Derby Cathedral School
91%
Capacity
1,145
Pupils
2.4x
Demand
About Derby Cathedral School
Derby Cathedral School is a state-funded Church of England secondary school serving the Derby community, welcoming children from age 11 to 19. The school has 1,145 pupils on roll and is well-filled (91% of 1,260 places).
Ofsted has rated Derby Cathedral School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Andy Brown, it falls under Derby local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.69 is well below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 40.5. Additionally, ranked 2833rd out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 12th out of 15 in Derby.
Derby Cathedral School is a popular choice with families — it received 437 applications for 180 places, making it 2.4x oversubscribed. Of these, 173 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 11 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Severe Learning Difficulty and 8 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Derby Cathedral School include Sixth Form Centre, Gymnasium, Theatre, Tennis Courts, Astro Turf, Playing Fields, Dining Hall, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Swimming, Football, Martial Arts, Cross Country and 5 more, as well as clubs including Chess, Drama, Gardening, Model UN and 6 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 52.2%, which is well above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Derby, Derby Cathedral School 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 19 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Church of England |
| Address | Great Northern Road, Derby, Derby, DE1 1LR |
| Headteacher | Andy Brown |
| Local Authority | Derby |
| Number of Pupils | 1,145 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 52.2% |
| School Capacity | 1,145 / 1,260 (91% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
17 Jan 2023Overall Effectiveness
Good
Source: Ofsted, 13 Feb 2023. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.69)
2833rd of 3,141
Nationally
251st of 273
In East Midlands
12th 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
8Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
19Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed180
437
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
173 families put this school as their 1st choice (40% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Derby Cathedral School
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
Great Northern Road, Derby
Derby, DE1 1LR
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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