Saint Benedict, A Catholic Voluntary Academy Review 2026: Academic Ambition and Catholic Character in Derby

Set on an expansive campus in Darley Abbey, Saint Benedict, A Catholic Voluntary Academy, serves a large and diverse community as the only Catholic secondary school in Derby. With a capacity for nearly 1,600 students, including a significant sixth form, the academy operates with a scale that allows for a breadth of curriculum and extracurricular opportunities rarely found in smaller institutions.

Under the leadership of Mrs Hazel Boyce, who has served as head teacher since September 2022, the school has solidified its reputation for combining academic rigour with a deeply embedded pastoral ethos. The latest assessment by Ofsted in November 2023 confirmed that Saint Benedict continues to be a good school, with inspectors highlighting a culture where pupils feel safe and cared for. As a voluntary academy within the St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi-Academy Trust, the school maintains a distinctive identity rooted in Gospel values while serving students of all faiths and none who seek a disciplined and aspirational environment.

The atmosphere at Saint Benedict is one of structured purpose. Given the school's size, the management of student movement and the clarity of expectations are paramount. The campus is divided into distinct areas that help the large student body feel manageable, with dedicated spaces for the Saint Benedict Sixth Form and specialist blocks for technology and the arts.

The Catholic identity is not merely a label but the primary lens through which the school operates. The school chapel serves as a physical and spiritual centre, with regular Masses, liturgies, and opportunities for reflection integrated into the weekly cycle. Students describe a community where they are known as individuals, a significant achievement for a school of this scale. This is supported by a house system that creates smaller, more intimate communities within the wider academy, fostering a sense of belonging from Year 7 through to Year 13.

At GCSE, Saint Benedict demonstrates a solid academic performance that sits in line with the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile). In 2024, the school achieved an Attainment 8 score of 49.3, outperforming the England average of 45.9. Perhaps more importantly for parents, the Progress 8 score of +0.31 indicates that students make significantly better progress at this academy than their peers nationally from the same starting points.

Ranked 8th among secondary schools in Derby (FindMySchool ranking), the academy shows particular strength in core subjects. In the sixth form, the performance is also stable. Students achieved an A* to B rate of 39.8%, and while this sits slightly below some of the selective grammars in the wider region, it reflects a broad and inclusive intake that successfully moves students toward their chosen higher education goals. The school ranks 9th in Derby for A-level outcomes, providing a reliable pathway for local students.

The curriculum is designed to be inclusive yet challenging, with a clear focus on the English Baccalaureate (EBacc) subjects for those showing academic aptitude. Teachers use their subject expertise to plan lessons that build systematically on prior knowledge, a feature noted in the 2023 Ofsted report.

In the lower years, the focus is on establishing strong foundations in literacy and numeracy, while the Key Stage 4 options process allows students to tailor their studies toward a mix of academic and vocational qualifications. The Saint Benedict Sixth Form offers a vast range of subjects, ranging from traditional A-levels in the sciences and humanities to more vocational pathways that cater to the diverse interests of the Derby student population.

Where Students Go Next

The academy's leavers' destinations for the 2023/24 cohort reflect its aspirational culture. 61% of students progressed to university, a figure that demonstrates the school's effectiveness as a springboard for higher education.

Academic prestige is evidenced by the pipeline to elite institutions; in the measurement period, students successfully secured places at the University of Cambridge, with a 50% offer rate for applicants. Beyond university, the school supports a range of pathways, with 17% of students entering employment and 3% securing competitive apprenticeships. This balanced output suggests that the school's careers advice is effective in guiding students toward varied and sustainable futures.

As a Catholic Voluntary Academy, the admissions process is coordinated by Derby City Council, but the school's governors apply their own oversubscription criteria. Primary priority is given to baptised Catholic children, particularly those attending feeder Catholic primary schools across Derby. However, the school frequently admits students from other backgrounds who support the academy's ethos.

In recent years, the school has been oversubscribed, with a subscription proportion of 2.05, meaning there are roughly two applications for every available place. For the September 2026 intake, the deadline for Year 7 applications is 31 October 2025. A supplementary information form (SIF) must be completed and returned directly to the school by the same date for those applying under faith-based criteria to provide proof of baptism.

The pastoral system is a clear strength, structured to ensure that no student is lost in the crowd. Every student belongs to a form group and a house, with a dedicated head of year and pastoral support assistant providing a first point of contact for families.

Official assessments highlight that the provision for pupils' personal development is impressive, including a well-developed careers programme. For students with additional needs, the SEND department provides a high level of support, particularly for visually impaired pupils who benefit from expert, knowledgeable staff. The integration of the chaplaincy team into the pastoral framework provides an additional layer of emotional and spiritual support that is highly valued by the school community.

The extracurricular programme is extensive, leveraging the school's large staff body to offer a wide variety of clubs through the Beyond the Classroom programme. Sports are a major pillar of school life, with students competing at local and regional levels in football, netball, and athletics. The school's facilities, including large playing fields and a sports hall, support a high level of participation.

Creative arts also play a central role. The music department hosts various ensembles and choirs that perform at school liturgies and public concerts. The drama department is known for ambitious annual productions and theatre visits. Furthermore, the school offers the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme, which is popular among students in the middle and upper years. To ensure all students can participate, the school even funds a late bus for those attending after-school activities.

STEM: Excellence in Innovation

The academy has made significant strides in its STEM provision, particularly through its involvement in regional competitions and industry partnerships. The science labs are well-resourced, supporting a high uptake of Triple Science at GCSE. Students have the opportunity to engage in coding clubs and engineering challenges that link the curriculum to Derby's rich industrial heritage, providing a practical context for their classroom learning.

The school day begins at 8:45am and concludes at 3:10pm. Given its location on Duffield Road, the school is well-served by local bus routes, and many students travel from across the city. There is a dedicated school bus service for certain areas. Detailed information on travel and school hours is available on the academy website.

Fees & Financial Aid

As a state-funded academy, Saint Benedict does not charge tuition fees. There are no costs for standard curriculum delivery or core examinations. Families should, however, plan for costs associated with school uniform, optional music lessons, and certain extracurricular trips or residential visits. Financial support may be available for students eligible for the Pupil Premium or the 16 to 19 Bursary Fund to assist with these incidental costs.

• Scale of the Academy. With over 1,500 students, the school is large. While the house system mitigates this, students who are particularly sensitive to busy environments may find the size of the school an adjustment.
• Oversubscribed Entry. Entry is competitive, with a subscription ratio of over 2:1. Families applying from non-Catholic backgrounds should be aware that they sit lower in the priority criteria and should have a clear secondary option.
• Catholic Ethos. The faith character of the school is pervasive. Families uncomfortable with mandatory participation in collective worship and Catholic religious education should consider whether this environment aligns with their personal values.

Saint Benedict, A Catholic Voluntary Academy, offers a robust and well-rounded education that successfully balances academic ambition with strong pastoral support. It is a school that suits students who thrive in a large, structured environment and families who value the discipline and moral framework provided by a Catholic education. While entry is competitive, the progress students make, particularly at GCSE, suggests that the school delivers a significant value-added experience.