Derby High School
Derby, Derbyshire · DE23 3DT
Derby High School is a well-established independent all-through day school in Derby serving pupils from age 3 to 18. The school combines traditional academic standards with a broad co-curricular offer, positioning itself as a major independent option in the East Midlands. As an unranked school not yet inspected by Ofsted, it operates within the independent sector framework and serves a mixed-ability, mixed-socioeconomic cohort typical of regional independent schools.
- →All-through education from age 3, enabling continuity and stability from nursery to sixth form
- →Access to independent school ethos and selective entry without London/national competition
- →Broad co-curricular programme with arts, sport, and service elements as standard
- →Strong local reputation and accessibility within Derby and surrounding East Midlands communities
Who thrives here
Pupils who benefit from traditional independent schooling values, structured pastoral care, and a broad academic curriculum. Families seeking all-through education without relocating or commuting to major independent school hubs suit this model well.
Strengths at a glance
Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.
At a glance
Contact & visit
Hillsway, Littleover
Derby, Derbyshire
DE23 3DT
Nearest stations
Frequently asked questions
What are the fees at Derby High School?
Day fees at Derby High School are approximately £12,600 per year (2024/25).
How do you get into Derby High School?
Derby High School admits pupils at 3+, 4+, 7+, 8+, 11+, 13+, 16+. Entry is assessed by 11+ Selective Examination. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.
What are Derby High School's exam results?
At Derby High School, 31.3% of A-levels were graded A*–B and 47.1% of GCSEs were grade 7/A or above. Full results are in the Results section above.
Is Derby High School a boarding school?
Derby High School is a day school in Derby and does not offer boarding.
What is Derby High School's latest inspection rating?
ISI rated Derby High School “Excellent” (2023).
What parents say
Frequently praised
✓Continuity and stability of all-through education from nursery to sixth form
✓Strong pastoral care and individual attention in regional setting
✓Accessible independent schooling without requiring relocation or elite entry competition
✓Balanced breadth of academic, sport, and creative provision
Common concerns
!Lack of Ofsted inspection means families must rely on private ISC assessment and local reputation rather than formal accountability framework
!Limited public performance data (exam results, university destinations) compared to inspected schools
!Smaller school size may mean fewer specialist facilities or co-curricular options than larger independent schools