Brookfield Community School, Chesterfield

From an Inadequate rating in 2018 to Good across all areas by 2023, Brookfield Community School has undergone a remarkable transformation. Set on Chatsworth Road to the west of Chesterfield with the Peak District National Park as its backdrop, this comprehensive secondary serves over 1,100 students aged 11 to 18. The school's Progress 8 score of +0.35 places it among Derbyshire's strongest performers for value-added progress, while its sixth form sends twice the England average to Russell Group universities. Under headteacher Keith Hirst and as part of the Redhill Academy Trust since 2019, Brookfield combines academic rigour with a genuine emphasis on developing the whole person.

Brookfield's mission statement speaks of developing confident, articulate, resilient and well-qualified young people who are empowered to change the world. This ambition runs through the school's culture. Students move briskly between lessons in calm, orderly corridors. Staff hold high expectations, and the reward system celebrating positive behaviour reinforces a culture of mutual respect.

The school's history reaches back further than the current buildings suggest. Its roots lie in Chesterfield Grammar School, founded in 1598 through an endowment by Godfrey Foljambe of Walton Hall. The present site opened in 1967, designed by local architectural practice Wilcockson and Cutts, with Brookfield Community School formed in its current incarnation in 1991.

One distinctive feature is the vertical tutor system. Students are grouped across year levels, which means Year 7 students interact daily with sixth formers. Students report that this helps them build friendships across age groups and creates a stronger sense of community. The approach appears to work: students describe feeling safe, and the 2023 Ofsted inspection noted that bullying is rare.

The move to academy status in 2011, followed by joining Redhill Academy Trust in March 2019, brought additional investment and support. Staff describe the school as well led and managed, with senior leaders conscious of workload. The turnaround from Inadequate to Good in five years speaks to determined leadership and a staff team that has bought into the school's direction.

GCSE results reflect the school's focus on academic achievement. The Attainment 8 score of 52.2 sits comfortably above the England average, while 22.4% of grades reached 9 to 7. More telling is the Progress 8 score of +0.35, indicating students make better than expected progress from their Key Stage 2 starting points. The school ranks 1,945th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it within the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile). Within Chesterfield, it ranks 4th, demonstrating solid local competitiveness.

Teaching has clear structure. The 2023 Ofsted inspection found that teachers demonstrate secure subject knowledge and present new topics effectively. The curriculum is described as ambitious and well sequenced, with clear plans detailing what students learn and when. Reading instruction received particular praise, with a well thought out approach to developing proficient readers noted by inspectors.

Students with special educational needs and disabilities receive strong support. Staff receive clear guidance on meeting individual needs, and these students access the same curriculum as their peers. The school holds this inclusion work as a priority, and inspection evidence suggests it is delivered effectively.

The sixth form of approximately 300 students occupies a distinct position within Brookfield's structure. Under the leadership of Head of Sixth Form Mrs L. Bradshaw, supported by Mrs S. Nash (Head of Year 12) and Mr M. Ebbage (Head of Year 13), students receive dedicated guidance for their post-18 destinations.

A-level results place the sixth form at 1,580th in England (FindMySchool ranking), sitting within the middle 35% of schools. Some 41.4% of grades reached A* to B, with 20% at A* or A. These figures sit slightly below the England average of 47.2% at A* to B, reflecting the comprehensive intake and the school's commitment to offering sixth form places to students across the ability range.

The school emphasises that 100% of students who apply to university receive offers. The destination data tells a more compelling story: 77% of the 2024 leavers progressed to university, with twice the England average continuing to Russell Group institutions. Six students applied to Cambridge, with one securing a place, evidence that the school supports its highest achievers in competitive applications.

The Stellar Programme provides enrichment beyond A-level study, while careers guidance ensures students understand technical education qualifications and apprenticeship routes alongside university pathways.

Destination data confirms that Brookfield delivers on its promise to prepare students for their next steps. Of the 2024 cohort of 106 leavers, 77% progressed to university. The claim that twice the England average progress to Russell Group universities suggests significant success in securing places at competitive institutions.

Beyond university, 16% of leavers entered employment directly, 2% continued to further education, and 1% began apprenticeships. This breadth of outcomes reflects the school's inclusive approach to supporting all pathways rather than funnelling every student towards higher education.

The single Cambridge acceptance from six applications demonstrates that elite destinations are achievable from this comprehensive sixth form, even if the numbers remain modest. The school's emphasis on careers guidance from Year 7 onwards means students are well prepared to make informed decisions about their futures.

The curriculum spans a full comprehensive offer across Key Stages 3, 4, and 5. Subject specialists teach their areas with confidence, and the sequence of learning is carefully planned. The Ofsted inspection highlighted particularly strong practice in reading instruction, with dedicated approaches to building comprehension skills across year groups.

Class sizes reflect the school's popularity, with capacity officially at 1,110 but current roll above this at 1,168 students. Teachers maintain high expectations within this context. Lessons are calm and orderly, with clear routines established from Year 7.

Assessment and feedback follow structured approaches, with students understanding what they need to do to improve. The school's ambition to be in the top 10% of schools in England drives continuous refinement of teaching practices.

Safeguarding is described as effective by inspectors, with students reporting they feel safe in school. The vertical tutor system provides pastoral continuity, with students building relationships with older peers who can offer guidance and support.

The personal development programme addresses healthy relationships, consent, and cultural awareness through dedicated sessions. This structured approach ensures all students receive consistent education on these important topics.

When behaviour issues arise, students express confidence that staff will deal with them fairly and consistently. The combination of high expectations and regular rewards creates a culture where positive behaviour is the norm rather than the exception.

Support for mental health and wellbeing has grown in prominence across the education sector, and Brookfield has responded with appropriate provision. The school's emphasis on developing resilient young people recognises that academic success alone is insufficient preparation for adult life.

The school's co-curricular programme, branded Curriculum Plus, offers breadth without the need for additional fees. Sports clubs, music ensembles, chess club, and drama productions feature among the regular offerings. The programme is designed to develop confidence, belonging, and resilience alongside specific skills.

Music instruction is available through self-employed tutors in drums, guitar, keyboards and piano, singing, strings (violin and viola), and woodwind (flute and clarinet). The Derby and Derbyshire Music Partnership provides subsidies for new starters, students with special educational needs, and families facing financial hardship, making these opportunities genuinely accessible.

The Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme runs from Bronze level in Year 10 through to Gold, providing structured challenge through volunteering, physical activity, skills development, and expeditions. This nationally recognised programme complements academic study with practical experience.

International trips have included visits to Iceland and Lisbon, alongside ski trips to Santa Caterina. Geography fieldwork takes students beyond the classroom to apply their learning in real contexts.

The school's charitable work is notable. The annual sponsored walk has contributed to approximately £60,000 raised for Ashgate Hospice over four years, with nearly £16,000 raised in the most recent event alone. This practical demonstration of community responsibility reflects the school's values in action.

Applications for Year 7 entry are made through Derbyshire County Council rather than directly to the school. This coordinated admissions system means families must meet local authority deadlines, typically 31 October for secondary applications.

The school is oversubscribed, with 411 applications for 174 places at Year 7 entry in the most recent data, creating a subscription ratio of 2.36 applicants per place. This level of demand reflects Brookfield's strong local reputation and improved results trajectory.

After children with Education, Health and Care Plans naming the school and looked after children, places are allocated according to the admissions criteria. Families should consult the school's admissions policy and Derbyshire County Council guidance for current oversubscription criteria.

For sixth form entry, internal students progress into Year 12 following GCSE completion, while external applicants should contact the school directly. The Student Bursary Fund provides financial support for sixth form students who might otherwise face barriers to participation.

Prospective families can arrange visits by contacting Mrs Allan (Assistant Headteacher) at y6enquiries@brookfieldcs.org.uk or by telephone on 01246 568115.

The school day runs from morning until mid-afternoon, with specific times available on the school website. The location on Chatsworth Road (A619) provides good road access from across Chesterfield and surrounding areas. The proximity to the Peak District National Park means many students travel from more rural communities.

Term dates follow the Derbyshire pattern, with the school closing for the Christmas break on 19 December 2025 and reopening on 5 January 2026 for a Parent Review Day, with students returning on 6 January. Half term runs from 16 to 20 February 2026.

The school facilities are available for community hire outside school hours, with a Powerleague football facility on site providing additional sports provision.

Comprehensive intake with comprehensive results. The Progress 8 score of +0.35 shows excellent value-added, but A-level results at 41.4% A* to B sit below the England average. Families expecting top-tier headline grades should understand that this is a non-selective school serving its local community across the full ability range.

Oversubscribed but no published distance. With 2.36 applications per place, securing entry requires meeting admissions criteria. The school does not publish last distance offered, so families cannot easily assess their chances based on proximity alone. Contact Derbyshire County Council for historical admissions data.

Recent journey of improvement. The trajectory from Inadequate (2018) to Good (2023) is impressive, but five years is a relatively short track record at this level. Families valuing long-established consistency may wish to explore how embedded the improvements have become.

Sixth form entry expectations. Internal progression from Year 11 is the primary route into the sixth form. External applicants should confirm entry requirements and available places directly with the school.

Brookfield Community School has earned its improved reputation through determined leadership and a clear focus on raising expectations. The Progress 8 score demonstrates that students make strong progress regardless of starting point, while the sixth form's Russell Group placement rate, at twice the England average, shows that ambition is rewarded here.

Best suited to families in Chesterfield and the surrounding area who want a comprehensive education with genuine breadth. Students who will thrive here are those ready to engage with the school's high expectations culture, participate in co-curricular activities, and take ownership of their learning. The main challenge is securing a place in an oversubscribed school; once through the door, students join a community focused on both achievement and personal development.