Our History
Hope Hamilton Primary School was the vision of Rev Canon Peter Taylor, who first proposed the idea of a new Church of England primary school in 2003.
Our first Headteacher, Mrs Farnell, was appointed before the school building existed. In May 2004, our first 17 children began learning in a mobile classroom on the Kestrel’s Mead site, then known as Kestrels Field Primary School. Mrs Smissen, who is still part of our team today, was our very first teacher.
Our first Headteacher, Mrs Farnell, was appointed before the school building existed. In May 2004, our first 17 children began learning in a mobile classroom on the Kestrel’s Mead site, then known as Kestrels Field Primary School. Mrs Smissen, who is still part of our team today, was our very first teacher.
The school officially opened in April 2005, with our first two classrooms, Gold and Silver Base. Mrs Brooks, our current Headteacher, joined the team at this time. As further classrooms were completed, the school continued to grow, reaching almost 100 pupils by October 2005. The school was officially opened by the Bishop of Leicester, the Right Reverend Tim Stevens.
By 2010, we had reached capacity, with 45 children in each year group. Following growing demand for places, the school expanded in 2016 to accommodate 60 children per year group. New classrooms – Pink, Ebony and Copper Base – were created, alongside an improved Foundation Stage outdoor area.
In 2018, Hope Hamilton joined three other Leicestershire schools to form Vines Academy Trust, with Rev Canon Peter Taylor as Chair of Trustees. In 2024, the schools became part of Learn Academies Trust (LearnAT).
Celebrating 20 years
In 2025, we celebrated 20 years of Hope Hamilton with a special outdoor worship led by Bishop Rob and Rev Ed Downs, then Vicar of Hope Hamilton Church. We were delighted to welcome back our first Headteacher, Mrs Farnell, and former Trust CEO, Mrs Knox, to mark the occasion.
Our 20th anniversary also saw the launch of a new school logo. Retaining the rainbow and cross from our original identity, the design introduced a heart to reflect our Christian vision: ‘Love one another as I have loved you.’
From our first 17 pupils in a mobile classroom to the thriving school community we are today, our story is one of growth, faith and belonging. We are proud of our history and excited for the future.