The Long Eaton School Review 2026: Modern Campus with Science Heritage

The Long Eaton School distinguishes itself with a feature almost unique in state education: a fully functional, dome-topped astronomical observatory on its roof. Situated on the borders of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, this mixed secondary school serves a diverse catchment of over 1,000 students. Since moving to its modern purpose-built site in 2006, the school has operated as a focal point for the local community, joining the Archway Learning Trust in 2021. While recent years have seen a period of transition following a 2024 "Requires Improvement" judgement, the Sixth Form remains a clear strength, rated Good by inspectors.

The campus, a sweeping curve of glass and steel set within extensive grounds, reflects the investment of the mid-2000s Building Schools for the Future programme. The design centres on a light-filled central "street" or atrium, off which the various learning wings radiate. This architectural openness attempts to foster a sense of community visibility, where learning is on display rather than hidden behind closed doors.

Mr Mark Shipman has led the school as Principal since September 2022. His tenure has focused on stabilising leadership and embedding the "Excellence for All" vision shared with the wider Archway Learning Trust. The school culture is built on five core values: Collaboration, Excellence, Inclusion, Integrity, and Resilience. These are not merely administrative concepts but are actively taught during tutor time and assemblies.

The atmosphere is one of recovery and renewed ambition. Students benefit from the "Archway Curriculum", a framework designed to standardise high expectations across the trust's schools. While the school is large, the house system aims to provide a smaller sense of belonging, fostering friendly competition in sports and charity events.

Performance data from 2024 reflects a school in the midst of an improvement journey. At GCSE, the school ranks 2,787th in England (FindMySchool ranking) and 37th in Nottingham, placing outcomes in the national lower band (bottom 40% of schools in England). The Progress 8 score of -0.33 indicates that, on average, students achieve around a third of a grade lower in each subject compared to peers with similar starting points nationally.

However, headline figures often mask individual successes. The average Attainment 8 score of 42.6 shows that many students secure standard passes. The percentage of students entering the English Baccalaureate (EBacc) is 40.5%, in line with the England average, demonstrating a commitment to keeping broad academic pathways open rather than narrowing choices to boost league table positions.

In the Sixth Form, the picture is stronger. Inspectors rated the Sixth Form provision as Good in 2024, noting that students in the sixth form are good role models. The school ranks 2,233rd in England for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking). While the proportion of top grades (A*-B) at 28.5% is below the England average of 47.2%, the Sixth Form provides a vital local pathway for students who prefer a school-based environment over a large college.

The curriculum is broad and follows the National Curriculum closely, enhanced by the school's historical specialism in science. The transition to the Archway Learning Trust has brought a standardised approach to pedagogy. Lessons now follow a consistent structure designed to aid memory and recall, starting with "Do Now" activities that recap prior learning.

Science remains a flagship faculty. The Malcolm Parry Observatory is a significant asset, designed to inspire students in physics and astronomy. While access has been intermittent recently due to maintenance and staffing, it remains a symbol of the school's ambition to offer experiences beyond the standard syllabus.

In Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9), students cover a wide range of subjects including Art, Drama, Music, and Technology alongside the core academic disciplines. French and Spanish are the primary modern languages. At Key Stage 4, the options process allows students to blend academic GCSEs with vocational qualifications such as Health and Social Care or Sport Science.

Post-16 destinations data highlights that the majority of students continue their education successfully. In 2024, 70% of leavers progressed to university, a solid figure that suggests the Sixth Form is effective in preparing students for higher education. The school supports applicants to a range of institutions, with recent leavers heading to local universities in Nottingham, Derby, and Leicester.

Apprenticeships are a significant and well-supported route, with 20% of the cohort securing places. This is notably higher than the average in many schools, reflecting strong links with local industry and effective careers guidance that promotes vocational success alongside academic routes.

The Long Eaton School is a popular choice for local families. In the most recent intake for Year 7, the school received 293 applications for 178 places, resulting in a subscription ratio of 1.65 applications per place. This level of oversubscription indicates that despite performance challenges, the local community values the provision and facilities highly.

Admissions are coordinated by Derbyshire County Council. The school operates a catchment area based on the address of the parents. When oversubscribed, priority is given to looked-after children, siblings of current students, and then children living in the catchment area. Distance from the school gate is the final tie-breaker.

Parents should apply via the Derbyshire County Council website by the national deadline of 31 October. Offers are released on National Offer Day in early March.

Pastoral care is structured around year groups, each led by a Head of Year and supported by a non-teaching Pastoral Leader. This structure ensures that there is always someone available to deal with immediate student concerns without the distraction of a teaching timetable.

The "Inclusion" value drives the support for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). The Learning Support department works to ensure accessing the curriculum is possible for all, using teaching assistants and modified resources.

The school has worked hard to improve behaviour systems following inspection feedback. A new behaviour policy, centred on clear routines and consequences, has been introduced to ensure classrooms remain calm and focused environments.

The extracurricular programme is where the school's unique assets shine. The Astronomy Club has historically utilised the observatory, offering a rare "wow factor" that can ignite a lifelong passion for STEM subjects.

Sport is another strong pillar, supported by excellent facilities including a large sports hall, Astroturf pitches, and extensive playing fields. Teams compete regularly in local leagues for football, netball, and rugby.

The Arts are not neglected; the school puts on annual productions and music concerts in the main hall, which features professional-standard lighting and sound systems. Trips and visits are regular features of the calendar, including geography field trips, theatre visits, and residential opportunities.

The school day begins with tutor time at 8:45am and concludes at 3:10pm. The site is located on Thoresby Road, easily accessible for students in Long Eaton, Sawley, and the surrounding Derbyshire/Nottinghamshire borders.

Uniform is strictly enforced, consisting of a black blazer with the school badge, school tie, and black trousers or skirt. The distinct Archway Learning Trust branding is now fully embedded.

Improvement journey. The school was rated Requires Improvement by Ofsted in February 2024. While the report noted that the Sixth Form is Good and safeguarding is effective, it highlighted that inconsistencies in teaching quality remain. Families should be aware that the school is currently in a phase of rebuilding consistency.

Size and scale. With over 1,200 students, this is a large secondary school. The open-plan design and large student body create a buzzing, busy environment that suits confident students well but can initially feel overwhelming for quieter children.

Admissions competition. Despite the Ofsted rating, the school remains oversubscribed. Families living outside the immediate catchment area should check historical admission distances carefully, as a place is not guaranteed even for those reasonably close by.

Sixth Form strength. The Sixth Form is a clear highlight, rated Good by Ofsted. It offers a smaller, more supportive environment than a large college, with students serving as positive role models for the main school.

The Long Eaton School offers a distinctive secondary education defined by modern facilities and unique science opportunities. While the main school works to improve consistency following its 2024 inspection, the Sixth Form remains a strong provider. Best suited to local families who value the superb facilities and STEM opportunities, and who are keen to support the school's clear upward trajectory.