Heanor Gate has been a specialist science college since 2002, and has been designated as a High Performing Specialist School.

The school is proud of its innovative personalised learning programme which allows students to have an element of subject choice from the start of Year 8 and a wide range of choices from Year 10. The school plays a major role in supporting the development of the new Diploma qualifications across the learning community and leads on the IT Diploma.

Heanor Gate has a genuinely comprehensive intake. The healthy mix of backgrounds makes for a lively, friendly and engaging atmosphere. It is common for visitors, supply teachers and student teachers to comment on the calm, purposeful and welcoming environment.

Staff and students enjoy working here.

Low staff turnover and a low permanent exclusion rate are defining features of the school.

The school is popular and oversubscribed, with 30% of our students coming from out of catchment.

In the sixth form, numbers are growing with over 220 students studying a range of academic and applied/vocational level 3 courses.

Results reflect a strong upward trend over the last 5 years. The core subjects of English, mathematics, science and ICT are particularly good against value added scores ensuring students have a firm foundation in these key subjects.