The Ecclesbourne School
98%
Capacity
1,576
Pupils
1.6x
Demand
About The Ecclesbourne School
The Ecclesbourne School is a state-funded None secondary school serving the Amber Valley community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 1,576 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (98% of 1,603 places).
Ofsted has rated The Ecclesbourne School "Good", the school is led by headteacher James McNamara, it falls under Derbyshire local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.41 is above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is strong at 57.2. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of B-. Additionally, placing it in the top 25% nationally. Additionally, ranked 629th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 1st out of 8 in Amber Valley.
The Ecclesbourne School is a popular choice with families — it received 383 applications for 233 places, making it 1.6x oversubscribed. Of these, 256 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 9 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Social, Emotional & Mental Health, Speech, Language & Communication and 6 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at The Ecclesbourne School include Sixth Form Centre, Gymnasium, Astro Turf, Art Studios, Library, ICT Suite, Swimming Pool, Dining Hall, Playing Fields, Music Rooms, Theatre.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Basketball, Hockey, Netball, Dance and 2 more, as well as clubs including Newspaper, Eco Club, Chess, Debate and 6 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 7.5%, which is well below the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Amber Valley, The Ecclesbourne School 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 | Wirksworth Road, Belper, Amber Valley, DE56 4GS |
| Headteacher | James McNamara |
| Local Authority | Derbyshire |
| Number of Pupils | 1,576 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 7.5% |
| School Capacity | 1,576 / 1,603 (98% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
19 Sept 2023Overall Effectiveness
Good
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 15 Nov 2023. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.41)
629th of 3,141
Nationally
37th of 273
In East Midlands
1st of 8
In Amber Valley
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make more 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
41.1
'22/23
36.5
'23/24
37.0
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
11Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
16Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed233
383
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
256 families put this school as their 1st choice (67% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Ecclesbourne School
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
Wirksworth Road, Belper
Amber Valley, DE56 4GS
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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