St Mary’s RC High School crowned East Midlands’ top comprehensive
St Mary’s RC High School, based in Newbold, has been named Comprehensive School of the Year in the East Midlands 2026 by The Sunday Times Parent Power school guide.
This award highlights the school’s outstanding academic and extracurricular achievements, as well as its commitment to providing a nurturing and supportive environment for students.
The accolade follows an excellent year in 2025. At Key Stage 4, 73.3% of St Mary’s pupils achieved grade 5 or above in both English and Maths GCSEs, the highest figure in Derbyshire. The school also posted an Attainment 8 score of 59.6, again topping local league tables.
Success continues at A level, with the school’s 2025 results placing it in the top 10% of schools nationally.
Adding to its credentials, St Mary’s retains ‘Outstanding’ ratings from both Ofsted and the Catholic Schools Inspectorate (CSI), underscoring excellence in teaching, pastoral care, and leadership.
Maria Dengate, Headteacher at St Mary’s Catholic High School, said: “This is an extraordinary achievement for our school, the East Midlands encompasses Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire. To be recognised for our success, across such a large area, is testament to our wonderful pupils and truly outstanding staff, who work tirelessly to educate and support our young people.”
Chesterfield is a great place to bring up a family, it offers many schools that Ofsted rated as outstanding and good. Friendly schools will support your child to make memories and friends for life. The town is also ranked as the second best place in the UK to raise a family and the happiest place to live in the East Midlands.
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