Best 3 Secondary schools in Amber Valley – comparison

Q: How are these comparisons built?

We align public datasets side-by-side. Headline Ofsted judgement and publication date are shown when available. Exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are available to Pro users; free users see rounded values.

Q: What if a school has a recent ungraded visit?

Ungraded Section 8 visits do not replace the last graded judgement. We continue to show the latest graded judgement until a new graded inspection is published.

Q: Why can’t I see exact numbers?

To keep the service sustainable, exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are Pro features. Everyone can still compare approximate values.

Q: How should I choose a school?

Start with the most recent graded Ofsted judgement, then consider distance and travel, roll versus capacity, and the admissions policy. Visit the school, ask about pastoral support and enrichment, and ensure it fits your child’s needs.

Q: What should I look for when comparing schools?

Compare headline Ofsted and publication dates for recency; check FSM% and local context; review capacity utilisation (under, near, or over capacity); and look at trust or local authority governance. Read the official Ofsted report for curriculum and safeguarding details.

Comparison of secondary schools: Heanor Gate Spencer Academy (Secondary) in Heanor; The Ecclesbourne School (Secondary) in Belper; Swanwick Hall School (Secondary) in Alfreton — covering Ofsted outcomes, size, FSM%, governance, capacity & more.

At a glance

This page compares Heanor Gate Spencer Academy, The Ecclesbourne School and Swanwick Hall School. They are secondary phase and academy converter type located around Heanor, Derbyshire, Belper, Derbyshire and Alfreton, Derbyshire. The strongest headline Ofsted judgement here is 1 (Heanor Gate Spencer Academy), published Sep 2023. The lowest is 2 (The Ecclesbourne School), published Nov 2023. The most recent inspection on record is for The Ecclesbourne School (Nov 2023). average roll around ≈ 1,350, combined total ≈ 4,100, typical FSM 25–30%, range 5–10%–40–45%; spread across trusts such as THE SPENCER ACADEMIES TRUST and The Two Counties Trust.

🔒 Export (Pro)

Attribute	Heanor Gate Spencer Academy DE75 7RA	The Ecclesbourne School DE56 4GS	Swanwick Hall School DE55 1AE
Phase / Type	Secondary • Academy converter	Secondary • Academy converter	Secondary • Academy converter
Location	Heanor Derbyshire DE75 7RA	Belper Derbyshire DE56 4GS	Alfreton Derbyshire DE55 1AE
Latest Ofsted	1 14 Sep 2023	2 15 Nov 2023	2 8 Mar 2023
Ofsted report	—	—	—
Pupils (roll)	≈ 1,400 🔒 Unlock exact pupils	≈ 1,600 🔒 Unlock exact pupils	≈ 1,100 🔒 Unlock exact pupils
FSM %	30–35% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %	5–10% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %	40–45% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %
Capacity	1357	1603	1257
Capacity utilisation	Near capacity 🔒 View exact %	Near capacity 🔒 View exact %	Under capacity 🔒 View exact %
Age range	—	—	—
Gender	Mixed	Mixed	Mixed
Admissions policy	Non-selective	Non-selective	Non-selective
Trust / Local authority	THE SPENCER ACADEMIES TRUST	Derbyshire (830)	The Two Counties Trust
Website	heanorgatespencer.org.uk	www.ecclesbourne.derbyshire.sch.uk	www.swanwickhall.ttct.co.uk
Telephone	01773716396	01332840645	01773602106
SEN provision	None reported	None reported	None reported
Profile	View profile	View profile	View profile

Heanor Gate Spencer Academy

DE75 7RA

Phase / Type: Secondary • Academy converter
Location: Heanor
Derbyshire
DE75 7RA
Ofsted: 1 14 Sep 2023
Pupils: ≈ 1,400 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 30–35% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: THE SPENCER ACADEMIES TRUST
Website: heanorgatespencer.org.uk
Telephone: 01773716396

The Ecclesbourne School

DE56 4GS

Phase / Type: Secondary • Academy converter
Location: Belper
Derbyshire
DE56 4GS
Ofsted: 2 15 Nov 2023
Pupils: ≈ 1,600 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 5–10% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: Derbyshire (830)
Website: www.ecclesbourne.derbyshire.sch.uk
Telephone: 01332840645

Swanwick Hall School

DE55 1AE

Phase / Type: Secondary • Academy converter
Location: Alfreton
Derbyshire
DE55 1AE
Ofsted: 2 8 Mar 2023
Pupils: ≈ 1,100 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 40–45% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: The Two Counties Trust
Website: www.swanwickhall.ttct.co.uk
Telephone: 01773602106

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Map of compared schools

How are these comparisons built?

We line up public school data side-by-side. Ofsted “headline” judgement is shown with the publication date when available. Exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are available to Pro users; everyone sees rounded values.

What if a school has a recent ungraded visit?

Ungraded visits (Section 8) check whether the previous graded judgement still stands, but do not replace it. We keep the latest graded judgement as the headline until a new graded inspection is published.

Why can’t I see exact numbers?

To keep the service sustainable, we show approximate pupils and bucketed FSM% to free users. Upgrade to AllSchools Pro to unlock precise figures and exports.

How should I choose a school?

Start with the most recent graded Ofsted judgement, then check whether it aligns with your child’s needs. Look at distance and travel, typical class sizes (roll vs capacity), and the school’s admissions policy. Speak to the school, arrange a visit, and ask about pastoral support and enrichment.

What should I look for when comparing schools?

Compare headline Ofsted and publication dates for recency; check FSM% and local context; scan capacity utilisation (under, near, or over capacity); and review trust/local authority for governance. If available, read the official Ofsted report for curriculum and safeguarding detail.