Awards & Recognition

We are proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our students, staff, and school across a wide range of disciplines. Since 2017, The Derby High School has consistently been the highest-performing school in Bury for student progress and has gained national and international recognition for excellence in education, creativity, and community impact.

Awards and Recognition

Academic Excellence

•  MEMF Innovative Teaching of the Year 2025
  This award is testament to our commitment to creative, forward-thinking education. It recognises the exceptional ways our staff inspire and engage students, ensuring learning is dynamic, inclusive, and impactful both in and beyond the classroom.
• Institute of Physics Teaching Award
  Awarded for excellence in physics teaching.
• Leading Partnership School – Edge Hill University (GTP)
  Recognised for our role in training and supporting future educators.
• Leading Partnership School – Manchester Metropolitan University
  Celebrated for ongoing collaboration with MMU’s teacher training programmes.
• Healthy Schools Award
  Awarded for promoting the health and wellbeing of students.
• Rights Respecting School
  Accredited for embedding children’s rights in the school’s ethos and culture.
• Change School
  Participated in initiatives designed to transform education through creative learning.

STEM & Science Achievements

• First Science and Arts School in the Country
  Pioneering interdisciplinary education.
• Ogden Physics Hub School
  Regional hub supporting excellence in physics education.
• Museum of Science and Industry Flagship School for STEM
  Leading role in promoting STEM learning in partnership with MOSI.
• Great Science Share for Schools Partner
  Encouraging young people to share their scientific questions and discoveries.
• BBC Regenerators Award
  Awarded for innovation and impact in sustainability and science engagement.

Creative Arts & Culture

• TES Award 2013 – Creativity
  National recognition for embedding creativity across the curriculum.
• Artsmark Platinum
  The highest Artsmark award, celebrating commitment to arts education.
• Music Mark
  Recognised for high-quality music provision and engagement.
• Goldsmiths Community Award Finalists
  Finalists for promoting community engagement through creative projects.
• National Schools’ Theatre Award Nominations
  Nominations in multiple categories including:
  • Best Musical
  • Best Actress
  • Best Supporting Actor
  • Best Supporting Actress
  • Best Ensemble
  • The People’s Choice
• Intu Film Ambassador School
  Recognised for promoting film literacy and student creativity.

Community & Global Partnerships

• Ashoka UK Partner School
  Part of a global network of schools focused on empathy, changemaking and innovation.
• Manchester Community History Award
  Celebrated for contributing to local history and heritage education.
• The Christie 6 Medal Challenge
  Recognition for our fundraising and awareness efforts for The Christie NHS Foundation Trust.
• DofE Partner
  Delivering the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme to develop leadership and life skills.
• LCEP School
  Engaged in Local Cultural Education Partnerships, connecting students with cultural opportunities.

International Links & Social Impact

• International School Award – Foundation Level
  Awarded by the British Council for international learning across the curriculum.
• King’s Trust Champions
  Recognised for leadership, enterprise, and community projects in partnership with The King’s Trust.
• Century Changemakers Inspire Award
  Awarded for driving positive change and innovation within the school and wider community.
• Rail Safety Gold Badge
  Recognition for excellence in promoting rail safety awareness to students.

Careers Partnerships

• GMCA -harnessing the power of business to support work experience opportunities and develop student aspirations (Pilot EQUALEX school) 

• COMINO 

Local Cultural Educational Partnership

• Bury Met Theatre
• Bury Art Gallery
• The Fusiliers
• East Lancashire Railway.

Student & Staff Opportunities

Sportsmark
Awarded for commitment to sport and physical education.

Creative Partnerships School
Worked with artists and creatives to raise achievement through cultural learning.