John Port Spencer Academy

“Returning to status as an outstanding school for the local community”

John Port is a large academy in the village of Etwall, south of Derby. With over 2,000 students on roll, the school is one of the largest in the Spencer Academies Trust group, and includes sixth form provision.

The school is named for the local land owners, the Ports, who founded the nearby Repton school in the 15^th century. It is located on a spacious site which once housed Etwall Hall, a country manor belonging to the Port family.

Today, the school is structured on a ‘green campus’ design, with faculty buildings surrounding a lake which was once a fishing pond for Etwall Hall. The site is shared with Etwall Leisure Centre, and students have access to sporting facilities including a 25m swimming pool.

The unique size and catchment of John Port – covering 31 county parishes – has in the past given rise to challenges. In 2017, the school was placed in special measures by Ofsted inspectors, with the report identifying failures in governance, safeguarding and attainment.

An interim Academy Board was appointed, chaired by Sir Barry Day, and the Trust engaged to provide support prior to John Port becoming a full member in 2018. ‘Strength and stability’ have been restored to leadership, and effective systems introduced to monitor safeguarding. Areas of excellence have been identified in teaching, and a new generation of teaching staff ‘supported well’ as they take up their new roles.

Join John Port Spencer Academy

A small number of places are available for in-year admissions. To express interest in a place or to arrange a visit, please contact the school here.

Academy Information

The Department for Education summary of information about the school, including information on diversity and education outcomes can be found here.