Littleover Community School Review 2026: Strong Progress and Academic Ambition in Derby

Sat on Pastures Hill in southwest Derby, near routes once travelled by Roman legions along Icknield Street, Littleover Community School serves approximately 1,550 pupils aged 11 to 18. The school was rated Good by Ofsted in October 2022, with its Sixth Form earning Outstanding status. Recent results place the school well above its peer group; a Progress 8 score of +0.46 in 2024 indicates students make progress substantially beyond expectations, and the school ranks 1,163rd in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking). Four students secured Oxbridge places in 2024, and most leavers progress to university, many to Russell Group institutions. The community is diverse, with 70% of students from minority ethnic backgrounds and 50 languages spoken across the school. Leadership remains ambitious and inclusive; Mrs Laura Johnson assumed the headship in September 2025, bringing experience from All Saints' School in Mansfield.

Littleover Community School in Littleover, Derby has a clear sense of identity shaped by its setting and community. Students move between lessons with focused intent. Behaviour in classrooms and around the site is described by inspectors as calm, focused and orderly. The school has clearly invested in physical spaces that matter; the 2014 humanities block is modern, and the science facilities include ten fully equipped laboratories and four dedicated computer rooms. These investments signal where the school's priorities lie: serious academic work in conditions that enable learning.

The ethos is captured in the phrase "the LCS Way," which staff and governors describe as embedded throughout daily life. It emphasises inclusive culture, high expectations and a commitment to care alongside rigour. There is genuine attempt to serve all students: those with special educational needs are supported through individualised provision; students with language barriers access translation services in Arabic, Punjabi and Urdu; disadvantaged pupils are identified and targeted with additional support. The school does not separate vulnerable or less able students into parallel tracks; they remain in mainstream classes with differentiated teaching.

The Sixth Form Centre, which gained independence from its joint arrangement with Derby Moor Community Sports College in 2013, occupies dedicated facilities. Students describe the sixth form learning environment as excellent, with outstanding resources and enriching opportunities. There is genuine camaraderie among the sixth form cohort, and tutors are widely praised for approachability and subject expertise. The atmosphere here is noticeably different from the main school: more autonomous, more university-like in pace.

GCSE Outcomes

Littleover ranks 1,163rd in England for GCSE performance (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the middle 35% of schools and solidly within the National Typical performance band. This is important context: the school is not in the top tier of high-achieving schools, but neither is it below the England average. Performance is steady rather than spectacular.

In 2024, 29% of GCSE entries achieved grades 9 to 7, compared to the England average of 54%. This gap (25%age points below England average) is notable. The Attainment 8 score was 53.8, compared to the England average of 45.9, suggesting that while overall pupil achievement is above average in England, the school is not delivering the top grades at scale. Only 16% of entries achieved grades 9 or 8.

On the English Baccalaureate, 37% of pupils achieved grade 5 or above, compared to 33% in England. This indicates good uptake and performance in the broad curriculum subjects (English, Maths, Sciences, Languages, Humanities). The school's technology and languages provision is clearly strong: technology courses attract students from across Derby, and multiple modern languages are taught to GCSE level.

Progress 8 is where Littleover's real strength emerges. The score of +0.46 ranks the school as highest-performing in Derby specifically for student progress. This metric matters because it measures growth from entry point (typically assessed at the end of primary school) to GCSE. A positive Progress 8 score means pupils achieved better than pupils in England with similar starting points. At +0.46, this indicates meaningful added value throughout secondary education. This is particularly significant for students with special educational needs, who the school reports make progress matching peers and sometimes exceeding expectations.

A-Level Performance

The Sixth Form ranks 651st in England for A-level results (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the National Strong band (top 25% of schools ). This is a notably stronger position than the GCSE ranking, suggesting the sixth form is genuinely excellent. The school's own data shows 62% of A-level grades achieved A* to B, substantially above the England average of 47%. At A-level, 8% of grades were A*, 24% were A, and 30% were B. These figures point to a sixth form where strong teaching drives results above the national norm.

The Ofsted inspectors awarded the Sixth Form Outstanding status, noting that sixth formers work with purpose and discuss their learning enthusiastically. They highlighted outstanding resources, enriching opportunities and supportive student community. A-level subject range is comprehensive, with 30 subjects offered across sciences, humanities, languages, creative arts and technical subjects. Mathematics and sciences are particularly popular; many students progress from these subjects to competitive university courses.

The 2022 Ofsted report rated the quality of education as Good across all measures. Teachers have excellent subject knowledge and use it effectively to engage pupils. The curriculum is structured and ambitious; leaders ensure that teachers know which knowledge to teach and in what sequence. This systematic approach contrasts with more ad-hoc planning and suggests a school where rigour is built into processes.

Specialist science facilities are a genuine asset. With ten laboratories and four computer rooms, the school can deliver practical, investigative science. Combined sciences are taught as three separate GCSEs, and biology, chemistry and physics are offered at A-level. The school has earned Silver status from Isaac Physics, a platform used by physics, chemistry and biology teachers across all key stages, signaling commitment to using contemporary technology to deepen understanding.

Technology teaching is distinctive. Pupils access hands-on opportunities in Resistant Materials, Graphic Design, Textiles and Food. These are not theoretical subjects; the school provides actual equipment and real-world projects. This attracts pupils from across Derby and signals that technical and creative skills are valued alongside academic ones.

The Creative Arts Faculty is described as a dynamic hub where students develop artistic talents in music, art and drama alongside essential skills of critical thinking and collaboration. Drama productions are staged throughout the year (inspectors noted this as good enrichment), and music ensembles include an orchestra and choir. A total of eight peripatetic music teachers, accredited by Derbyshire Music Partnership, teach across a broad range of instruments: brass, drums, guitar, piano, keyboard, singing, strings and woodwind. For students without prior experience, this is genuine access to musical learning.

In 2024, 66% of sixth form leavers (from a cohort of 179 pupils) progressed to university, with 7% starting apprenticeships and 13% entering employment. Four students secured Oxbridge places, with three progressing to Oxford and one to Cambridge. The school ranks 234th in England for Oxbridge acceptances (FindMySchool ranking), a respectable position reflecting consistent success at the most selective universities.

Beyond Oxbridge, leavers secure places at a range of universities. Russell Group institutions are regularly represented, and the school clearly prepares students seriously for competitive entry. Leavers describe invaluable guidance from sixth form tutors throughout the university application process and strong support in developing applications to leading professional services firms. Several alumni have progressed to professional apprenticeships with prestigious employers including Deloitte.

For those not pursuing university, the school provides work experience (mandatory for Year 11 pupils, offered again in the sixth form) and careers guidance to support pathways into apprenticeships and employment. The Careers Library is open at lunchtimes, offering students space to explore opportunities and receive advice.

Littleover recognises that education extends beyond examination performance. The school provides over 50 distinct clubs and activities, and students are actively encouraged to develop skills and interests outside the core curriculum. This is a genuine strength; the extracurricular programme is notably diverse and includes named, specific activities rather than generic categories.

Music and Performing Arts

The school has a genuine music programme. Eight instrumental teachers deliver lessons across brass, drums, guitar, piano, keyboard, singing, strings and woodwind. For pupils without prior experience, this opens doors to musical learning. The school runs an orchestra, a chapel choir and smaller ensembles. A termly Instrumental Music Showcase celebrates pupil achievement. Drama is similarly prominent; productions are staged throughout the year using the school's stage facilities, drawing on full orchestral accompaniment and professional-level staging. Speech and drama lessons are available peripatetically, allowing pupils to develop performance confidence and storytelling skills. Beyond school productions, students participate in external competitions and festivals, gaining experience of performing in competitive environments.

Sports and Physical Activity

Sports clubs are extensive and varied. The school offers badminton, netball, dodgeball, basketball and trampolining through regular after-school clubs. Team sports are competitive; the school fields rugby, football, hockey, cricket and tennis teams across year groups. The school was previously designated a Sports College and retains that legacy in its investment in provision. A dedicated sports centre on site includes facilities available to the community through hire. Cross country is popular; students have competed at the Derbyshire team level and beyond. In March 2025, Olivia Lee (Year 9) finished third at the National Cross-Country Championships and earned selection for the England team, repeating the success of former student Hugo Milner in 2013. This demonstrates genuine development pathways in athletics, not simply recreational sport.

Duke of Edinburgh Award

The Duke of Edinburgh scheme is well-embedded. Weekly sessions typically run on Wednesday after school (Bronze and Silver), with Gold integrated into the sixth form enrichment programme. The scheme provides structured personal development, outdoor adventure and community service opportunities. The school actively promotes participation, and uptake is strong.

STEM and Innovation

Isaac Physics partnership signals commitment to physics teaching. The school has achieved Silver Embedded School status and is working toward Gold accreditation. This platform is used across physics, chemistry and biology teaching, integrating interactive problem-solving and computational thinking. The school also supports students through the Arkwright Engineering Scholarship scheme; in 2025, Eva Jaison (Year 11) secured a prestigious Arkwright award, an achievement that identifies and nurtures future engineers from age 13 onwards.

Student-Led Clubs and Societies

The school offers Chess Club, explicitly open to all levels from beginners to advanced players. Dungeons & Dragons provides a creative, social outlet. Art Club and Craft Club enable pupils to develop visual creativity outside timetabled lessons. Stagecraft is a behind-the-scenes club supporting drama productions. A Quiet Room offers a space for students who prefer calmer lunch and break activities. Careers Library operates Tuesday and Wednesday lunchtimes, helping students explore future pathways.

The Sunrise Study Club runs before school (Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 7.30am-8.20am) for students in Years 9, 10 and 11 needing extra support in core subjects. This is not remedial in tone; it is framed as support for pupils of various ability levels and is staffed by volunteers committed to helping students.

Personal Development Framework

Beyond clubs, the school operates a Personal Development Passport encouraging all pupils to demonstrate and develop personal qualities across three stages: Bronze, Silver and Gold. This systematic approach recognises that becoming an educated person involves character development, not just knowledge acquisition. The passport helps pupils reflect on progress, set goals and receive recognition for growth in areas like leadership, resilience and community contribution.

Littleover is a non-selective community school. The main secondary entry point is Year 7 (age 11), and admissions are coordinated by Derby Local Authority, not directly by the school. There is no entrance examination; places are allocated according to the admissions criteria: looked-after children and those with EHCPs naming the school receive priority, followed by siblings, then distance. The school is significantly oversubscribed at the primary-to-secondary transition, reflecting strong local demand.

Sixth form entry (Year 12, age 16) is managed by the school. Entry requirements typically include a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 5 or above, with specific subject grades required for subjects like A-level sciences and languages. The sixth form is not full with current pupils only; external applicants are welcome, and the school receives applications from across the wider Derby area and beyond.

The school's culture emphasises safety and inclusion. Behaviour is noted by inspectors as calm and orderly both in lessons and around the site. There is minimal concern about bullying; pupils report confidence that they can report issues and that leaders will respond promptly. The "LCS Way" underpins this; it is not a slogan but a lived approach to how the school community treats one another.

For pupils with special educational needs or disabilities, the school provides tailored support through the Assess-Plan-Do-Review model. Learning support includes access to a balanced curriculum with differentiation from class teachers and subject specialists, alongside small-group interventions where needed. The school considers itself a caring learning environment where students with SEND are inspired to develop high aspirations and independence. This is not empty language; the school backs it with dedicated SEND staffing and resource allocation.

Mental health support is prioritised. The school holds the School Mental Health Award, and pupils have access to trained counsellors. Staff are trained in recognising and responding to mental health concerns, and whole-school initiatives promote wellbeing.

Safeguarding is taken seriously. Inspectors noted a strong culture of safeguarding created by leaders, with effective arrangements and clear procedures. All staff are trained, and concerns are reported and acted upon promptly.

The school day operates a five-period timetable plus tutor time, morning break and lunch. The school runs a two-week rotation (Week A and Week B), starting with Week A on the first day. Tutor groups of 6-8 pupils provide academic oversight and pastoral care. Most lessons last one hour.

For transport, the school is located on Pastures Hill in Littleover, southwest of Derby city centre, close to the A38 and A50 major roads. Public transport links are available; buses serve the school regularly. Some pupils walk from nearby residential areas. For those requiring support, Derby Local Authority provides travel assistance for pupils with special educational needs according to its criteria.

The school is a state-funded community school with no tuition fees. Costs for families include uniform, textbooks and equipment (estimated £150-200 on entry), school trips and visits (typically £20-100 per term depending on the trip), music lesson fees (if pupils choose to pay for instrumental tuition rather than receive lessons within the school day), and optional extras like Duke of Edinburgh expeditions. A uniform code applies; students wear blazers, trousers or skirts, and shoes.

Academic pace and expectations. This is a school where rigour and progress are paramount. Teachers have high expectations, lessons move at pace, and pupils are expected to engage seriously with their learning. For pupils who thrive on challenge, this is positive. For those who struggle with the pace or find sustained concentration difficult, additional support through the Sunrise Study Club and SEND provision is available, but the core culture is one of academic ambition.

Diversity and inclusion. The school's cohort is 70% from minority ethnic backgrounds and speaks 50 languages. This is genuinely inclusive; families from all backgrounds will find peers and staff who understand their culture and language. However, it also means the school is busier and more crowded than some alternatives, and resources are stretched across many needs.

Oversubscription. Gaining a place at secondary entry is competitive due to high local demand. Distance from the school is the primary criterion. Families should verify their postcode distance before assuming a place is secure.

Teaching style. The school emphasises traditional, knowledge-rich teaching with structured curricula. Lessons are formal rather than play-based or highly experiential. This suits many learners but may not suit those who prefer more project-based, unstructured learning environments.

Sixth form availability. The Sixth Form is selective by prior attainment (minimum grades required), not fully open access. Pupils must achieve sufficient GCSEs to access A-level study. For those not meeting entry requirements, the school cannot guarantee a place in the sixth form, though there are opportunities for resit or alternative post-16 provision.

Littleover Community School is a solid, ambitious comprehensive serving a diverse community across Derby. GCSE results place it in the middle tier of schools in England, but Progress 8 data reveals genuine added value; pupils achieve substantially better than peers with similar starting points. The Sixth Form is genuinely strong, rated Outstanding by Ofsted, with results well above national averages and consistent success in Russell Group and Oxbridge admissions. Teaching is rigorous, facilities are good, and extracurricular opportunities are extensive and well-organised. Pastoral care is warm without compromising academic expectations.

The school is best suited to families seeking a comprehensive secondary education with strong academic tradition, genuine pastoral support and real opportunities in sports, music and creative arts. It is not a highly selective school chasing top-tier examination rankings; it is an inclusive school ambitious for all its pupils, particularly strong at helping those who would otherwise underachieve make better progress. For families within the catchment and able to secure a place, Littleover offers good value and genuine community.