Hope Valley College
Hope Valley, S33 6SD · Derbyshire · secondary school
Check the area around this school
17th of 45 secondary schools in Derbyshire we can score. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 6.4/10 against 876 of them, against 5.6/10 nationally. Both figures are results only, without the inspection grade. A lower figure here means a stronger comparison group, not a weaker school.
How this is worked out
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.84 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 53.3 · 70 | 30% | 2.09 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | -0.23 · 32 | 25% | 0.81 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 50.5 · 72 | 10% | 0.72 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Hope Valley College overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 41.3% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 44.4, compared with the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was -0.23 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did slightly worse than those nationally starting from the same point. Its position is much the same whether compared with all schools or only those whose pupils have similar backgrounds (3.8 out of 10 against similar schools, 3.9 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in 2023.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can access the Duke of Edinburgh's Award and instrumental lessons.
Getting in
The published school roll is 518 pupils against a stated capacity of 684. These whole-school figures do not establish entry-year vacancies or the likelihood of an offer. Confirm entry-year availability and admissions criteria with the school or local authority.
Worth asking on a visit
How does the school support pupils to improve their Progress 8 scores? What specific support is available for students aiming for higher grades in English and maths? How does the school integrate the Duke of Edinburgh's Award into the weekly timetable?
What Ofsted said about Hope Valley College
Overview
Hope Valley College is a well-led academy where pupils enjoy school and feel safe, supported by high expectations for behaviour and achievement. The curriculum is ambitious and clearly planned, enabling most pupils, including those with special educational needs, to achieve well. While the school fosters positive relationships and effective safeguarding, inconsistencies in checking pupil understanding and presentation hinder some learners’ progress.
Strengths
- Pupils benefit from an "ambitious curriculum" with clear knowledge goals, leading to strong achievement across subjects.
- Behaviour is managed effectively through a consistent system of "chance, choice, consequence," resulting in calm, orderly lessons.
- Staff identify and support pupils with special educational needs well, ensuring they can access the curriculum and feel supported.
- The sixth form provides individualised support and work experience, preparing students well for their "next steps."
- Reading is prioritised through assessments and weekly library lessons, helping pupils become "more confident readers."
Areas to improve
- Teachers must systematically check that pupils complete recap activities correctly to address "gaps in learning."
- Staff should model high-quality work presentation and ensure pupils use correct punctuation and spelling consistently.
- The school must provide regular opportunities for pupils to develop a secure understanding of "fundamental British values."
Safeguarding
The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective."
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 46.1 |
| 2024/25 | 44.4 |
| 2025/26 | 50.5 |
| England | 44.9 |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 3,682 state schools in England we hold a 2025/26 figure for — a school-level median, not the DfE's pupil-weighted national figure.
Your offer chance
—Based on official applications/offers, distance and catchment where we have it. Bands only — never a percentage.
Sibling, faith, looked-after and other criteria can override distance. Always confirm with the school or local authority.
Next dates
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2026
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2027
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2027
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2028
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