Quarrydale Academy
82%
Capacity
1,277
Pupils
1.8x
Demand
About Quarrydale Academy
Quarrydale Academy is a state-funded None secondary school serving the Ashfield community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 1,277 pupils on roll and is well-filled (82% of 1,550 places).
Ofsted has rated Quarrydale Academy "Requires Improvement", the school is led by headteacher Tim Paling, it falls under Nottinghamshire local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.56 is well below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 38.4. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of C. Additionally, ranked 2688th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 6th out of 7 in Ashfield.
Quarrydale Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 399 applications for 225 places, making it 1.8x oversubscribed. Of these, 207 were first-preference applications.
Quarrydale Academy parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is mixed, with 51% recommending the school (137 responses).
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 8 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 5 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Quarrydale Academy include Swimming Pool, Sports Hall, Library, Science Labs, Playing Fields, Astro Turf, Sixth Form Centre, ICT Suite, Art Studios, Music Rooms, Theatre, Tennis Courts.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Hockey, Gymnastics, Rounders, Netball and 4 more, as well as clubs including Coding, Eco Club, Gardening, Science Club and 2 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 35.8%, which is well above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Ashfield, Quarrydale 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 | Stoneyford Road, Sutton-in-Ashfield, Ashfield, NG17 2DU |
| Headteacher | Tim Paling |
| Local Authority | Nottinghamshire |
| Number of Pupils | 1,277 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 35.8% |
| School Capacity | 1,277 / 1,550 (82% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
7 May 2025Quality of Education
Requires improvement
Since Sep 2024, Ofsted no longer assigns a single overall grade
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 18 Jun 2025. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.56)
2688th of 3,141
Nationally
229th of 273
In East Midlands
6th of 7
In Ashfield
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make significantly less progress than similar students nationally
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
35.4
'22/23
30.7
'23/24
31.0
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
Ofsted Parent View
137 responsesWould Recommend This School
Source: Ofsted Parent View (GOV.UK statistical data), Sep – Sep 2025
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
12Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
14Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed225
399
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
207 families put this school as their 1st choice (52% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Quarrydale 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
Stoneyford Road, Sutton-in-Ashfield
Ashfield, NG17 2DU
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
Parent Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience at Quarrydale Academy!
Write a Review