Top 10 Best Schools in High Peak

Education in High Peak

Choosing a school is one of the most important decisions a family can make, and High Peak offers a strong mix of options. The borough's schools range from small village primaries surrounded by fields to large secondary schools serving entire towns. Many benefit from outstanding natural surroundings that support outdoor learning, Duke of Edinburgh expeditions and environmental education. Strong community ties are a hallmark of local education, with schools often sitting at the heart of village and town life.

This guide highlights ten well-regarded schools across the borough. Families should always review the latest inspection reports, visit schools in person and check admission arrangements with Derbyshire County Council, as performance and catchment rules can change.

The Top 10 Schools in High Peak

1. Glossopdale School

Glossopdale School is the main secondary school serving Glossop and the surrounding area. It offers a broad curriculum, a sixth form and a wide range of extracurricular activities. The school has invested in modern facilities and places a strong emphasis on student wellbeing and preparing young people for further education and careers.

2. Chapel-en-le-Frith High School

Chapel-en-le-Frith High School is known for its supportive ethos and strong sense of community. It serves the central part of the borough, including Chapel, Chinley and Whaley Bridge, and offers a balanced mix of academic study, arts, sport and outdoor education.

3. Buxton Community School

Buxton Community School is a large secondary school serving the spa town and surrounding villages. It provides a wide range of GCSE and post-16 options, and its sixth form offers a pathway to university and apprenticeships. The school benefits from the cultural richness of Buxton, including links with the town's arts and festival scene.

4. St Thomas More School

St Thomas More School in Buxton is a Catholic secondary school with a welcoming, values-led approach. Its smaller size allows for close relationships between staff and students, and it is respected for pastoral care and a strong focus on personal development.

5. New Mills School

New Mills School serves New Mills, Hayfield and nearby communities. It offers secondary education and a sixth form, with a reputation for strong arts provision and a friendly atmosphere. The school's location near the Torrs Riverside Park and Kinder Scout provides excellent opportunities for outdoor learning.

6. Hope Valley College

Hope Valley College serves the villages of the Hope Valley and surrounding rural communities. Its setting within the Peak District National Park enriches geography, science and outdoor education, and its relatively small size supports a close-knit learning environment.

7. Burbage Primary School

Burbage Primary School in Buxton is a popular primary with a strong community feel. It offers a broad and creative curriculum, and families value its nurturing approach to early education and its links with the local area.

8. Hayfield Primary School

Hayfield Primary School serves the picturesque village at the foot of Kinder Scout. It combines a caring environment with ambitious teaching, and it makes excellent use of its surroundings for nature studies and outdoor play.

9. Whaley Bridge Primary School

Whaley Bridge Primary School is a well-established primary serving the canal-side town. It is known for its inclusive ethos, active parent community and enrichment activities that help pupils develop confidence and curiosity.

10. Tintwistle CE Primary School

Tintwistle CE Primary School is a small Church of England primary at the northern edge of the borough. Its intimate size means every child is known well, and its Christian values underpin a warm, supportive learning environment.

What Makes a Great School

Beyond exam results, great schools offer strong leadership, inspiring teaching, effective support for pupils with special educational needs and a broad range of enrichment opportunities. Pastoral care and wellbeing have become increasingly important, as have careers guidance and preparation for life after school. In High Peak, outdoor learning is a particular strength, with many schools using the landscape for residential trips, field studies and adventurous activities.

How to Choose a School

Start by reading the latest Ofsted reports and school performance data. Attend open evenings, talk to staff and current parents, and observe how pupils behave and interact. Consider practical factors such as travel time, school bus availability and after-school clubs. For secondary schools, look at subject choices, sixth form provision and support for progression to college, apprenticeships or university. Check admission criteria and catchment areas carefully, as popular schools may be oversubscribed.

Trends in Local Education

Schools across High Peak are embracing digital learning, mental health support and environmental education. Many have strengthened links with local employers and colleges to give students insight into careers in engineering, tourism, healthcare and the creative industries. Rural schools are also collaborating through partnerships and trusts to share expertise and resources.

Conclusion

High Peak offers families an excellent range of schools that blend academic ambition with a strong sense of community and access to inspiring landscapes. Visiting several schools and asking the right questions will help you find the best fit for your child's needs and aspirations.