The Long Eaton School facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Long Eaton School |
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Address | |
Thoresby Road
, , NG10 3NP
England
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Coordinates | 52°53′28″N 1°16′55″W / 52.891°N 1.282°W |
Information | |
Type | Academy |
Motto | Opening doors to the future |
Established | 1910 |
Local authority | Derbyshire |
Trust | Archway Learning Trust |
Department for Education URN | 136716 Tables |
Ofsted | Reports |
Chair of Academic Advisory Board | Melanie Ennis |
Headteacher | Mark Shipman |
Gender | Mixed |
Age | 11 to 18 |
Enrolment | 1,050 |
Houses | Calke, Chatsworth, Hardwick, Sudbury |
Website | http://www.longeaton.derbyshire.sch.uk/ |
The Long Eaton School is a secondary school located on Thoresby Road in Long Eaton. This town is found between the cities of Nottingham and Derby in England. It is an Academy, which means it is a state-funded school that operates independently from the local council.
Contents
School History
The Long Eaton School has a long and interesting history. It first opened its doors on 29 October 1910. Back then, it was called the Long Eaton Higher Elementary School and Pupil Teachers' Centre. The school was built on Tamworth Road.
Early Years and Changes
The first headmaster was Samuel Clegg. He helped create the school. In 1913, the school's name changed to Long Eaton County Secondary School. By 1916, students could get school dinners. Many of the vegetables for these meals were grown right at the school! In 1918, the age when students could leave school was raised from 12 to 14 years old.
In 1945, the school became known as the Long Eaton Grammar School. A grammar school is a type of secondary school that used to select students based on their academic ability. Later, in 1972, it joined with another local school, Roper Secondary Modern School. Together, they became a comprehensive school. A comprehensive school accepts students of all abilities. The school's name changed again in 1989 to Long Eaton Community School. Then, in 1999, it went back to being called The Long Eaton School.
Moving to a New Building

On 14 February 2006, the old school building on Tamworth Road closed. Parts of this old building were later taken down to make way for new houses. A brand new school building was constructed for about £15 million. This new building is next to where the Roper School used to be, on the other side of the Erewash Canal. Students can reach the new school by using a special footbridge over the canal. The old Roper School buildings were also removed.
The new school is known for its focus on science. It also has an "Eco" status, meaning it cares about the environment. The current school building was finished in 2005. A famous person, Gordon Brown, who was the Prime Minister at the time, officially opened it on 10 November 2006. In September 2007, the school had to close for two days. This was because of a water issue. In March 2020, like many schools across the United Kingdom, The Long Eaton School closed its doors to most students. This was due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Only children of key workers could attend in person.
Becoming an Academy
The school decided to become an Academy in 2011. This change happened in April 2011. As an Academy, the school operates more independently. It kept its original name, The Long Eaton School.
In 2016, the school was allowed to help other schools become Academies. It created a group called The Northworthy Trust. Then, in 2021, The Long Eaton School and the other schools in The Northworthy Trust joined a larger group called Archway Learning Trust.
The School Observatory
Because the school specializes in science, it has developed a strong interest in Astronomy. Astronomy is the study of stars, planets, and space. The school now offers Astronomy as a GCSE subject. They also hold evening events for the community and families to learn about space. The school is part of two national programs: Leading Space Education and Astroschools.
In July 2011, work began on building The Malcolm Parry Observatory. An observatory is a special building with a telescope for looking at space. This project received funding from The Wolfson Foundation. The observatory officially opened in 2012.
Famous People Connected to the School
Some notable people have either taught at or studied at The Long Eaton School.
Former Teachers
- Frederick L. Attenborough joined the school in 1913. He married Mary, the daughter of the first headmaster, Samuel Clegg. Their children became very famous:
- Lord (Richard) Attenborough was a well-known actor and film director.
- Sir David Attenborough is a famous natural history broadcaster.
- John Attenborough was a successful businessman.
Samuel Clegg remained the headmaster until he passed away in 1930.
Notable Students
Many students from The Long Eaton School have gone on to achieve great things. Here are a few examples:
- Baroness Sue Campbell MBE (born 1948) became the Chairman of UK Sport.
- Alec Clegg (1909–1986) was a Chief Education Officer. He was also the son of Samuel Clegg, the first headmaster.
- Harry Godwin FRS (1901–1985) was a respected botanist, someone who studies plants.
- Douglas Houghton, Baron Houghton of Sowerby (1898–1996) was a Member of Parliament (MP).
- Liv Hill (born 2000) is an actress.