City of Derby Academy is ‘much calmer’ following improvement actions being taken by new school leaders, the latest Ofsted report reveals.

Whilst Ofsted has moved away from overall judgements, inspectors found there are areas in the school that need attention and urgent improvement.

However, inspectors have also recognised that new leadership has already resulted in many positive changes.

The report acknowledges a raft of actions are underway to improve the school including strengthening safeguarding procedures and addressing teaching weaknesses.

Under new leadership, the report highlights there have been rapid improvements in pupil attendance and punctuality and the number of suspensions has reduced significantly.

As a result, inspectors have stated that the school is now much calmer and has a more positive atmosphere in which students can learn and teachers can teach.

The school joined Tapestry Learning Partnership, which runs successful schools in the East Midlands, in January 2026. Headteacher Claire Backhouse started in post in May 2026.

Claire Backhouse, Headteacher, City of Derby Academy, said: “We welcome the recognition from Ofsted of rapid improvements and the plans we have in place.

“However, we are not complacent and will continue to make changes so that all students at City of Derby Academy achieve, succeed and flourish.”

Mark Mallender, Chief Executive Officer, Tapestry Learning Partnership, added:

“We are committed to improving the life chances of students at City of Derby Academy.

“Whilst concrete action is already underway to address the issues raised in this report, and improvements are happening at pace, we recognise that there is much more to do.

“I am confident that we will see positive progress thanks to the staff who show great commitment to the school and pride in the students.”

In line with the new inspection framework, Ofsted has graded the school across seven areas as follows:

• Achievement - urgent improvement
• Attendance and behaviour - needs attention
• Curriculum and teaching - needs attention
• Inclusion - needs attention
• Leadership and governance - needs attention
• Personal development and wellbeing - needs attention
• Safeguarding – not met

Although, in other findings, the report notes that leaders and staff care deeply about the children and have placed inclusion at the heart of their work.

Of the 913 students who attend the school 56.5% are eligible for free school meals, which is well above the national average of 28.9%.

Staff have shown great commitment to the school and express great pride in the pupils, who are beginning to get a sense of belonging to the school and community.

There is a genuine commitment to ensure that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, disadvantaged pupils and those known to social care, remain part of the school community.

Many staff have also said that they are now buoyed by the very recent leadership changes and are feeling more optimistic. They particularly value the professional training opportunities that they now receive and feel that their talents and skills are valued.

Leaders have also taken decisive action to build relationships with the local community including parents and carers and local businesses to ensure pupils are safe and in school.

There is also growing and more positive engagement with families, with more parents attending events in school.

To read the report, published on 16th September 2026, please visit https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/23/145132.

Pictured: Claire Backhouse, Headteacher, City of Derby Academy.