Noel-Baker Academy
89%
Capacity
1,243
Pupils
1.4x
Demand
About Noel-Baker Academy
Noel-Baker Academy is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Derby community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 1,243 pupils on roll and is well-filled (89% of 1,400 places).
Ofsted has rated Noel-Baker Academy "Good", the school is led by headteacher Paul Greenough, it falls under Derby local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.84 is well below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 35.2. Additionally, ranked 2947th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 14th out of 15 in Derby.
Noel-Baker Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 383 applications for 274 places, making it 1.4x oversubscribed. Of these, 243 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 10 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Severe Learning Difficulty and 7 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Noel-Baker Academy include Tennis Courts, Library, Science Labs, ICT Suite, Astro Turf, Theatre, Dining Hall, Art Studios, Sixth Form Centre, Gymnasium, Sports Hall, Swimming Pool, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Rowing, Cricket, Hockey, Dance and 2 more, as well as clubs including Science Club, Young Enterprise, Debate, Gardening and 4 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 42.7%, which is well above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Derby, Noel-Baker 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 | Does not apply |
| Address | Bracknell Drive, Derby, Derby, DE24 0BR |
| Headteacher | Paul Greenough |
| Local Authority | Derby |
| Number of Pupils | 1,243 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 42.7% |
| School Capacity | 1,243 / 1,400 (89% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
15 Feb 2022Overall Effectiveness
Good
Source: Ofsted, 3 Apr 2022. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.84)
2947th of 3,141
Nationally
263rd of 273
In East Midlands
14th 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
13Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
14Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed274
383
Balanced
Applications roughly match available places
243 families put this school as their 1st choice (63% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Noel-Baker 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
Bracknell Drive, Derby
Derby, DE24 0BR
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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