St Mary's Catholic High School, A Catholic Voluntary Academy

  • Secondary
  • Academy
  • Ages 11 to 18
Ofsted: Outstanding

Newbold Road, Upper Newbold, Chesterfield, S41 8AGOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)

St Mary's Catholic High School, A Catholic Voluntary Academy is a secondary school in Chesterfield for ages 11 to 18. It is one of the 449 schools in Derbyshire. It ranks 1st of 11 secondary schools in Chesterfield. Its latest Ofsted rating is Outstanding, from an inspection in June 2024.

Ofsted inspection

Inspected 26 June 2024, report published 14 July 2024

Overall effectiveness
Outstanding
Quality of education
Outstanding
Behaviour and attitudes
Outstanding
Personal development
Outstanding
Leadership and management
Outstanding
Sixth form provision
Outstanding
Safeguarding
Met

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 26 June 2024

One parent captured the sentiments of the overwhelming majority of parents and carers who expressed an opinion when they said: 'I feel lucky that I get to send my children here.' Pupils' conduct and attitudes towards one another, with adults and visitors are exceptional. They are welcoming and courteous while also industrious. Warm and trusting relationships are underpinned by a strong and inclusive ethos of care alongside high expectations at this popular school. Pupils thrive at school both academically and socially, including in the sixth form. Classrooms are busy and purposeful learning spaces. Pupils receive consistently high-quality teaching that stimulates their interest and engagement in all subjects. They know that staff care about their success. The quality of pupils' classwork is of sustained high quality in all year groups. As a result, pupils attend and achieve remarkably well in all subjects by the end of key stages 4 and 5. A unique aspect of the school's provision is a first-class programme for pupils' personal development. The elements of the school's innovative 'Inauro' scheme ensure that pupils feel safe and well prepared for life in modern society. Sixth-form students are well integrated into the life of the school. They are exceptionally positive role models for younger pupils.

Exam results

GCSE results (key stage 4), 2024/25

206 pupils in the year group

Attainment 8 score59.4

59.4, 13.3 above the England average of 46.1.

Grade 5 or above in English and maths73.3%

73.3%, 27.9 percentage points above the England average of 45.4%.

Grade 4 or above in English and maths85.4%

85.4%, 20.6 percentage points above the England average of 64.8%.

Pupils entering the EBacc52.4%

52.4%, 11.9 percentage points above the England average of 40.5%.

EBacc average point score5.39

5.39, 1.3 above the England average of 4.09.

A level results (key stage 5), 2024/25

161 students

Average point score per A level entry39.51

39.51, 4.51 above the England average of 35.00.

Average A level grade B, England average B-

Pupil numbers and mix

1,400 pupils on roll, with places for 1,260

Eligible for free school meals17.1%

17.1%, 9.4 percentage points below the England average of 26.5%.

English as an additional language12.2%

12.2%, 9.4 percentage points below the England average of 21.6%.

Special educational needs support10.7%

10.7%, 4.1 percentage points below the England average of 14.8%.

Education, health and care plan2.5%

2.5%, 3.5 percentage points below the England average of 6%.

Schools near St Mary's Catholic High School, A Catholic Voluntary Academy

SchoolDistanceOfstedResults
Outwood Academy Newbold0.7 milesOfsted: GoodAttainment 8: 48.9
Brookfield Community School2 milesOfsted: GoodAttainment 8: 50.8
Parkside Community School2 milesReport card: Needs attention to expected standardAttainment 8: 41.0
Whittington Green School2 milesOfsted: GoodAttainment 8: 40.8
Outwood Academy Hasland Hall3 milesOfsted: GoodAttainment 8: 47.5

School details

School type
Academy converter
Sector
Academy
Trust
ST MARY'S CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL ACADEMY TRUST
Age range
11 to 18
Gender
Mixed
Religious character
Roman Catholic
Sixth form
Yes
Headteacher
Mrs Maria Dengate
Address
Newbold Road, Upper Newbold, Chesterfield, S41 8AG
Local authority
Derbyshire
URN
138470

School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Exam results for 2024/25 from the Department for Education. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.