The short version
Below-average GCSE results. 77% capacity.
- GCSE results are below the national average (Attainment 8: 32.6 vs national 43.8)
- This school does not have a sixth form
- 41% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, above the national average
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
32.6
11.2 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
23%
18.6pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
5%
Source: Department for Education Performance Tables 2024-25
Post-GCSE Destinations
These figures track pupils 6 months after leaving. Source: DfE destination measures.
Sustained destination
In education, employment or training
92%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
81%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
6%
Employment
Directly into work
5%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
6%
Based on 109 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 25 days per year on average — over a month of school.
35% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
10% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 21 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 13 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 46 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Academy sponsor led
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–16
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 579
- Capacity
- 77%
- FSM
- 41.3%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Derbyshire
- Trust
- LIONHEART EDUCATIONAL TRUST
- Head
- Mr Nick Holmes
Provisions
- Sixth form
- No
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection
1 official report linked on this page.
Location
Sunnyside, Newhall, Swadlincote, Derbyshire, DE11 0TL
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmWilliam Allitt School
Secondary · Very close
Newhall Infant School
Primary · Very close
Newhall Junior School
Primary · Very close
Esteem South Academy
Academy · 303m away
Fairmeadows Foundation Primary School
Primary · 828m away
The Pingle School
Secondary · 1.3km away
The Pingle Academy
Secondary · 1.3km away
Elmsleigh Infant and Nursery School
Primary · 1.4km away
Questions parents ask
Is Mercia Academy a selective school?
No. Mercia Academy is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
How many pupils attend Mercia Academy?
Mercia Academy currently has 579 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Mercia Academy take?
Mercia Academy caters for pupils aged 11 to 16. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is Mercia Academy?
Mercia Academy is in Swadlincote, DE11 0TL, in the Derbyshire local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Mercia Academy have a sixth form?
No, Mercia Academy does not have a sixth form. Pupils move to a different school or college for post-16 study.
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