Best 3 Secondary schools in South Derbyshire – comparison

Comparison of secondary schools: John Port Spencer Academy (Secondary) in Derby; The Pingle Academy (Secondary) in Swadlincote; Mercia Academy (Secondary) in Swadlincote — covering Ofsted outcomes, size, FSM%, governance, capacity & more.

At a glance

This page compares John Port Spencer Academy, The Pingle Academy and Mercia Academy. They are secondary phase and academy sponsor led and academy converter type located around Derby, Derbyshire and Swadlincote, Derbyshire. The strongest headline Ofsted judgement here is 2 (John Port Spencer Academy), published Jul 2022. The lowest is 3 (Mercia Academy), published Jun 2022. The most recent inspection on record is for John Port Spencer Academy (Jul 2022). average roll around ≈ 1,350, combined total ≈ 4,000, typical FSM 30–35%, range 15–20%–40–45%; spread across trusts such as THE SPENCER ACADEMIES TRUST, AFFINITY LEARNING PARTNERSHIP and LIONHEART EDUCATIONAL TRUST.

🔒 Export (Pro)
Phase / Type
Secondary • Academy sponsor led
Location
Derby
Derbyshire
DE65 6LU
Ofsted
2 13 Jul 2022
Pupils
≈ 2,000 🔒 Exact value
FSM %
15–20% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA
THE SPENCER ACADEMIES TRUST
Website
johnportspencer.org.uk
Telephone
01283734111
Phase / Type
Secondary • Academy converter
Location
Swadlincote
Derbyshire
DE11 0QA
Ofsted
2 23 Nov 2021
Pupils
≈ 1,400 🔒 Exact value
FSM %
30–35% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA
AFFINITY LEARNING PARTNERSHIP
Website
www.pingleacademy.com
Telephone
01283216837
Phase / Type
Secondary • Academy sponsor led
Location
Swadlincote
Derbyshire
DE11 0TL
Ofsted
3 26 Jun 2022
Pupils
≈ 600 🔒 Exact value
FSM %
40–45% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA
LIONHEART EDUCATIONAL TRUST
Website
www.merciaacademy.org.uk
Telephone
01283216404

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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