Classpot

The Ripley Academy

Amber Valley, DE5 3JQSecondaryAges 11–18MixedState
Ofsted Rating
Good
Feb 2025
Progress 8
-0.21
Below average
−20+2
Competition
1.0×
Not oversubscribed
156 1st-choice / 156 places
Ranking
#2,028
of 3,141 nationally

About The Ripley Academy

Of the 93 parents who responded to Ofsted's Parent View survey between September 2024 and September 2025, 67% said they would recommend The Ripley Academy to other parents. That's a solid majority, though it leaves a third who wouldn't. The school is clearly popular locally: for the 2025/26 academic year, it received 230 applications for its 156 Year 7 places, giving an oversubscription ratio of 1.47, with all first-preference applicants offered a place. On the survey, parents were most positive about the range of subjects available (87% agreed or strongly agreed) and their child's happiness (77% agreed or strongly agreed). However, the picture is more mixed on communication: only 49% agreed that the school makes them aware of what their child will learn, and 45% agreed that concerns are dealt with properly. On SEND support, 52% agreed the school gives children the support they need, though 48% disagreed, suggesting this is an area where experiences vary significantly.

Key Details

School TypeSecondary (State)
Age Range11 to 18 years
GenderMixed
Religious CharacterNone
AddressPeasehill, Ripley, Amber Valley, DE5 3JQ
HeadteacherHelen Frost-Briggs
Local AuthorityDerbyshire
Number of Pupils900
Free School Meals (FSM)31.9%
School Capacity900 / 1,116 (81% full)
Sixth FormYes

The full report on this school

What 93 parents told Ofsted, the inspection in plain English, and how this school compares to nearby alternatives — all in one full school report.

  • Ofsted inspection in plain English
    Strengths, concerns and what inspectors flagged
  • Parent View survey results
    What parents told Ofsted — when the school has 10+ responses
  • Where Ofsted and parents disagree
    Gaps to probe + questions to ask at the open day
  • Admissions & catchment
    Admission criteria, distance cutoffs (where the LA publishes them)
  • Nearby schools compared
    Backup options with Ofsted, demand and distance
  • Attendance & behaviour data
    Persistent absentees, suspensions and exclusions vs national
See an example
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Ofsted Inspection Breakdown

5 Feb 2025
View Report
Overall Effectiveness
Good
Quality of Education
Good
Behaviour & Attitudes
Good
Personal Development
Good
Leadership & Management
Good
Sixth Form Provision
Good

Latest monitoring visit (5 Feb 2025): Standards maintained

Source: Ofsted, 8 Mar 2020. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.

Facilities

12
Sixth Form CentreArt StudiosTennis CourtsGymnasiumLibraryMusic RoomsScience LabsAstro TurfICT SuiteDining HallPlaying FieldsSports Hall

Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.

Extracurriculars

17

Sports

FootballRoundersSwimmingBasketballNetballGymnasticsRugbyDanceTennis

Clubs & Activities

Film ClubDebateDramaChoirDuke of EdinburghGardeningEco ClubChess

Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.

SEND Support

AutismDyslexiaMental HealthSpeech & LanguageHearingLearning DifficultySevere LearningOther

Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.

School day

Verified

Teaching hours

08:40 – 15:10

Source: ripleyacademy.org. Extracted automatically — confirm with the school before relying on these times.

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Ripley Academy

The Ripley Academy has been rated "Good" by Ofsted. This means the school provides a good standard of education and effectively supports all pupils to succeed.