SchoolScoresSaint Benedict, A Catholic Voluntary Academy
Academy · Secondary, ages 11 to 19 · Mixed · Roman Catholic · Sixth form
Part of ST RALPH SHERWIN CATHOLIC MULTI ACADEMY TRUST
Duffield Road, Darley Abbey, Derby, DE22 1JD
01332 557032 · School website · Map and directions
Ofsted inspection
Ofsted rated this school Good at the inspection that started on 15 May 2018.
This inspection used Ofsted's older format with four grades: Outstanding, Good, Requires improvement and Inadequate. Newer inspections use report cards. What changed.
| Area | Grade |
|---|---|
| Quality of education | Good |
| Outcomes for pupils | Good |
| Behaviour and attitudes | Good |
| Leadership and management | Good |
| Sixth form | Good |
| Safeguarding | Effective |
Since then, a shorter ungraded inspection on 29 November 2023: Ofsted found the school was still Good.
Read the full Ofsted reports for this school
Source: Ofsted state-funded schools inspection data.
What parents say
114 parents answered Ofsted's Parent View survey between 4 September 2023 and 2 September 2024.
Derby comparisons use the 10 of its 18 state secondary schools with comparable results. The other 8 have no published Parent View results (Ofsted only publishes a survey once at least 10 parents answer) or used Ofsted's newer questions, which we don't compare with the older ones.
| Statement | This school | Derby | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| My child is happy at this school 6th highest of 10 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Derby. Higher than 46% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 82% | 79% | 88% |
| My child feels safe at this school 7th highest of 10 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Derby. Higher than 38% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 82% | 83% | 90% |
| The school makes sure pupils are well behaved Joint 5th highest of 10 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Derby. Higher than 43% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 75% | 71% | 84% |
| Bullying was dealt with quickly and effectivelyOf 48 parents whose child had been bullied 6th highest of 10 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Derby. Higher than 50% of 1,665 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 50% | 47% | 49% |
| Concerns were dealt with properlyOf 91 parents who had raised a concern 7th highest of 10 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Derby. Higher than 37% of 1,736 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 65% | 64% | 75% |
| I would recommend this school to another parent 7th highest of 10 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Derby. Higher than 44% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 77%said yes | 73% | 84% |
Parents choose whether to take part, so these answers may not represent all families. Figures are the share who agree or strongly agree. England figures are all parents answering the same questions over the same period, for state-funded schools. Derby figures pool parents at the Derby schools compared, from each school's latest survey, so survey dates differ between schools. The scales run from lower (left) to higher (right) agreement, and the dot marks this school among state schools of the same phase that used the same survey questions. The third it falls in is coloured: green for the top third, amber the middle, red the bottom. This survey used Ofsted's previous Parent View questions, which changed in November 2025. Source: Ofsted Parent View management information.
Results
GCSEs (key stage 4, age 16), 2024/25
243 pupils in this year group.
37% — 2 points below the Derby average, and 8 points below the England average.
| Measure | This school | Derby | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English and maths | 37% | 39% | 45% |
| Attainment 8 scoreAverage of each pupil's grades across 8 GCSE-level subjects, with English and maths counted twice. Around 50 means grade 5s on average. | 45.3 | 42.2 | 46.1 |
| EBacc average point scoreAverage points across the English Baccalaureate subjects: English, maths, sciences, a language and history or geography. | 3.9 | 3.7 | 4.1 |
Progress 8 isn't shown. DfE didn't publish it for 2024/25 because this year group's key stage 2 tests in 2020 were cancelled, and older progress scores aren't comparable.
Source: DfE key stage 4 performance tables, 2024/25. England figures are for state-funded schools.
After Year 11
Where pupils went next. DfE measures this for pupils who finished in an earlier year, so these figures describe a previous year group.
228 pupils in this year group.
88% — about the same as the Derby average, and 4 points below the England average.
| Measure | This school | Derby | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or workPupils recorded in sustained education, apprenticeship or employment in the year after finishing Year 11. | 88% | 87% | 92% |
| School sixth form | 36% | 28% | 34% |
| Sixth form college | 2% | 3% | 13% |
| Further education college | 44% | 47% | 37% |
| Apprenticeship | 4% | 5% | 3% |
| Work | 2% | 2% | 3% |
Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or work, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 95% | 88% |
Source: DfE key stage 4 destination measures, 2024/25 performance tables. England figures are for state-funded schools.
A levels (16 to 18), 2024/25
72 A level students in this year group.
| Measure | This school | Derby | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average A level grade | C+ | C+ | B- |
| A level exams graded A* or A | 16% | 25% | 26% |
| A level exams graded A* to B | 44% | 53% | 53% |
| Average points per A level entryAn A* is 60 points, an A is 50, a B is 40, and so on down to 10 for an E. | 33.1 | 34.1 | 35 |
A level subjects, 2024/25
19 subjects, 181 exams. England figures are for state-funded schools and colleges.
| Subject | Exams | A* | A* or A | England A* or A |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chemistry | 19 | 0% | 26% | 30% |
| Biology | 17 | 0% | 18% | 27% |
| English Literature | 16 | 13% | 13% | 23% |
| English Language and Literature | 15 | 0% | 7% | 16% |
| Psychology | 15 | 0% | 7% | 19% |
| Geography | 14 | 0% | 29% | 23% |
| Mathematics | 14 | 7% | 36% | 40% |
| Government and Politics | 13 | 0% | 0% | 26% |
| Religious Studies | 13 | 0% | 0% | 22% |
| History | 9 | 0% | 11% | 23% |
| Physics | 9 | 11% | 33% | 31% |
| Sociology | 8 | 0% | 25% | 20% |
| Design and Technology (Engineering) | 6 | 0% | 17% | 10% |
Also taken, with too few exams for DfE to publish grades: Drama and Theatre Studies, French, Art and Design, Italian, Persian, Portuguese.
Source: DfE 16 to 18 qualification and subject data, 2024/25.
Source: DfE 16 to 18 performance tables, 2024/25. England figures are for state-funded schools.
After sixth form
Where pupils went next. DfE measures this for pupils who finished in an earlier year, so these figures describe a previous year group.
71 students in this year group.
83% — 5 points above the Derby average, and 4 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Derby | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or workStudents recorded in sustained education, apprenticeship or employment in the year after finishing 16 to 18 study. | 83% | 78% | 79% |
| Apprenticeship | 3% | 12% | 7% |
| Work | 15% | 30% | 28% |
Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or work, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 91% | 83% |
Source: DfE 16 to 18 destination measures, 2024/25 performance tables. England figures are for state-funded schools.
Going on to university
Where pupils went next. DfE measures this for pupils who finished in an earlier year, so these figures describe a previous year group.
87 students in this year group.
68% — 13 points above the Derby average, and 8 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Derby | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Went on to a degree or other higher education | 68% | 55% | 60% |
| Went to one of the most selective third of universitiesDfE's grouping of universities by the typical entry grades of their students. | 23% | 16% | 19% |
Went on to a degree or other higher education, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 64% | 68% |
Source: DfE 16 to 18 progression to higher education or training, 2024/25 performance tables. England figures are for state-funded schools.
Admissions
Apply through the council where you live, even if the school is in a different council area. This school is in Derby. The national closing date for secondary applications is 31 October, and offers are sent on 1 March.
How hard is it to get in?
For the September 2026 intake there were fewer first-choice applications than places.
| Places offered | 242 |
|---|---|
| Families who put it first | 202 |
| Of those, offered a place | 182 (90%) |
| Families who listed it at all | 522 |
First-choice applications per place: 2024: 0.6 · 2025: 0.9 · 2026: 0.8
This isn't your chance of getting a place. That depends on the school's admissions rules (for example siblings, distance or faith) and where you live. Source: DfE applications and offers, September 2026 intake.
This is a Roman Catholic school. When it has more applicants than places it can give priority to families of the faith, for example those who can show regular worship. Check the school's admissions policy to see how places are allocated.
Pupils, staff and SEND
Specialist SEND provision: this school has resourced provision with 24 places for specific learning difficulties (such as dyslexia); Visual impairment; Other difficulties or disabilities; Hearing impairment; Speech, language and communication needs; Autism; Social, emotional and mental health needs; Physical disability; Moderate learning difficulties. These places are usually allocated through the council's SEND team.
| Pupils | This school | Derby | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eligible for free school meals in the last 6 years 12th highest of 18 state secondary schools in Derby. Higher than 61% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 31.8% | 37.4%* | 28.9% |
| With an education, health and care plan 10th highest of 18 state secondary schools in Derby. Higher than 44% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 2.7% | 3.3%* | 3.1% |
| Receiving special educational needs support 11th highest of 18 state secondary schools in Derby. Higher than 36% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 11.9% | 13.4%* | 13.4% |
| English as an additional language 4th highest of 18 state secondary schools in Derby. Higher than 85% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 36.4% | 22.4%* | 19.2% |
| Overall absence (sessions missed) 6th lowest of 18 state secondary schools in Derby. Lower than 70% of 3,411 state secondary schools in England. | 7.2% | 8.3%* | 8.4% |
| Persistently absent (missed 10% or more) 8th lowest of 18 state secondary schools in Derby. Lower than 67% of 3,411 state secondary schools in England. | 20.0% | 23.2%* | 23.4% |
| Suspensions per 100 pupils 12th lowest of 18 state secondary schools in Derby. Lower than 41% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 18.4 | 18.8 | 21.2 |
| Pupils suspended at least once 12th lowest of 18 state secondary schools in Derby. Lower than 43% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 7.6% | 7.6% | 7.3% |
| Pupils permanently excluded3 pupils | 0.20% | 0.18% | 0.23% |
| Pupils per teacher Joint 8th highest of 18 state secondary schools in Derby. Higher than 54% of 3,442 state secondary schools in England. | 17.0 | 16.9 | 16.7 |
| Pupils per adult (teachers and support staff) 11th highest of 18 state secondary schools in Derby. Higher than 19% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 10.3 | 11.0 | 11.8 |
| Teachers who left during the year 8th highest of 17 state secondary schools in Derby. Higher than 44% of 3,430 state secondary schools in England. | 12.3% | 15.2%* | 14.2%* |
Comparisons are with secondary schools. Scales run from lower (left) to higher (right) figures. For absence and suspensions lower is better, so their scales run green to red; blue scales describe the school's pupils and staff and aren't good or bad. * Calculated by SchoolScores from the council's or England's schools, weighted by pupils (or teachers, for turnover); other figures are published by DfE. Sources: DfE school census 2024/25; DfE pupil absence 2024/25; DfE suspensions and permanent exclusions 2024/25; DfE school workforce census 2025/26; DfE teacher turnover 2024/25.
SEND provision: Get Information about Schools (DfE).
Nearby secondary schools
- Old Vicarage School 0.4 miles · Independent, inspected by ISI
- Allestree Woodlands School 1.0 miles · Ofsted: Good (2024) · 40% grade 5+ English and maths
- Landau Forte College 1.2 miles · Ofsted: Outstanding (2024) · 65% grade 5+ English and maths
- Derby Cathedral School 1.5 miles · Ofsted: Good (2023) · 35% grade 5+ English and maths
- Da Vinci Academy 1.6 miles · Ofsted: Report card 2026: 4 expected, 2 needs attention · 21% grade 5+ English and maths
- The Bemrose School 1.9 miles · Ofsted: Good (2024) · 25% grade 5+ English and maths
- UTC Derby Pride Park 2.3 miles · Ofsted: Good (2023) · 38% grade 5+ English and maths
- Murray Park Community School 2.6 miles · Ofsted: Good (2022) · 33% grade 5+ English and maths
- Lees Brook Academy 2.7 miles · Ofsted: Good (2023) · 33% grade 5+ English and maths
- The Ecclesbourne School 2.9 miles · Ofsted: Good (2023) · 71% grade 5+ English and maths
Straight-line distance. Distance isn't the same as a catchment area.
Questions parents ask
What is Saint Benedict, A Catholic Voluntary Academy's Ofsted rating?
Saint Benedict, A Catholic Voluntary Academy was rated Good by Ofsted at its inspection in 15 May 2018. At a shorter ungraded inspection in 29 November 2023, Ofsted found the school was still Good.
How did Saint Benedict, A Catholic Voluntary Academy do in its GCSEs?
In 2024/25, 37% of pupils grade 5 or above in English and maths, 8 points below the England average of 45%.
Would parents recommend Saint Benedict, A Catholic Voluntary Academy?
77% of the 114 parents who answered Ofsted's Parent View survey between 4 September 2023 and 2 September 2024 said they would recommend Saint Benedict, A Catholic Voluntary Academy to another parent. Parents choose whether to respond, so this may not represent all families.
Is Saint Benedict, A Catholic Voluntary Academy oversubscribed?
For the September 2026 intake, 202 families put Saint Benedict, A Catholic Voluntary Academy as their first choice for 242 places: fewer first-choice applications than places. 182 of those families were offered a place. Whether you get a place depends on the school's admissions rules and where you live.
Sources
- School details: Get Information about Schools (DfE), 26 September 2026. URN 138622.
- Inspections: Ofsted management information, data to 31 August 2026.
- Parent views: Ofsted Parent View, 4 September 2023 to 2 September 2024.
- Results: DfE school performance tables, GCSEs 2024/25, After Year 11 2024/25, A levels 2024/25, After sixth form 2024/25, Going on to university 2024/25.
Spotted a mistake? Report it and we'll check it against the source.
Page updated 26 September 2026.