Best Secondary Schools in Derbyshire 2026

Ranked by Ofsted rating, exam results, attendance, and class sizes. 45 schools across Derbyshire. Updated with 2025–26 data.

Total schools

Outstanding

Outstanding rate

60.2%

Avg KS2 SATs

40.6

Avg GCSE A8

All schools Primary Secondary

Rank	School	Ofsted	SNM Score
🥇	St Mary's Catholic High School, A Catholic Voluntary Academy Secondary	Outstanding	75	View school
🥈	The Ecclesbourne School Secondary	Outstanding	72	View school
🥉	Dronfield Henry Fanshawe School Secondary	Outstanding	64	View school
4.	Highfields School Secondary	Good	62	View school
5.	Lady Manners School Secondary	Good	61	View school
6.	John Flamsteed Community School Secondary	Good	60	View school
7.	Heanor Gate Spencer Academy Secondary	Good	60	View school
8.	Chapel-en-le-Frith High School Secondary	Good	57	View school
9.	Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School Secondary	Good	56	View school
10.	Outwood Academy Newbold Secondary	Good	55	View school
11.	New Mills School Secondary	Good	55	View school
12.	Wilsthorpe School Secondary	Good	54	View school
13.	Anthony Gell School Secondary	Good	54	View school
14.	Saint John Houghton Catholic Voluntary Academy Secondary	Good	52	View school
15.	Tibshelf Community School Secondary	Good	51	View school
16.	Buxton Community School Secondary	Good	50	View school
17.	Granville Academy Secondary	Requires Improvement	49	View school
18.	The Bolsover School Secondary	Good	49	View school
19.	The Ripley Academy Secondary	Good	49	View school
20.	Brookfield Community School Secondary	Requires Improvement	48	View school

See full data for any school in Derbyshire

Catchment distances, exam trends, SEN data, attendance, and more — all in one place.

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Frequently asked questions

How many secondary schools are there in Derbyshire?

There are 45 secondary schools in Derbyshire, of which 3 (7%) are rated Outstanding by Ofsted.

What are the best schools in Derbyshire?

Based on our composite score combining Ofsted ratings, exam results, attendance and class sizes, the top school in Derbyshire is St Mary's Catholic High School, A Catholic Voluntary Academy. See the full ranked list above.

How do I apply for a school place in Derbyshire?

Primary and secondary school applications in Derbyshire are managed by the Local Authority. Applications for secondary places typically open in September for the following academic year. Visit the Derbyshire council website for application forms and deadlines.

What is the average Ofsted rating in Derbyshire?

7% of secondary schools in Derbyshire are rated Outstanding and 47% are rated Good. 74.7% are rated Good or Outstanding.

Data sourced from Ofsted, Department for Education, and ISI. School rankings reflect the Schools Near Me composite score combining Ofsted ratings, exam results, attendance, and pupil-teacher ratios. Last updated April 2026.