Lord Derby Academy
98%
Capacity
1,078
Pupils
2.1x
Demand
About Lord Derby Academy
Lord Derby Academy is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Knowsley community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 1,078 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (98% of 1,100 places).
Ofsted has rated Lord Derby Academy "Good", the school is led by headteacher Victoria Gowan, it falls under Knowsley local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.59 is well below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 38.7. Additionally, ranked 2719th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 3rd out of 6 in Knowsley.
Lord Derby Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 448 applications for 211 places, making it 2.1x oversubscribed. Of these, 256 were first-preference applications.
Lord Derby Academy has average reviews on SchoolParrot (3.3/5 from 1 parents).
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 Lord Derby Academy include Science Labs, Gymnasium, Sports Hall, Art Studios, Music Rooms, ICT Suite, Sixth Form Centre, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Cross Country, Tennis, Gymnastics, Badminton and 4 more, as well as clubs including Debate, Choir, Coding, Newspaper and 5 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 53.6%, which is well above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Knowsley, Lord Derby Academy is one of the options available in the North West 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 | Does not apply |
| Address | Seel Road, Liverpool, Knowsley, L36 6DG |
| Headteacher | Victoria Gowan |
| Local Authority | Knowsley |
| Number of Pupils | 1,078 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 53.6% |
| School Capacity | 1,078 / 1,100 (98% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
27 Jun 2023Overall Effectiveness
Good
Source: Ofsted, 28 Sept 2023. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.59)
2719th of 3,141
Nationally
355th of 445
In North West
3rd of 6
In Knowsley
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
17Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed211
448
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
256 families put this school as their 1st choice (57% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lord 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
Seel Road, Liverpool
Knowsley, L36 6DG
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Reviews on Other Platforms
External reviews are provided by third-party platforms and are not verified by Classpot.
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