As pupils across the country are sitting their GCSE exams, we have created a ranking of the hardest secondary schools to get into in Derbyshire.
We have looked at the number of applications submitted to all Derbyshire secondaries and at the number of students who received acceptance letters, before calculating the percentage of successful applications.
The ranking, which includes all schools with a success rate lower than 50 per cent, is based on the latest Derbyshire County Council figures, which show admission figures for the 2023/2024 academic year.
The list does not include Derby schools.
5. Outwood Academy Newbold, Chesterfield
439 pupils applied to Outwood Academy Newbold, on Highfield Lane in Chesterfield, but only 180 applicants were accepted - meaning the success rate was 41 per cent. Photo: Google
6. Friesland School, Sandiacre
Friesland School in Sandiacre had a success rate of 41% with 555 pupils applying for 225 places available. Photo: Google
7. St Mary's Catholic High School, Chesterfield
St Mary’s Catholic High School, at Newbold Road in Chesterfield, saw 468 pupils applying for 195 places - which means a success rate of 42 per cent. Photo: Google
8. Wilsthorpe School
502 students applied to Wilsthorpe School in Long Eaton and 292 were rejected, meaning the secondary had a success rate of 42 per cent. Photo: Google