Spencer Headlines

Schools across the Spencer Academies Trust were filled with colour, creativity and community spirit last Friday as pupils and staff took part in a range of fun activities to support BBC Children in Need. Here are some moments from the day…

Heanor Gate Spencer Academy were proud to welcome Georgia Gould, Minister of State for School Standards, and Amber Valley MP, Linsey Farnsworth, last Thursday (16 October), as part of a national focus on boosting literacy and attainment across secondary schools.

The visit recognised Heanor Gate’s outstanding work in supporting white working-class (WWC) pupils to achieve beyond national expectations. National data shows this group of students - defined as pupils eligible for free school meals and of white British ethnicity - often face some of the poorest outcomes across the country. However, at Heanor Gate, WWC students make more progress at Key Stage 4 than the national average, marking the Academy as one of only a handful of secondary schools nationally achieving this success.

Recognised for innovation, leadership, and educational excellence using technology, Sunnyside Spencer Academy is pleased to announce it has been recognised as an Apple Distinguished School for the 2025-2028 program term.

Students across Spencer Academies Trust are celebrating their best ever set of GCSE results today, with achievements once again above national averages.

This year, 72% of entries across the Trust’s eight secondary schools achieved grade 4 or above in English and Maths, while 54% secured grade 5 or higher. The Trust’s Attainment 8 score, 49.5, also exceeded the national average from 2024, alongside a rise in the number of pupils entered for the English Baccalaureate (EBacc - those entering qualifications in English, maths, sciences, a language and either history or geography), now standing at 43%, and the Average EBacc Point Score, 4.45.

The Spencer Academies Trust Primary Pupil Parliament came together for their final meeting of the academic year to celebrate achievements, reflect on their journey, and look ahead to the future.

The session brought together representatives from primary academies across the Trust to discuss the impact of their work and how they have helped shape change in their schools and communities over the past year. The Pupil Parliament is made up of two pupils from each primary school and provides a platform for children to have their voices heard on key issues, with steering groups centred around the environment, community, teaching and learning and SEND and inclusion.

Pupils describe Millside Spencer Academy as “just a happy place to be.”

Staff, pupils, and families at Millside Spencer Academy are celebrating this week following a highly successful Ofsted inspection, which praised the school’s exceptional culture, strong leadership, and the outstanding behaviour and personal development of its pupils.