Two Derbyshire schools ranked among best of their kind in the country

Barlborough Hall School has been recognised as one of the top schools in the region.

St Peter and St Paul School, in Hady Hill, Chesterfield, has been featured in a list by the Sunday Times as one of the top independent preparatory schools in England – along with Barlborough Hall School.

Each year the newspaper compiles a table based on calculated aggregated average scores achieved by children in reading, grammar and mathematics.

St Peter and St Paul School headteacher Jill Phinn said: “We are delighted that we have not only been ranked as the top school in Derbyshire, but also that we are 61st in the whole country.

“We believe that the school is a very special place, and what makes accolades like this so heartening are that they are a testament of the strength of our community. It is down to the hard work of our children, our dedicated and committed staff and the support we receive from our parents.”

The school, which is set in acres of parkland and woodlands next door to the Chesterfield Royal Hospital, takes children from age four to 11.

Ms Phinn added: “Results are just part of the story. Our broad curriculum encourages a love of learning that we hope will stay with our children throughout their life.

“What is important though is that we do not rest on our laurels. We are continually investing in every aspect of our school to ensure that we evolve and progress."

Barlborough Hall School was also recognised in the list as one of the top schools in the region.

Headteacher Karen Keeton said: “Our school is an incredibly special place and this result is down simply to the very hard work of our pupils and dedicated staff.

“Our deliberately small class sizes, wide curriculum and amazing location make Barlborough Hall a perfect place to develop young hearts and mind as they grow on a journey of education, exploration and discovery.

“This has been, and continues to be, an incredibly challenging year but that has not stopped us one bit.

“We are such a strong community and our strength and support for each other has simply grown stronger.”