About Chesterfield


Learning

Learning in Chesterfield - Six pupils holding their plants in the garden at Heath Primary School

We understand the importance of living where you can access good teaching and learning opportunities for your loved ones. With a long history of developing creatives, innovators and entrepreneurs, Chesterfield loves supporting its residents to grow.

Initiatives like Made in Chesterfield, which encourages children to consider careers in manufacturing and engineering, and exciting revitalisation projects taking place in the town will inspire your young people to get stuck into their learning and career development.

Moreover, there is a wealth of options for your child’s education. Chesterfield boasts one of England’s largest colleges, state and independent schools and 12 universities less than an hour away.

If you’re wondering about alternative and accessible options then Sparky Ink Studio gives a unique and accessible offering to the local area. Working with children and adults on the autism spectrum is the company’s speciality and they are fully equipped to support those with additional needs.

Schools in Chesterfield

Group of pupils in red Heath Primary uniform playing on wooden monkey bars

Heath Primary School, Chesterfield

Wondering about options for primary and secondary aged children? Develop your child’s social and emotional skills while prioritising their education at Chesterfield’s Ofsted rated outstanding and good schools. Ranked both the second best place in the UK to raise a family and the happiest place to live in the East Midlands, our friendly schools support your child to make memories and friends for life.

Keeping your child healthy and happy is a top priority. SHAPE Learning Partnership supports primary, secondary and special schools across Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire in their delivery of physical activity. This helps to ensure your child has the best provision for their physical wellbeing.

You can find out more about schools in Chesterfield using Derbyshire County Council’s search for a school webpage to find options that suit your child and their needs.

Routes into careers

White male student painter painting purple text freehand on yellow wall

Chesterfield College, Chesterfield

Living in Chesterfield gives your child the opportunity to develop a strong career within a growing economy. More than 3,000 businesses operate from Chesterfield, with construction being the largest sector. This is closely followed by professional, scientific and technical firms. So, there are plenty of possibilities for your child.

College

Just three of the facilities at Chesterfield College include a bespoke learning environment for plumbing and joinery, a dedicated salon, and the newly refurbished Taste Restaurant. These give students the opportunity to experience work life while gaining their qualifications.

Chesterfield College works closely with local businesses. As a result, students develop real-world skills and workplace readiness. Potential employers value this highly. Moreover, they can build connections, which adds to their employability. The college provides foundation courses and A-Levels, vocational and professional qualifications, diplomas and degrees.

Apprenticeships

Embracing growth and development, Chesterfield proudly holds the title of the first ‘Apprentice Town’ in the country. Explore apprenticeship opportunities using our search tool.

If you’re wanting to explore some of the training providers based in the town to get a taste of what’s on offer then Juniper Training and Apprentice Team are great places to start.

We know that as parents, you may have your own questions and concerns. There is a wide range of support and resources available for you and your child in Chesterfield. Why not read about other parents’ perspectives and check out this handy parents’ guide to apprenticeships? Chesterfield is also home to DEBP and Workpays, the lead for Apprenticeship Support and Knowledge for Schools (ASK) across the Midlands and East Midlands. So, you can rest assured that quality advice is available.

University

The University of Derby was awarded Gold status for teaching excellence in 2023. Its Chesterfield Campus offers learning facilities in nursing, health, business, computing and engineering. It also has an immersive interactive simulation suite and mock ward. Additionally, students benefit from its links with Chesterfield Royal Hospital, as they can gain experience while learning.

There are many other prestigious universities within an hour, making Chesterfield an ideal hub for higher education.

Accredited courses

For those wondering about courses for career development, establishments including The Body Health Centre is an approved Active IQ training centre, where it will be delivering Accredited Sports Massage and CPD courses.

Black female student nurse wearing gloves giving drink to dummy

University of Derby, Chesterfield

Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre

Northern Gateway

Now open for business, the prestigious Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre includes 32 office suites (26 to 120 square metres) and offers a multitude of features that will appeal to any company looking to become established in Chesterfield.

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what is Apprentice Town

Apprenticeships

Businesses throughout North East Derbyshire employ a large number of apprentices and their are currently hundreds of vacancies available in Chesterfield

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Mum, Dad and child in kitchen smiling

Living

Whether it’s a town or village experience, contemporary or traditional housing, buying or renting, living in Chesterfield and the surrounding area is affordable and offers something for everyone.

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