City of Derby Academy

About City of Derby Academy

City of Derby Academy was rated Requires Improvement in its most recent Ofsted inspection in March 2024, a rating it has held since its previous graded inspection in 2022. The school's Progress 8 score of -0.56 is the most telling academic metric, placing it well below average nationally and ranking it 10th out of 15 secondary schools in Derby. This means that, on average, pupils achieve about half a grade less per subject than their peers across the country. The Attainment 8 score sits at 32.3, and only 38.1% of pupils achieved a grade 5 or above in English and maths. Just 2.4% of pupils entered the English Baccalaureate, a figure that is notably low. The school's local authority average Progress 8 score is -0.31, so City of Derby Academy sits 0.25 points below that benchmark, indicating that its outcomes are weaker than the typical Derby school.

The Ofsted breakdown offers a more nuanced picture than the headline grade. While the overall effectiveness and quality of education are judged as Requires Improvement, inspectors rated behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management all as Good. This suggests that while academic outcomes need work, the school has a positive culture and strong leadership in place. The Progress 8 breakdown shows that English is the strongest subject area at -0.37, while open subjects are the weakest at -0.75. The school does not have a sixth form, so pupils leave at 16. In the 2023/24 exam year, 19% of pupils achieved a grade 5 or above in both English and maths, compared to 38.1% at grade 4 or above, showing a steep drop-off at the higher threshold.

City of Derby Academy is a mixed, non-denominational secondary school for pupils aged 11 to 16, with 913 pupils on roll against a capacity of 1050. It is oversubscribed for 2025/26, receiving 203 applications for 179 places, with 112 first-preference offers made from 113 first-preference applications. The school has a high proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals at 54.5%, well above the national average. Facilities include art studios, a gymnasium, a swimming pool, and a library. Sports offered range from rowing and gymnastics to martial arts and rugby, and there is a broad selection of clubs including the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, Young Enterprise, and debate. The school supports a wide range of special educational needs, including autistic spectrum disorder, speech and language communication needs, and social, emotional and mental health difficulties. This is a school that suits families who value strong pastoral care and a good behaviour culture, but who are prepared for academic results that currently lag behind the local average.

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