Best Schools in Derby 2026 — Rankings, Ofsted Ratings & Reviews
Compare 97 schools and nurseries in Derby — Ofsted ratings, exam results & admissions data.
Derby has 97 schools educating over 45,000 pupils in this city at the heart of England's East Midlands. Derby offers a diverse range of school options, from thriving academies to faith schools and specialist providers.
Derby Grammar School (selective independent) and Landau Forte College (high-performing academy) are among the standout schools. The city's primary schools serve a multicultural community, with many achieving above-average KS2 results.
Derby at a Glance
Top Primary Schools in Derby
| School | Area | Ofsted | KS2 RWM % | Reading | Maths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Griffe Field Primary School | Derby | Outstanding | 84% | — | — |
| Gayton Junior School | Derby | Good | 81% | — | — |
| St Mary's Catholic Voluntary Academy | Derby | Good | 80% | — | — |
| Brookfield Primary School | Derby | Good | 76% | — | — |
| Walter Evans Church of England Aided Primary School | Derby | Good | 75% | — | — |
Top Secondary Schools in Derby
| School | Area | Ofsted | Progress 8 | 5+ GCSE % | EBacc % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Littleover Community School | Derby | Good | +0.46 | 79% | 78% |
| Saint Benedict, A Catholic Voluntary Academy | Derby | Good | +0.31 | 67% | 35% |
| Murray Park Community School | Derby | Good | +0.03 | 62% | 51% |
| Derby Moor Spencer Academy | Derby | Good | -0.06 | 64% | 54% |
| Chellaston Academy | Derby | Good | -0.07 | 74% | 23% |
Admissions in Derby — Key Dates
Derby City Council coordinates admissions for state schools. Secondary applications closed on 31 October 2025 with offers on 1 March 2026. Primary applications close on 15 January 2026 with offers on 16 April 2026. Apply through derby.gov.uk.
Tip: Classpot shows the applications-to-places ratio for every school so you can gauge how competitive admissions are before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best schools in Derby?
Landau Forte College, Allestree Woodlands School and Littleover Community School are well-regarded state secondaries. Derby Grammar School is a leading independent. Primary schools in Allestree and Mickleover achieve strong KS2 results.
Are there grammar schools in Derby?
Derby Grammar School is an independent school (fee-paying), not a state grammar. Derby has no state grammar schools. The nearest selective state schools are in Lincolnshire.
How are Derby schools performing?
Derby schools have a mixed profile. Some schools achieve well above national averages, while others serve more challenging communities. Ofsted grades have improved across the city.
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