The Ripley Academy
81%
Capacity
900
Pupils
1.5x
Demand
About The Ripley Academy
The Ripley Academy is a state-funded None secondary school serving the Amber Valley community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 900 pupils on roll and is well-filled (81% of 1,116 places).
Ofsted has rated The Ripley Academy "Good", the school is led by headteacher Helen Frost-Briggs, it falls under Derbyshire local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.21 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 44.8. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of C-. Additionally, ranked 2028th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 4th out of 8 in Amber Valley.
The Ripley Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 230 applications for 156 places, making it 1.5x oversubscribed. Of these, 156 were first-preference applications.
The Ripley Academy parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is mixed, with 67% recommending the school (93 responses).
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 8 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Severe Learning Difficulty and 5 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at The Ripley Academy include Sixth Form Centre, Art Studios, Tennis Courts, Gymnasium, Library, Music Rooms, Science Labs, Astro Turf, ICT Suite, Dining Hall, Playing Fields, Sports Hall.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Football, Rounders, Swimming, Basketball and 5 more, as well as clubs including Film Club, Debate, Drama, Choir and 4 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 31.9%, which is above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Amber Valley, The Ripley 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 | Peasehill, Ripley, Amber Valley, DE5 3JQ |
| Headteacher | Helen Frost-Briggs |
| Local Authority | Derbyshire |
| Number of Pupils | 900 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 31.9% |
| School Capacity | 900 / 1,116 (81% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
5 Feb 2025Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (5 Feb 2025): Standards maintained
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 8 Mar 2020. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.21)
2028th of 3,141
Nationally
162nd of 273
In East Midlands
4th of 8
In Amber Valley
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make 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
26.1
'22/23
24.5
'23/24
25.5
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
Ofsted Parent View
93 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
17Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed156
230
Balanced
Applications roughly match available places
156 families put this school as their 1st choice (68% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Ripley 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
Peasehill, Ripley
Amber Valley, DE5 3JQ
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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