Heanor Gate Spencer Academy
Heanor, DE75 7RA · Derbyshire · secondary school
Check the area around this school
9th 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 — 6.5/10 against 698 of them, against 5.0/10 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 | 94 | 35% | 3.29 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 43.4 · 46 | 30% | 1.37 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.14 · 60 | 25% | 1.50 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 43.4 · 36 | 10% | 0.36 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Heanor Gate Spencer Academy overview
How it's doing
The school was rated Outstanding by Ofsted in 2023. In 2024/25, 50.5% of pupils achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 49.6, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.14 in 2023/24, indicating better progress than pupils nationally starting from the same place. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (8.1 out of 10 against similar schools, 6.4 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in athletics and Heanorfest, and an after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,493 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,357. 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
What specific support is available for pupils aiming to raise their Progress 8 scores? How is the after-school club structured for secondary students?
What Ofsted said about Heanor Gate Spencer Academy
Overview
Heanor Gate Spencer Academy is described as an "extremely ambitious school" where pupils "thrive" and are "eager to attend." Leaders maintain "the highest expectations," resulting in a calm, respectful environment where students achieve well across a "rich and demanding curriculum."
Strengths
- The curriculum is "thoughtfully designed" and "extremely ambitious," with teachers skilfully breaking down learning to ensure pupils build "rich and detailed knowledge."
- Pupils are "extremely well behaved," with bullying being "rare" and staff addressing issues "quickly."
- Staff "go above and beyond" to support pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring all can access the same high-quality education.
- Personal development is strong, with pupils engaging in "enriching experiences" and community work, preparing them well for "modern society."
- Leaders are "relentless" in providing the best education, supported by governors who "skilfully hold the school leaders to account."
Areas to improve
- The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are "effective," with leaders creating a "vigilant culture" where staff are alert to risks and record-keeping is "thorough."
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 48.8 |
| 2024/25 | 49.6 |
| 2025/26 | 43.4 |
| 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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