And through the years the classrooms and corridors of these establishments have been frequented by many future celebrities.
From actors and writers to sports stars and musicians, many started out in Derbyshire and have gone on to achieve great things.
Dronfield Henry Fanshawe School and Chesterfield’s Brookfield Community School are just two schools which can count famous faces among their alumni.
Take a look at our gallery below and discover 12 people famous people who were educated in Derbyshire – there may even be some that surprise you…
9. Timothy Dalton
Timothy Dalton, born March 21, 1946, went to Herbert Strutt Grammar School in Belper and gained international prominence as the fourth actor to play James Bond, starring in two films for the franchise. Aside from Bond, he has appeared in other films including Flash Gordon and Toy Story 3, as well as TV programmes such as Jane Eyre and Dr Who. Photo: Getty Images
10. Stephen Blakeley
Born February 26, 1982, Steven Blakeley went to the Bolsover School and is known for his starring role as PC Geoff Younger from Season 14-18 of Heartbeat. He's also appeared on Coronation Street and several stage adaptations of Shakespeare plays, including Much Ado About Nothing and A Midsummer Night's Dream. Photo: -
11. Saira Khan
Saira Khan, born May 15, 1970, went to Wilsthorpe School and first appeared on our screens as a contestant in the first series of The Apprentice. Since then, she has become a well-known TV personality having been a regular panelist on Loose Women between 2015 and 2020. She also co-presented The Martin Lewis Money Show and has appeared on both Celebrity Big Brother and Dancing on Ice. Photo: Andrew Roe
12. Millie Bright
Millie Bright, born August 21, 1993, attended Eckington School and began playing football aged nine. She currenly plays as a defender for Chelsea Football Club Women and the England national team, with Doncaster Belles and Leeds Ladies included among her previous teams. Photo: Naomi Baker