St Mary’s Catholic High School Receives Notable Honour in The Sunday Times National Parent Power Guide
St Mary’s Catholic High School, Chesterfield, has proudly been named as the Comprehensive School of the Year for the East Midlands in the highly regarded Sunday Times Parent Power Guide. As one of the country’s most trusted and influential assessments of school performance, the guide’s endorsement represents a significant achievement for the entire school community.
The Parent Power Guide commended St Mary’s for its outstanding GCSE and ‘A’ level outcomes and aspiration for young people. Comment was also made on the school’s commitment to ensuring that pupils, from the largest catchment area in the Diocese, can get to school on the school’s 10 contracted buses.
Maria Dengate (Headteacher) expressed her appreciation for the award, stating:
“It is a privilege to lead St Mary’s and be a small part of its 160 years of history. I am so fortunate to spend every working day with such wonderful pupils and colleagues; this award is a timely recognition of them.”
This award builds on two key inspection outcomes. In 2024, Ofsted judged St Mary’s Outstanding in all categories, reflecting its high-quality teaching, exemplary behaviour, and strong pastoral support. Again in 2025, the school secured the top grade in its Section 48 inspection—Outstanding in all nine areas—recognising its deep Catholic ethos and its commitment to the academic and spiritual development of its students. Marianne Wilkinson
