Kensington Junior Academy
Ilkeston, DE7 5PA · Derbyshire · primary school
Check the area around this school
111st of 263 primary schools in Derbyshire we can score, 354 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 — 6.3/10 against 1,084 of them, against 4.8/10 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 | 60.0 · 39 | 40% | 1.56 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 9.0 · 61 | 25% | 1.53 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Kensington Junior Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 60.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 9.0% achieved this, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in May 2024. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (6.3 out of 10 against similar schools, 4.8 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join a breakfast club, play table tennis, and participate in crafts.
Getting in
The published school roll is 178 pupils against a stated capacity of 236. 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 below the expected standard in maths? What specific activities are included in the crafts club?
What Ofsted said about Kensington Junior Academy
Overview
Kensington Junior Academy is described as a "welcoming and friendly school" where pupils are "confident learners" who feel "happy and safe." The inspection found that the school has developed a "well-planned and ambitious curriculum" and maintains high expectations for behaviour, resulting in a positive atmosphere where pupils are "polite and well mannered."
Strengths
- Pupils demonstrate strong "positive learning behaviours" and are described as "collaborative, resilient and curious learners."
- There is a "strong reading culture" with books "well matched to their reading ability," fostering a love of books.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) access the same curriculum, supported by "skilled staff" who adapt teaching effectively.
- The school provides effective pastoral support, with a "strong sense of family" ensuring pupils always have a "trusted adult to talk to."
- Staff feel valued, and leaders work closely with the trust and governors to secure improvements.
Areas to improve
- Strategies for helping pupils retain knowledge over time are "not yet sufficiently effective," meaning some pupils cannot remember past learning well enough in certain subjects.
- Some pupils lack an "accurate understanding of different religions and cultures," which limits their preparation for life in modern Britain.
Safeguarding
The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective."
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 67% |
| 2023/24 | 67% |
| 2024/25 | 60% |
| 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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