Cavendish Close Junior Academy
Derby, DE21 4RJ · Derby · primary school
Check the area around this school
38th of 59 primary schools in Derby we can score, 74 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 5.6/10 against 1,900 of them, against 4.7/10 nationally. Both figures are results only, without the inspection grade. A lower figure here means a stronger comparison group, not a weaker school.
How this is worked out
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expected standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 66.0 · 54 | 40% | 2.16 |
| Ofsted | 10 | 35% | 0.34 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 4.0 · 35 | 25% | 0.88 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Cavendish Close Junior Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 66.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 4.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (5.6 out of 10 against similar schools, 4.7 out of 10 against all schools). The school was inspected in June 2026 under the new report-card framework, which grades each area separately and gives no overall grade.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join choir, dance, jumping, and clay clubs, or play football, netball, tag rugby, athletics, gymnastics, and hockey. An after-school club is also available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 288 pupils against a stated capacity of 360. These whole-school figures do not establish entry-year vacancies or the likelihood of an offer. Confirm entry-year availability and admissions criteria with the school or local authority.
Worth asking on a visit
How does the school support pupils who are not reaching the higher standard in maths? What specific activities are included in the after-school club? How does the new inspection framework affect current teaching priorities?
What Ofsted said about Cavendish Close Junior Academy
Overview
Cavendish Close Junior Academy is described as a "calm, respectful and happy school" where positive relationships underpin all activities. The report states that the school meets the "Expected standard" across all inspection categories, with pupils achieving well and being "well prepared for the next stage of their education."
Strengths
- Attendance has "improved dramatically" and is now "higher than national," with robust systems to support families.
- Behaviour is "positive," with pupils being "polite and courteous" and incidents of bullying being "rare."
- The curriculum is "well organised," ensuring pupils have a "secure recall" of knowledge and can talk confidently about their learning.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) receive tailored support, with targets that are "well chosen and regularly reviewed."
- Staff wellbeing is prioritised, with leaders taking "good care of their workload and wellbeing" and providing effective training.
Areas to improve
- Teachers should "consistently check on how well pupils are getting on in lessons" to promptly identify and support those struggling or holding misconceptions.
- Leaders should "carefully evaluate the impact" of their pupil premium strategy on disadvantaged pupils, as current checks are not sufficiently detailed.
- Leaders should use the "full range of information" available to evaluate the long-term impact of the school’s work, including in behaviour and teaching.
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" ensuring pupils are made safer and feel safe.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 50% |
| 2023/24 | 56% |
| 2024/25 | 66% |
| England | 64% |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 14,326 state schools in England we hold a 2024/25 figure for — a school-level median, not the DfE's pupil-weighted national figure.
Your offer chance
—Based on official applications/offers, distance and catchment where we have it. Bands only — never a percentage.
Sibling, faith, looked-after and other criteria can override distance. Always confirm with the school or local authority.
Next dates
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2027
- Primary National Offer Day16 Apr 2027
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2028
- Primary National Offer Day17 Apr 2028
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