The Pingle Academy
100%
Capacity
1,375
Pupils
1.8x
Demand
About The Pingle Academy
The Pingle Academy is a state-funded None secondary school serving the South Derbyshire community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 1,375 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (100% of 1,376 places).
Ofsted has rated The Pingle Academy "Good", the school is led by headteacher Michelle Oliphant, it falls under Derbyshire local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.11 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 42.3. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of C-. Additionally, ranked 1792nd out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 3rd out of 3 in South Derbyshire.
The Pingle Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 403 applications for 220 places, making it 1.8x oversubscribed. Of these, 237 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 9 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 6 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at The Pingle Academy include Sports Hall, Astro Turf, Gymnasium, Science Labs, Dining Hall, Sixth Form Centre.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Rowing, Swimming, Cricket, Gymnastics and 3 more, as well as clubs including Film Club, Book Club, Drama, Gardening and 6 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 33.9%, which is well above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in South Derbyshire, The Pingle 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 | Coronation Street, Swadlincote, South Derbyshire, DE11 0QA |
| Headteacher | Michelle Oliphant |
| Local Authority | Derbyshire |
| Number of Pupils | 1,375 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 33.9% |
| School Capacity | 1,375 / 1,376 (100% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
12 Oct 2021Overall Effectiveness
Good
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 23 Nov 2021. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.11)
1792nd of 3,141
Nationally
146th of 273
In East Midlands
3rd of 3
In South Derbyshire
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
35.2
'22/23
27.8
'23/24
27.4
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
6Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
17Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed220
403
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
237 families put this school as their 1st choice (59% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Pingle 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
Coronation Street, Swadlincote
South Derbyshire, DE11 0QA
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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