Heanor Gate Spencer Academy
105%
Capacity
1,423
Pupils
1.8x
Demand
About Heanor Gate Spencer Academy
Heanor Gate Spencer Academy is a state-funded None secondary school serving the Amber Valley community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 1,423 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (105% of 1,357 places).
the school is led by headteacher Matt Jones, it falls under Derbyshire local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.14 is above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is solid at 48.8. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of B-. Additionally, ranked 1221st out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 3rd out of 8 in Amber Valley.
Heanor Gate Spencer Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 463 applications for 260 places, making it 1.8x oversubscribed. Of these, 259 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 7 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 4 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Heanor Gate Spencer Academy include Swimming Pool, Music Rooms, Sports Hall, Dining Hall, Tennis Courts, Art Studios, Astro Turf, Science Labs, Library, Sixth Form Centre.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Rowing, Tennis, Netball, Hockey and 5 more, as well as clubs including Drama, Young Enterprise, Choir, Coding and 7 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 31.6%, which is above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Amber Valley, Heanor Gate Spencer Academy is one of the options available in the East Midlands region. Use Classpot to compare it side-by-side with nearby alternatives and find the best fit for your child.
Key Details
| School Type | Secondary (State) |
| Age Range | 11 to 18 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | None |
| Address | Kirkley Drive, Heanor, Amber Valley, DE75 7RA |
| Headteacher | Matt Jones |
| Local Authority | Derbyshire |
| Number of Pupils | 1,423 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 31.6% |
| School Capacity | 1,423 / 1,357 (105% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
27 Jun 2023Overall Effectiveness
Outstanding
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 14 Sept 2023. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.14)
1221st of 3,141
Nationally
90th of 273
In East Midlands
3rd of 8
In Amber Valley
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make similar progress to students nationally with the same starting point
Attainment 8 (vs national avg)
Students achieve significantly higher grades than the national average
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. Progress 8 compares to students with similar Key Stage 2 results.
A-Level Results
2023/24Average Points per Entry
Value Added Score
Best 3 A-Levels (Average)
'21/22
36.5
'22/23
33.5
'23/24
36.1
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
10Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
20Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed260
463
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
259 families put this school as their 1st choice (56% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Heanor Gate Spencer Academy
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
Understanding Progress 8
Learn how Progress 8 measures pupil progress from primary to GCSE
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
Understanding School Catchment Areas
How admission distances work and tips for maximising your choices
Contact Information
Kirkley Drive, Heanor
Amber Valley, DE75 7RA
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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