Best 3 Secondary schools in Derbyshire – comparison

Q: How are these comparisons built?

We align public datasets side-by-side. Headline Ofsted judgement and publication date are shown when available. Exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are available to Pro users; free users see rounded values.

Q: What if a school has a recent ungraded visit?

Ungraded Section 8 visits do not replace the last graded judgement. We continue to show the latest graded judgement until a new graded inspection is published.

Q: Why can’t I see exact numbers?

To keep the service sustainable, exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are Pro features. Everyone can still compare approximate values.

Q: How should I choose a school?

Start with the most recent graded Ofsted judgement, then consider distance and travel, roll versus capacity, and the admissions policy. Visit the school, ask about pastoral support and enrichment, and ensure it fits your child’s needs.

Q: What should I look for when comparing schools?

Compare headline Ofsted and publication dates for recency; check FSM% and local context; review capacity utilisation (under, near, or over capacity); and look at trust or local authority governance. Read the official Ofsted report for curriculum and safeguarding details.

Comparison of secondary schools: St Mary's Catholic High School, A Catholic Voluntary Academy (Secondary) in Chesterfield; Heanor Gate Spencer Academy (Secondary) in Heanor; Ormiston Ilkeston Enterprise Academy (Secondary) in Ilkeston — covering Ofsted outcomes, size, FSM%, governance, capacity & more.

At a glance

This page compares St Mary's Catholic High School, A Catholic Voluntary Academy, Heanor Gate Spencer Academy and Ormiston Ilkeston Enterprise Academy. They are secondary phase and academy converter and academy sponsor led type located around Chesterfield, Derbyshire, Heanor, Derbyshire and Ilkeston, Derbyshire. The strongest headline Ofsted judgement here is 1 (St Mary's Catholic High School, A Catholic Voluntary Academy), published Jul 2024. The lowest is 2 (Ormiston Ilkeston Enterprise Academy), published Sep 2024. The most recent inspection on record is for Ormiston Ilkeston Enterprise Academy (Sep 2024). average roll around ≈ 1,250, combined total ≈ 3,750, typical FSM 30–35%, range 15–20%–45–50%; spread across trusts such as THE SPENCER ACADEMIES TRUST and Ormiston Academies Trust.

🔒 Export (Pro)

Attribute	St Mary's Catholic High School, A Catholic Voluntary Academy S41 8AG	Heanor Gate Spencer Academy DE75 7RA	Ormiston Ilkeston Enterprise Academy DE7 5HS
Phase / Type	Secondary • Academy converter	Secondary • Academy converter	Secondary • Academy sponsor led
Location	Chesterfield Derbyshire S41 8AG	Heanor Derbyshire DE75 7RA	Ilkeston Derbyshire DE7 5HS
Latest Ofsted	1 14 Jul 2024	1 14 Sep 2023	2 9 Sep 2024
Ofsted report	—	—	—
Pupils (roll)	≈ 1,350 🔒 Unlock exact pupils	≈ 1,400 🔒 Unlock exact pupils	≈ 950 🔒 Unlock exact pupils
FSM %	15–20% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %	30–35% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %	45–50% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %
Capacity	1260	1357	820
Capacity utilisation	Over capacity 🔒 View exact %	Near capacity 🔒 View exact %	Over capacity 🔒 View exact %
Age range	—	—	—
Gender	Mixed	Mixed	Mixed
Admissions policy	Non-selective	Non-selective	Non-selective
Trust / Local authority	Derbyshire (830)	THE SPENCER ACADEMIES TRUST	Ormiston Academies Trust
Website	www.st-maryshigh.derbyshire.sch.uk	heanorgatespencer.org.uk	www.OIEA.co.uk
Telephone	01246201191	01773716396	01159303724
SEN provision	None reported	None reported	None reported
Profile	View profile	View profile	View profile

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

S41 8AG

Phase / Type: Secondary • Academy converter
Location: Chesterfield
Derbyshire
S41 8AG
Ofsted: 1 14 Jul 2024
Pupils: ≈ 1,350 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 15–20% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: Derbyshire (830)
Website: www.st-maryshigh.derbyshire.sch.uk
Telephone: 01246201191

Heanor Gate Spencer Academy

DE75 7RA

Phase / Type: Secondary • Academy converter
Location: Heanor
Derbyshire
DE75 7RA
Ofsted: 1 14 Sep 2023
Pupils: ≈ 1,400 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 30–35% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: THE SPENCER ACADEMIES TRUST
Website: heanorgatespencer.org.uk
Telephone: 01773716396

Ormiston Ilkeston Enterprise Academy

DE7 5HS

Phase / Type: Secondary • Academy sponsor led
Location: Ilkeston
Derbyshire
DE7 5HS
Ofsted: 2 9 Sep 2024
Pupils: ≈ 950 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 45–50% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: Ormiston Academies Trust
Website: www.OIEA.co.uk
Telephone: 01159303724

Map of compared schools

How are these comparisons built?

We line up public school data side-by-side. Ofsted “headline” judgement is shown with the publication date when available. Exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are available to Pro users; everyone sees rounded values.

What if a school has a recent ungraded visit?

Ungraded visits (Section 8) check whether the previous graded judgement still stands, but do not replace it. We keep the latest graded judgement as the headline until a new graded inspection is published.

Why can’t I see exact numbers?

To keep the service sustainable, we show approximate pupils and bucketed FSM% to free users. Upgrade to AllSchools Pro to unlock precise figures and exports.

How should I choose a school?

Start with the most recent graded Ofsted judgement, then check whether it aligns with your child’s needs. Look at distance and travel, typical class sizes (roll vs capacity), and the school’s admissions policy. Speak to the school, arrange a visit, and ask about pastoral support and enrichment.

What should I look for when comparing schools?

Compare headline Ofsted and publication dates for recency; check FSM% and local context; scan capacity utilisation (under, near, or over capacity); and review trust/local authority for governance. If available, read the official Ofsted report for curriculum and safeguarding detail.

Half-term & Christmas 2025 Lock your rate for 6 months

Reach UK schools & families while they’re actively researching

Simple placements. Clear pricing. Go live fast—and if you book by 31 Dec 2025, you’ll keep the promotional price for your first 6 months.

From £49/mo Header, Sidebar, In-content Sponsored articles available Limited placements

Advertise now Ask about availability

Book by 31 Dec 2025 to lock promotional pricing for six consecutive months. Family-friendly, education-relevant brands only.

Simple placements & clear prices

Pick a slot, send your creative, and go live quickly.

Sidebar Banner: from £49/mo (300×250 or 300×600).
In-content Placement: from £69/mo (contextual in Resources).
Header Banner: from £89/mo (970×250 / 728×90 / 320×100).
Sponsored Article: £140 one-off (+£80 if we write it).
Bonus: Book now and keep your promotional price for 6 months.