Kirk Hallam Community Academy
Ilkeston, DE7 4HH · Derbyshire · secondary school
Check the area around this school
38th of 45 secondary schools in Derbyshire we can score. 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 — 4.3/10 against 388 of them, against 2.3/10 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 40.3 · 38 | 46% | 1.76 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | -0.84 · 5 | 38% | 0.19 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 40.6 · 22 | 15% | 0.35 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Kirk Hallam Community Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 27.5% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 38.7, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was -0.84 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did worse than those nationally starting from the same place. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (2.2 out of 10 against similar schools, 1.0 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the Duke of Edinburgh Award and creative arts clubs, alongside sporting clubs. Trips include foreign residentials, visits to Lea Green Outdoor Education Centre, industrial visits, theatre performances, and academy music and drama productions. An after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 709 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,202. 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 to close the gap between their current attainment and the national median? What specific support is available for students aiming for the Duke of Edinburgh Award?
What Ofsted said about Kirk Hallam Community Academy
Overview
Kirk Hallam Community Academy is described as a "caring and welcoming school" where pupils feel safe and relationships are positive. However, the report states that the school has "not ensured that all pupils receive a high-quality education," with teaching quality not yet consistently good across the school.
Strengths
- The school is "calm and orderly," with pupils being "respectful to each other and staff."
- Staff and pupils report that "the school has improved," and many parents appreciate the "care and support" provided.
- The curriculum is "broad and ambitious," with teachers having "good subject knowledge" and explaining new topics clearly.
- There is a "well-thought-out programme" for personal development, including learning about online safety and healthy relationships.
- Attendance rates are improving, and the number of suspensions is reducing due to effective support.
Areas to improve
- Teachers must "systematically check pupils’ understanding" to identify and address gaps in learning and misconceptions.
- Staff need to better adapt teaching and resources to support pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) so they can access the curriculum.
- The school must ensure pupils at the early stages of reading receive appropriate support to improve "reading accuracy and fluency."
- Pupils require more opportunities to develop their understanding of "fundamental British values" to be better prepared for life in modern Britain.
Safeguarding
The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective."
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 35.9 |
| 2024/25 | 38.7 |
| 2025/26 | 40.6 |
| England | 44.9 |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 3,682 state schools in England we hold a 2025/26 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
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2026
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2027
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2027
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2028
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