Chellaston Academy

  • Secondary
  • Academy
  • Ages 11 to 18
Ofsted: Good

Swarkestone Road, Derby, DE73 5UBOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)

Chellaston Academy is a secondary school in Derby for ages 11 to 18. It is one of the 116 schools in Derby. It ranks 6th of 18 secondary schools in Derby. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in September 2023.

Ofsted inspection

Inspected 12 September 2023, report published 3 October 2023

Overall effectiveness
Good
Quality of education
Good
Behaviour and attitudes
Good
Personal development
Good
Leadership and management
Good
Sixth form provision
Good
Safeguarding
Met

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 12 September 2023

Pupils hold positive views about attending this school now. They recognise that the school has improved dramatically. Pupils also know that the high expectations that staff have help them to achieve academically and personally. The school's ICE (integrity, care and excellence) values permeate the school's work. Staff focus on helping pupils improve their mindsets. This builds pupils' strength of character. Pupils are proud and enthusiastic about achieving 'ICE points'. Teachers award these when pupils demonstrate the school's values. Pupils know that the accumulation of ICE points will enable them to attend end-of-year events, such as the 'ICE festival'. Pupils feel safe and happy at the school. They know that there is a host of adults whom they can speak to about any problems that they might have. There are ample ways to report any type of poor behaviour. Pupils' overwhelming view is that the school does not tolerate poor behaviour and that staff will deal with it if it does occur. Most parents and carers would recommend this school to others. One parent's comment that summed up the view of many was, 'My daughter has really flourished while being at Chellaston. She has improved academically as well as becoming more confident.'

What the school should improve

  • In a small number of curriculum areas, the aims that pupils should achieve are not broken down precisely enough. Teachers do not consistently teach the knowledge that builds towards these aims. Some pupils do not get the depth of understanding they need as a result. Leaders should ensure that the knowledge that leads to pupils achieving larger aims is identified precisely.
  • On occasions, teachers present too much information at once. Some pupils' working memory becomes overloaded and they do not learn as well as they should. The school should ensure that all teachers consistently use methods that do not overburden pupils' working memory.
  • Some groups of pupils are too often absent from school. They do not benefit from the education that is provided by the school. The school must ensure that it continues to develop and refine effective strategies to improve attendance for these groups of pupils.

Exam results

GCSE results (key stage 4), 2024/25

297 pupils in the year group

Attainment 8 score49.2

49.2, 3.1 above the England average of 46.1.

Grade 5 or above in English and maths49.8%

49.8%, 4.4 percentage points above the England average of 45.4%.

Grade 4 or above in English and maths72.7%

72.7%, 7.9 percentage points above the England average of 64.8%.

Pupils entering the EBacc23.2%

23.2%, 17.3 percentage points below the England average of 40.5%.

EBacc average point score4.26

4.26, 0.17 above the England average of 4.09.

A level results (key stage 5), 2024/25

169 students

Average point score per A level entry36.14

36.14, 1.14 above the England average of 35.00.

Average A level grade B-, England average B-

Pupil numbers and mix

1,790 pupils on roll

Eligible for free school meals19.4%

19.4%, 7.1 percentage points below the England average of 26.5%.

English as an additional language7.6%

7.6%, 14 percentage points below the England average of 21.6%.

Special educational needs support12.2%

12.2%, 2.6 percentage points below the England average of 14.8%.

Education, health and care plan2.8%

2.8%, 3.2 percentage points below the England average of 6%.

Schools near Chellaston Academy

SchoolDistanceOfstedResults
Noel-Baker Academy1 mileOfsted: GoodAttainment 8: 36.3
Alvaston Moor Academy2 milesOfsted: Requires improvementAttainment 8: 32.4
City of Derby Academy2 milesOfsted: Requires improvementAttainment 8: 34.8
Normanton House School3 milesOfsted: GoodAttainment 8: 50.3
UTC Derby Pride Park3 milesOfsted: GoodAttainment 8: 42.0

School details

School type
Academy converter
Sector
Academy
Trust
TAPESTRY LEARNING PARTNERSHIP
Age range
11 to 18
Gender
Mixed
Sixth form
Yes
Headteacher
Mr Damian Leese
Address
Swarkestone Road, Derby, DE73 5UB
Local authority
Derby
URN
148639

School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Exam results for 2024/25 from the Department for Education. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.