Netherthorpe School sits in a category of its own within Derbyshire: a comprehensive school with the architecture of a Tudor manor and a history stretching back to 1572. Located in Staveley, it serves a tight-knit community where generations of the same families have worn the school badge. The physical campus is a timeline of English education, moving from the Grade II listed 'Old School' building to modern science blocks, symbolizing the school's balancing act between heritage and current demands.
The school is currently navigating a significant period of transition. Following an Ofsted inspection in January 2025, Netherthorpe was rated Inadequate, a judgement that triggered immediate changes in leadership and governance under the Minerva Learning Trust. Miss Rachel Sutcliffe, appointed Headteacher in January 2025, now leads the drive to raise standards, particularly in behaviour and leadership.
Despite this recent rating, the school remains heavily oversubscribed, a testament to its entrenched position in the local community. For many parents, the 'Netherthorpe Spirit'—fostered through a house system that rivals independent schools for passion—outweighs current league table metrics. The Sixth Form, a distinct strength, offers a more settled academic environment and retains a large proportion of Year 11 students.
The first impression of Netherthorpe is invariably defined by its history. The original 1572 stone building, founded by Sir Francis Rodes, anchors the site and provides a backdrop rarely found in the state sector. This architectural grandeur lends a sense of permanence and dignity to the daily routine; students walking through the historic core are reminded they are part of a four-century lineage.
However, the atmosphere is complex. The 2025 inspection highlighted a dichotomy between the respectful majority and a minority whose behaviour disrupts learning. In corridors and social spaces, the environment can feel busy and, at times, boisterous. The new leadership has prioritized resetting the culture, implementing stricter routines to ensure the calmness of the historic setting is matched by the conduct within it.
The House system—comprising De Rodes, Frecheville, and Sitwell—is the heartbeat of the school's social life. Unlike many state schools where houses are nominal administrative groupings, here they are tribes. House ties are worn with genuine pride, and the competition for the Rosebowl Trophy drives participation in everything from cross-country to trebuchet design. This structure provides a crucial layer of pastoral identity, ensuring that in a school of over 1,000 students, every child has a smaller "home" team.
The data below reflects the 2023/2024 academic year. Parents should read these figures in the context of the school's current improvement journey.
Academic outcomes at GCSE are currently below national and local averages, reflecting the inconsistencies identified by inspectors.
The school ranks 3,233rd in England for GCSE performance (FindMySchool ranking) and 8th among secondary schools in the Chesterfield area. While these headline figures present a challenge, they mask individual successes, particularly among self-motivated students who leverage the school's resources effectively.
The academic picture brightens significantly at post-16. The Sixth Form consistently delivers stronger outcomes, offering a distinct "fresh start" for many.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
A-Level A*-B
25.71%
% of students achieving grades A*-B
GCSE 9–7
—
% of students achieving grades 9-7
The quality of education is the primary focus of the school's current improvement plan. The curriculum is broad and follows the National Curriculum, but delivery varies. In the best lessons, particularly within the Sixth Form and practical subjects, teachers use their subject expertise to engage students deeply. The school has invested in its science and technology facilities, and departments like Design & Technology benefit from equipment that supports vocational as well as academic pathways.
However, the 2025 inspection noted that the ambitious intent of the curriculum is not yet consistently realised in all classrooms. In Key Stage 3 and 4, lesson planning has not always sufficiently challenged the most able pupils or scaffolded learning effectively for those with SEND. The new leadership is tackling this through a "back to basics" approach to pedagogy, ensuring that learning objectives are clear and that low-level disruption is not allowed to derail teaching.
Support for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) is undergoing review. The school has a dedicated learning support base, but parents of children with complex needs should engage early with the SENCO to understand how the new support structures are being implemented.
Quality of Education
Requires Improvement
Behaviour & Attitudes
Requires Improvement
Personal Development
Requires Improvement
Leadership & Management
Requires Improvement
Netherthorpe serves as a robust launchpad for a variety of futures. The majority of Year 11 students choose to stay on for the Sixth Form, a vote of confidence in the post-16 experience.
For Year 13 leavers, university remains the dominant destination. In 2024, 58% of students progressed to higher education. While the school is not a high-volume factory for elite universities, it maintains a steady pipeline to competitive institutions for its top performers. In the most recent cycle, one student secured a place at Cambridge, and 21% of university applicants progressed to Russell Group institutions.
Apprenticeships are a celebrated alternative, with 7% of leavers securing places. The school leverages its Derbyshire location to build links with engineering and manufacturing firms, providing viable routes for students who prefer vocational training.
Total Offers
1
Offer Success Rate: 25%
Cambridge
1
Offers
Oxford
—
Offers
Applications
419
Total received
Places Offered
163
Subscription Rate
2.6x
Apps per place
Derbyshire County Council (Year 7) / Netherthorpe School (Sixth Form)
Getting into Netherthorpe is competitive. Despite recent challenges, the school remains oversubscribed, receiving 419 applications for just 170 places in 2024. This demand is driven by the school's unique character and the loyalty of local families.
Applications are handled by the Derbyshire County Council coordinated admissions scheme.
The "normal area" covers Staveley and immediate surrounds. In recent years, families living outside this catchment without a sibling link have rarely secured places. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.
Admissions are managed directly by the school.
Applications
419
Total received
Places Offered
163
Subscription Rate
2.6x
Apps per place
The House system is the vehicle for pastoral care. Students are placed in mixed-age tutor groups within their House, designed to foster peer mentoring where older students support younger ones. This vertical tutoring model is a cherished tradition, though its effectiveness relies heavily on the individual tutor.
Wellbeing support includes a dedicated safeguarding team and access to school counsellors. The school has introduced new anti-bullying protocols following feedback from parents and inspectors. While historical data showed some concerns regarding response times to bullying, the new leadership has made student safety and the "zero tolerance" of abuse a visible priority.
The "Netherthorpe Experience" extends well beyond the exam hall. The extracurricular offer is broad and traditional, relying on the commitment of staff who run clubs during lunchtimes and after school.
The school fields competitive teams in football, netball, and cricket. The annual Sports Day is a major event, held at a specialist athletics venue, where House rivalry reaches its peak.
Reflecting the area's engineering heritage, the school runs active STEM clubs. Highlights include the Rocket Building challenge and Trebuchet design competitions, which pit Houses against one another in tests of physics and engineering.
The drama department utilizes the school's stage for annual productions that are well-supported by the community. Music tuition is available, and the school choir performs at local events, maintaining links with Staveley town organizations.
The calendar typically includes a ski trip, geography field trips to the Peak District, and history tours that make use of the rich local heritage.
08:40 – 15:05.
Black blazer with House badge, school tie, black trousers/skirt. The policy is strictly enforced as part of the new behaviour drive.
Dedicated school buses serve the wider catchment. Eligibility for passes is determined by Derbyshire County Council based on distance.
Ralph Road, Staveley, Chesterfield, S43 3PU.
Netherthorpe School is a sleeping giant of Derbyshire education. Its history, facilities, and fierce community loyalty provide the foundations of a great school, but current performance metrics and the recent inspection judgment show it has lost its way. Under Miss Sutcliffe, the roadmap for recovery is clear. Best suited to local families who value heritage and community over immediate league table position, and who are ready to support the school as it rebuilds its academic credentials. The main challenge is securing a place in a school where popularity defies its performance data.
Netherthorpe School was rated Inadequate by Ofsted in January 2025. Inspectors highlighted significant weaknesses in behaviour and leadership. However, the Sixth Form was rated Good, and a new leadership team is now in place to address these concerns.
No. Despite the historic buildings and traditional name, Netherthorpe is a non-selective comprehensive academy. It accepts students of all abilities from the local area.
Results are currently below the England average. In 2024, the Progress 8 score was -0.76, placing the school in the bottom 40% of schools in England. However, Sixth Form results are stronger, with 26% of A-levels graded A*-B.
Yes, heavily. In 2024, there were 419 applications for 170 places. Priority is given to siblings and those living in the catchment area.
Miss Rachel Sutcliffe was appointed Headteacher in January 2025. She leads the school under the executive leadership of the Minerva Learning Trust.
The school is divided into three historic houses: De Rodes, Frecheville, and Sitwell. Students remain in their House for their entire time at the school, participating in competitions for the Rosebowl Trophy.
Get in touch with the school directly
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