Chapel-en-le-Frith High School Review 2026: The Peak District's Leading Comprehensive

Sitting on the edge of the Peak District National Park, Chapel-en-le-Frith High School serves a wide rural catchment where community ties run deep. It is an 11-16 comprehensive that has resisted the trend toward becoming a vast academy chain outpost; instead, it retains a distinct local identity.

The school is currently led by Mr Greg Raynor, who was appointed Headteacher in April 2025 following the long tenure of his predecessor. Under this new leadership, the school continues to maintain its reputation for stability and pastoral strength. It is currently the highest-ranking secondary school in the High Peak area for GCSE performance. With around 950 students, it is large enough to offer breadth but small enough to avoid anonymity. The campus, which opened in 1952, has evolved significantly, most notably with the addition of the Eden Centre for student support and modernised sports facilities.

The location defines the atmosphere. Surrounded by the hills of the High Peak, the school feels grounded and open. Students arrive from a wide radius, many by bus from surrounding villages, creating an intake that is socially diverse but community-focused.

The House system is central to the school's identity, with houses named after the local hills that dominate the skyline: Bowden, Combs, Kinder, and Ridge. This is not merely an administrative convenience; it fosters genuine competition and belonging. Inter-house sports and charity events are fiercely contested, providing younger students with immediate role models in older years.

Visitors often remark on the calm purposefulness of the corridors. The uniform policy is strictly enforced, signalling high expectations, yet the interactions between staff and students are warm. There is a sense here of a "village" school scaled up; staff tend to stay for many years, and it is not uncommon for teachers to have taught the parents of current students.

Academic performance is a clear strength, particularly in terms of student progress. In 2024, the school achieved a Progress 8 score of +0.34. This indicates that students at Chapel-en-le-Frith High School make above-average progress from their primary school starting points compared to peers across England.

In terms of attainment, the school posted an Attainment 8 score of 48.4, exceeding the England average of 45.9. The focus on core subjects is evident, with the average EBacc point score standing at 4.24 (England average: 4.08).

Ranked 1,635th in England and 1st in the High Peak for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), the school’s performance sits in line with the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile). However, locally it is the pace-setter, outperforming neighbouring providers in key metrics.

The curriculum is designed to be broad rather than purely exam-driven. In Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9), students follow a full range of subjects including Art, Drama, Music, and Technology alongside the core academic disciplines. The school has resisted narrowing the curriculum early; students select their GCSE options in Year 9 to begin in Year 10, ensuring they have a mature understanding of their strengths.

Teaching is structured and traditional. Science lessons take place in well-equipped laboratories where practical work is frequent. In mathematics and English, students are set by ability to ensure appropriate support and challenge, while humanities and creative subjects often employ mixed-ability grouping.

The school places significant emphasis on reading. The library is a hub of activity, and literacy initiatives run across all year groups. Support for students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) is fully integrated into the classroom, with teaching assistants working alongside subject specialists to ensure accessibility without lowering expectations.

As an 11-16 school, Chapel-en-le-Frith High does not have a Sixth Form. This "leaving" point at 16 is treated as a rite of passage. The school has robust partnerships with local post-16 providers, ensuring students transition smoothly to the next stage of their education.

The majority of students progress to Buxton & Leek College or Aquinas College in Stockport. Others travel to Marple Sixth Form College or Cheadle and Marple College Network. The school’s careers guidance is extensive, featuring an annual careers fair that draws employers and colleges from across Derbyshire and Greater Manchester. Apprenticeships are also a popular route, with strong links to local engineering and manufacturing firms in the High Peak.

Admissions are coordinated by Derbyshire County Council. As a community school, it follows the standard local authority criteria. The school is consistently oversubscribed; in the most recent intake, there were 273 applications for 172 places.

The subscription proportion of 1.59 indicates that for every place available, there are roughly 1.6 applicants. This level of demand means that living within the catchment area is usually essential for securing a place. The priority criteria follow the standard hierarchy: Looked After Children, then children living in the normal area (catchment) with siblings at the school, followed by other children in the normal area, and finally distance.

Parents should use the FindMySchoolMap Search to check their precise distance from the school gates compared to the catchment boundaries. Families living outside the immediate catchment area face significant competition and should be realistic about their chances.

Pastoral care is anchored in the Eden Centre, a purpose-built facility that serves as the heart of student support. This is not just a room for disciplinary issues but a sanctuary for wellbeing, mentoring, and medical support. It houses the learning mentors and student support workers who deal with everything from friendship issues to anxiety.

The House system provides the first layer of pastoral oversight. Form tutors stay with their groups as they move up the school, providing continuity and a single point of contact for parents. The school has been recognised for its work on mental health, employing clear strategies to support students navigating the pressures of adolescence and exams.

Bullying is taken seriously. The school uses restorative justice principles where appropriate, encouraging students to understand the impact of their actions. Parents generally report that issues are dealt with swiftly when raised.

Extracurricular life takes full advantage of the school's setting. The Duke of Edinburgh Award is a major pillar of school life, with high participation rates in Bronze and Silver awards. Expeditions take place in the surrounding Peak District hills, offering students genuine adventure on their doorstep.

Sport is another key strength. The sports hall and outdoor pitches host a busy schedule of fixtures. The school fields competitive teams in football, netball, rugby, and cricket, frequently competing against other High Peak and Derbyshire schools.

Music and Drama are vibrant. The annual school production involves a significant portion of the student body, both on stage and in technical roles. There are various ensembles, including a choir and jazz band, which perform at community events and school concerts. Clubs range from coding and chess to eco-committee and debating, ensuring there is something for those not inclined towards sport.

This is a state-funded community school, so there are no tuition fees. Education is free for all students.

Families on lower incomes may be eligible for Free School Meals (FSM), which also triggers Pupil Premium funding to support the student's education. Parents can apply for FSM through Derbyshire County Council if they receive qualifying benefits. While there are no fees, parents should budget for uniform, optional trips, and music lessons, though financial support is often available for these extras for FSM-eligible families.

The school day runs from 8:50am to 3:15pm. Given the rural catchment, transport is a major logistical operation. A fleet of school buses serves the surrounding villages, including Whaley Bridge, Dove Holes, and Chinley. Parents should check eligibility for free transport with Derbyshire County Council, as this depends on distance and route safety.

There is no on-site wraparound care (breakfast or after-school clubs for childcare purposes), as students are of secondary age. However, the library is typically open for homework before and after school.

No Sixth Form. Students must move institutions at 16. While this offers a fresh start and a wider choice of colleges, some families prefer the continuity of an 11-18 school.

Rural logistics. Reliance on school buses means that participation in after-school clubs can sometimes be logistically difficult for students who live in outlying villages, unless parents can provide transport.

Oversubscription. With nearly 1.6 applications per place, entry is not guaranteed even for those relatively close by if they are outside the priority catchment. Families moving into the area should verify catchment status directly with the local authority.

Mobile Phone Policy. The school enforces a strict policy regarding mobile phones to minimise distraction and social media pressure during the school day. Families and students accustomed to constant contact may find this an adjustment.

Chapel-en-le-Frith High School is a confident, well-grounded comprehensive that serves its community with distinction. It balances strong academic progress with a genuine care for the individual, aided by its stunning location and robust pastoral systems. Best suited to families in the High Peak seeking a supportive, community-focused school where academic rigour is balanced by fresh air and solid values. The main challenge is securing a place in this popular local hub.