Two Chesterfield secondary schools have been recognised among the top performers in Derbyshire, following the release of the Department for Education’s revised 2024/25 Key Stage 4 performance data.
As the year draws to a close, new figures reveal how Derbyshire’s state-funded secondary schools performed throughout 2025, with Attainment 8 scores used as the key measure. This metric reflects pupils’ average achievement across eight qualifications, including double-weighted English and maths GCSEs, a selection of English Baccalaureate subjects such as sciences, languages, history or geography, and three additional approved qualifications.
St Mary’s Catholic High School in Upper Newbold has been named the top-performing secondary school in Derbyshire, achieving an impressive Attainment 8 score of 59.3 in the 2024/25 school year. The school, located on Newbold Road, had 206 Key Stage 4 students on roll and continues to build on its strong academic reputation.
Also representing Chesterfield in the county-wide rankings is Brookfield Community School, located on Chatsworth Road. The school secured sixth place in Derbyshire with an Attainment 8 score of 50.7, reflecting strong academic outcomes for its 176 Key Stage 4 pupils.
Brookfield was rated ‘Good’ across all categories in its April 2023 Ofsted inspection, maintaining its positive performance and reputation within the local community.
With two schools inside the top 10, Chesterfield continues to demonstrate strong educational standards, offering families high-quality options supported by excellent teaching, a focus on pupil progress and well-rounded learning environments.
Chesterfield is a great place to bring up a family, it offers many schools that Ofsted rated as outstanding and good.
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.
