City of Derby Academy
87%
Capacity
913
Pupils
1.1x
Demand
About City of Derby Academy
City of Derby Academy is a state-funded None secondary school serving the Derby community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 913 pupils on roll and is well-filled (87% of 1,050 places).
Ofsted has rated City of Derby Academy "Requires Improvement", the school is led by headteacher A Harding, it falls under Derby local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.56 is well below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 32.3. Additionally, ranked 2692nd out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 10th out of 15 in Derby.
City of Derby Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 203 applications for 179 places, making it 1.1x oversubscribed. Of these, 113 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 8 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 5 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at City of Derby Academy include Art Studios, Gymnasium, Sixth Form Centre, Library, Swimming Pool, Dining Hall.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Rowing, Gymnastics, Swimming, Martial Arts and 5 more, as well as clubs including Science Club, Drama, Eco Club, Book Club and 6 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 54.5%, which is well above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Derby, City of Derby Academy is one of the options available in the East Midlands region. Use Classpot to compare it side-by-side with nearby alternatives and find the best fit for your child.
Key Details
| School Type | Secondary (State) |
| Age Range | 11 to 16 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | None |
| Address | Farmhouse Road, Derby, Derby, DE24 3AR |
| Headteacher | A Harding |
| Local Authority | Derby |
| Number of Pupils | 913 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 54.5% |
| School Capacity | 913 / 1,050 (87% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
19 Mar 2024Overall Effectiveness
Requires improvement
Source: Ofsted, 7 May 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.56)
2692nd of 3,141
Nationally
230th of 273
In East Midlands
10th of 15
In Derby
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make significantly less progress than similar students nationally
Attainment 8 (vs national avg)
Students achieve significantly higher grades than the national average
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. Progress 8 compares to students with similar Key Stage 2 results.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
6Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
19Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed179
203
Balanced
Applications roughly match available places
113 families put this school as their 1st choice (56% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About City of Derby Academy
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
Understanding Progress 8
Learn how Progress 8 measures pupil progress from primary to GCSE
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
Understanding School Catchment Areas
How admission distances work and tips for maximising your choices
Contact Information
Farmhouse Road, Derby
Derby, DE24 3AR
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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