The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2026 has named the top secondary schools in Derby and the wider East Midlands.
Widely acknowledged as the most authoritative survey of the country’s top schools, The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide is recognised as the definitive ranking of top schools in the UK.
The highly anticipated listing recognises strongest performing educational institutions using exam results and overall achievement.
Now in its 33rd year, the guide remains an essential resource for parents seeking the very best in education for their children.
Parents hold the guide in high regard as it offers a clear and easy to understand explanation of how schools are performing across the region and wider country.
The timing of the guide’s release is also important, being released at a time when families grapple with tough choices, shrinking budgets and growing concerns about the wellbeing of students.
Helen Davies, editor of The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide, said: “The educational landscape is testing – budget challenges, rising student mental health issues, special educational needs and an increasingly uncertain future.
“But there is also so much to celebrate from the dedication of teachers who are finding ever more innovative and impactful ways to enrich their students and give them the very best start in life.
“As well as celebrating the academic excellence of the top schools it is uplifting to see how they are shaping their students to be ready for the 21st century, and instilling a lifelong love of learning.”
“This year’s rankings show how certain schools continue to raise the bar through consistent results, strong pastoral care, and a focus on helping students thrive beyond the classroom.”
Here is the link to the guide:
https://www.thetimes.com/best-schools-league-table/secondary/article/secondary-schools-revealed-2026-g9w9n8rqw
Here are the top comprehensive secondary schools in and around Derby, featured in our gallery below.
1. St Mary’s RC High School (220th nationally)
The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2026 has named St Mary's RC High School as the top comprehensive secondary school in the East Midlands. Location: St Mary's RC High School, Newbold Road, Upper Newbold, Chesterfield, Derbyshire S41 8AG | Google
2. De Lisle College (271th nationally)
De Lisle is a Catholic secondary school and sixth form. Location: Thorpe Hill, Loughborough LE11 4SQ | Google
3. The Ecclesbourne School (243rd nationally)
Ecclesbourne School is a secondary school with academy status. Location: Wirksworth Road, Duffield, Belper DE56 4GS | Google
4. The Minster School (335th nationally)
The Minster School, on Nottingham Road, was rated Good by Ofsted in December 2023. Location: Nottingham Road, Southwell NG25 0LG | Google