Arnold Hill Spencer Academy
Nottingham, NG5 6NZ · Nottinghamshire · secondary school
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14th of 45 secondary schools in Nottinghamshire we can score. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 6.1/10 against 876 of them, against 6.2/10 nationally. So this is not simply a reflection of who attends. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 52.9 · 69 | 46% | 3.18 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.07 · 55 | 38% | 2.12 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 47.8 · 59 | 15% | 0.91 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Arnold Hill Spencer Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 51.5% of pupils achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 49.8, compared with the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.07 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did better than those nationally who started from the same place. Its position is much the same whether compared with all schools or only those whose pupils have similar backgrounds (6.3 out of 10 either way).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join debating, creative writing, chess, computer programming, and the Combined Cadet Force Army section. Sports include trampolining, while arts and music offer orchestra, samba, woodwind, rock and vocal groups, and a school show. An after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,552 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,682. 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 maintain the progress seen in 2023/24? What specific support is available for students aiming to improve their English and maths grades?
What Ofsted said about Arnold Hill Spencer Academy
Overview
Arnold Hill Spencer Academy provides a ‘challenging curriculum’ with high expectations, fostering a ‘calm and purposeful atmosphere’ where pupils typically behave well. The school has improved significantly since its previous inspection, with staff feeling valued and sixth-form provision rated as ‘Outstanding’.
Strengths
- The curriculum is ‘broad and ambitious’, allowing pupils to build knowledge over time and access the English Baccalaureate.
- Sixth-form students ‘achieve exceptionally well’, supported by teachers with ‘expert subject knowledge’ and a strong reward programme.
- Pupils feel safe and confident, with ‘low-level disruption’ not tolerated and trusted adults available for support.
- Personal development is effective, with pupils valuing the PSHE curriculum as ‘interesting and true to life’.
- Staff report a culture of ‘positivity, ambition and care’, feeling valued for their contributions.
Areas to improve
- Assessment is not always used effectively to check understanding, meaning ‘misconceptions or gaps in their knowledge are not addressed consistently well’.
- The attendance of vulnerable pupils remains weaker than that of their peers and requires continued improvement.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 48.1 |
| 2024/25 | 49.8 |
| 2025/26 | 47.8 |
| 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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