Students travel from across North Derbyshire, as well as Greater Manchester and the outskirts of Sheffield, to attend the school.

The catchment area is therefore extremely large, with students and parents attracted by its distinctive identity, location in the Peaks, and broad curriculum.

[citation needed] The Peak District location means that there is a strong outdoor activities programme, including a mountain bike track within the college grounds.

In February 2018, Hope Valley College received an academic performance score by Ofsted of 'Inadequate'.

The first Warden (namely principal), Jack Houghton, said in 1959 that '[w]e wish also to preserve and develop the rural crafts, music and drama, which are an essential part of our English country tradition'.

[10] The school also hosts the annual Hope Valley Film Festival, run by local parents.

[12] Alumni also include Rowan Rheingans,[13] member of folk trio Lady Maisery, and professional rock climber Pete Whittaker.