The short version
Average GCSE results. Nearly full.
- GCSE results are broadly in line with the national average (Attainment 8: 47.0 vs national 43.8)
- The school is nearly full at 93% capacity
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
47.0
3.2 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
43%
1.3pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
41%
A-Level Average
Mean grade across subjects
B-
A-Level Value Added
Progress vs expected
+0.00
Band 3Source: Department for Education Performance Tables 2024-25
Post-GCSE Destinations
These figures track pupils 6 months after leaving. Source: DfE destination measures.
Sustained destination
In education, employment or training
94%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
85%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
5%
Employment
Directly into work
4%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
4%
Based on 206 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 13 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
14% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
3% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 17 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 13 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 102 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Academy converter
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–18
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 1,295
- Capacity
- 93%
- FSM
- 24.8%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Derbyshire
- Trust
- EAST MIDLANDS EDUCATION TRUST
- Head
- Mr Andrew Marsh (Co-Headteachers)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection
2 official reports linked on this page, including 1 earlier report.
Location
Upper Lumsdale, Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 5NA
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmSt Joseph's Catholic Voluntary Academy
Primary · 733m away
Castle View Primary School
Primary · 958m away
All Saints CofE Infant School
Primary · 1.6km away
Tansley Primary School
Primary · 1.8km away
All Saints CofE Junior School
Primary · 1.9km away
St Giles Church of England Primary School
Primary · 2.2km away
Questions parents ask
Is Highfields School a selective school?
No. Highfields School is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
How many pupils attend Highfields School?
Highfields School currently has 1,295 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Highfields School take?
Highfields School caters for pupils aged 11 to 18. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is Highfields School?
Highfields School is in Matlock, DE4 5NA, in the Derbyshire local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Highfields School have a sixth form?
Yes, Highfields School has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
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