Best 3 Secondary schools in Amber Valley – comparison

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)
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
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
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

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.
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