Djanogly City Academy: Inner-City Academy with Outstanding Sixth Form

A Foster + Partners-designed building overlooking Forest Recreation Ground houses an academy that has transformed its trajectory over two decades. From Inadequate in 2013 to Good across the board in 2024, with an Outstanding rating for its sixth form, Djanogly City Academy represents a genuine turnaround story in Nottingham's inner city. The sixth form, opened in September 2022, achieved Outstanding at its first full inspection, a notable accomplishment for a provision barely two years old. Principal Andrew Smith has led the academy since August 2019, continuing the momentum of a school that now serves over 1,200 students aged 11 to 19 across two distinct sites.

The Gregory Boulevard site is no ordinary school building. Designed by Foster + Partners and completed in 2004, the structure features full-height glazing that draws the adjacent Forest Recreation Ground into the interior. Wide terraces sheltered by brise soleil canopies provide outdoor learning space, while a central atrium stretches the length of the building, bounded at each end by double-height spaces containing the restaurant, entrance hall, library, and what was once an internet cafe.

The academy operates across two sites, with Year 7 and Year 11 based at the older Sherwood Rise building, and Years 8, 9, and 10 occupying the Foster + Partners campus. This split arrangement requires students to adapt to different environments throughout their secondary education, though the proximity of both sites to the historic Forest Recreation Ground, once part of ancient Sherwood Forest, provides a shared green setting.

Mr Andrew Smith, Principal since August 2019, inherited a school already on an upward trajectory. The Djanogly Learning Trust emphasises a shared mission of making a difference to the lives of children and their families, delivered through what the school terms the Teach Like a Champion model. The ethos of Everybody Graduates shapes expectations across both sites, with high aspiration balanced by structured support. Innovation, resilience, and excellence form the Trust's guiding principles.

Named after sponsor Sir Harry Djanogly, the textile millionaire whose philanthropy enabled the original City Technology College and subsequent academy conversion, the school has maintained its specialism in information and communication technologies. It was among the first schools in England to pioneer laptops in classrooms, eliminating traditional computer labs in favour of mobile devices.

GCSE Performance

The GCSE picture requires context. The average Attainment 8 score of 40.5 sits below the England average of 45.9, placing the academy 2,821st out of 4,593 ranked schools in England and 38th among 45 ranked schools in Nottingham (FindMySchool ranking). This positions results in the lower 40% of schools in England.

However, Progress 8 tells a different story. A score of -0.13 indicates students make marginally less progress than similar students nationally, though this modest shortfall masks considerable variation. The December 2024 Ofsted inspection noted that pupils achieve well across a range of subjects, with teaching particularly strong in English and mathematics.

EBacc entry stands at 8.3% achieving grades 5 or above, with an average EBacc point score of 3.75 against an England average of 4.08. These figures reflect the school's intake, which includes a high proportion of students who speak English as an additional language.

A-Level Performance

The sixth form results are more encouraging relative to context. At A-level, 35.3% of grades achieved A*-B, with 16.5% at A*-A. These figures sit below England averages of 47.2% at A*-B and 23.6% at A*-A, placing the sixth form 1,725th out of 2,649 ranked sixth forms in England and 27th in Nottingham (FindMySchool ranking).

Yet the Outstanding Ofsted rating for sixth form provision reflects more than raw grades. The inspection found that sixth form students benefit from personalised pathways, strong careers guidance, and a curriculum designed specifically for the community the school serves. The first cohort of 37 A-level students in 2024 achieved 23% of grades at A or A*, with the top-performing student securing AAA*.

The curriculum follows a structured approach, with the Teach Like a Champion methodology underpinning classroom practice across both sites. Teachers receive extensive opportunities to develop their practice, including participation in local networks and research trips to study best practices internationally.

Non-load-bearing internal walls in the Foster + Partners building allow flexibility for future reconfiguration, supporting an adaptable approach to space. Chilled beams in upper teaching spaces counter heat generated by extensive computer equipment, while the northern building sections rely on natural ventilation through high-level vents.

Sixth form students follow three A-level or equivalent courses, each receiving five hours of specialist teaching weekly. An additional five hours of timetabled study skills instruction teaches students to organise independent work and develop revision strategies. Weekly work placements aligned with studies or interests provide real-world context, while two hours of relationships, sex, and health education complete the programme.

The December 2024 inspection identified some inconsistency in teaching quality, though it confirmed that pupils' conduct is good and they arrive promptly in smart uniform. The school serves a high proportion of young people who speak English as a second language, and teaching has adapted to support language development alongside subject content.

The sixth form, now in its third academic year, has established pathways to higher education despite its youth. In its first results year, students secured offers from Russell Group universities including the University of Edinburgh, the University of Birmingham, and the University of Nottingham. Courses include medicine, biomedical science, engineering, law, mathematics, and physics.

Individual achievements illustrate the potential. Beatrice progressed to the University of Edinburgh to study medicine. Hajraha Hanif, who studied mathematics, further maths, and physics, achieved A*AA and is reading mathematics with physics at Edinburgh. Ionut proceeded to the University of Nottingham for mechanical engineering.

According to DfE leavers destinations data for the 2023-24 cohort, 27% of sixth form leavers progressed to university. The small cohort size of 11 students means this percentage represents just three individuals. Employment accounted for 36% of destinations.

The school offers 36 personalised pathways integrating university outreach programmes with career-focused companies. Key outcomes include reduced university offers of up to three grades for students completing specific programmes; a student with BBB grades could receive an offer typically requiring AAA. Partnerships include the University of Nottingham Summer School, STEM SMART with Cambridge University, Sutton Trust Summer Schools, and five-day InvestIN work experience placements in London.

Djanogly City Academy coordinates Year 7 admissions through Nottingham City Council. The school has a defined catchment area, with applications processed according to standard local authority criteria. In the event of oversubscription within any criterion, preference goes to applicants living closest to the academy gate, measured by Google Maps.

Data from the admissions system shows 401 applications for 207 places at the Year 7 entry point, representing approximately two applicants per place. This oversubscription reflects the academy's position within the local secondary school landscape.

For sixth form entry, all applicants must hold a minimum of five GCSEs at grades 9-4 and achieve at least grade 5 in subjects they wish to study at A-level. This baseline ensures students possess prior knowledge and skills to succeed in Level 3 study. Applications for the 2026-27 academic year are currently open through the sixth form application portal. Students from other schools who meet entry requirements and live within the academy's catchment area receive priority.

Open days and application deadlines should be confirmed directly with the school. Prospective families can contact the Gregory Boulevard site on 0115 942 1300 or email DCAGBReception@djanogly.notts.sch.uk.

The academy positions itself as a caring community where health, happiness, and wellbeing underpin the overall ethos and philosophy. A Wellbeing Hub offers students a calm and quiet space, equipped with comfortable seating where they can work or relax. This facility represents a city first, launched as a dedicated student wellbeing project.

Pastoral support operates through a structured house system, with each of the three houses functioning as self-contained units with individual resource areas and staff rooms. The Pupil Inclusion Centre provides additional support for students requiring it.

The December 2024 Ofsted inspection confirmed that behaviour and attitudes are Good, with pupils conducting themselves well throughout the school day. Safeguarding arrangements are effective, and students report feeling safe. The school's high proportion of students speaking English as an additional language receives specific support to ensure full participation in school life.

Extracurricular activities run Monday to Thursday from 3.45pm to 4.30pm, offering a structured programme after the main school day. Sports provision includes football, netball, athletics, cross country running, cricket, and table tennis, with opportunities to represent the academy in competitions and events.

Creative Arts

Drama and music feature prominently, with Year 10 scholars visiting Nottingham Theatre Royal for tours and careers talks from industry professionals. The Wolfson Foundation has funded refurbishment of sixth form facilities to create a dedicated creative and performing arts space for music, art, textiles, and performing arts. Talent shows and performances showcase student creativity throughout the year.

Key Stage 3 students encounter creative subjects through a distinctive five-week elective system, providing introduction to arts disciplines before GCSE options narrow choices. At A-level, the subject offer includes drama, music, and art alongside academic subjects.

Duke of Edinburgh Award

The Duke of Edinburgh Award programme covers volunteering, physical activity, skills development, and expedition components. In March 2023, DCA students met the Duke of Edinburgh himself at Stonebridge City Farm in central Nottingham, where he observed young people completing their awards. Activities range from DJing at local hospitals to assisting at animal shelters, from renovating heritage sites to coaching sports at youth clubs.

Enrichment and Careers

Sixth form enrichment includes cultural trips, guest speakers, masterclasses, and societies. Career champions provide personalised guidance, and weekly work placements connect academic study to professional experience. The Unifrog platform supports university and apprenticeship applications.

The academy day runs from a standard secondary timetable, with extracurricular activities extending until 4.30pm. The Gregory Boulevard site sits opposite Forest Recreation Ground, accessible from major roads connecting to central Nottingham. The Sherwood Rise site operates separately for Year 7 and Year 11 students.

A leisure centre opened adjacent to the Gregory Boulevard site in April 2010, designed by Archial Architects to complement the Foster + Partners academy building. Facilities include a 25-metre swimming pool, 50-station fitness studio, and multi-activity studio, available for community use.

Theatre and sports facilities within the academy building are positioned separately from teaching areas to enable easy out-of-hours community access.

Split-site operation. Students experience two different buildings during their secondary education. Year 7 and Year 11 are based at Sherwood Rise, while Years 8, 9, and 10 occupy the Gregory Boulevard site. This requires adaptation and may affect continuity of relationships.

Results below England average. GCSE outcomes sit in the lower 40% of schools in England, and A-level results fall below England averages despite the Outstanding sixth form rating. Families prioritising raw academic outcomes above contextual performance may wish to explore alternatives.

Young sixth form. Opening in September 2022, the sixth form has produced only one cohort of A-level results. While the Outstanding Ofsted rating is encouraging, the provision lacks the track record of established competitors.

Inner-city location. The Gregory Boulevard site sits adjacent to a major road in Hyson Green. While Forest Recreation Ground provides green space, the urban environment differs from suburban alternatives.

Djanogly City Academy represents genuine transformation. The journey from Inadequate to Outstanding (for sixth form) over a decade reflects sustained improvement rather than inspection luck. The Foster + Partners building provides inspiring architecture, the Wellbeing Hub addresses pastoral needs, and the fledgling sixth form has already sent students to Russell Group universities including Edinburgh for medicine.

Best suited to families within the catchment area who value community-focused education, structured support, and emerging sixth form opportunities over league table position. The academy serves its inner-city population with ambition and care, though families seeking elite academic outcomes should recognise that results sit below England averages. For students who thrive with structured teaching, personalised pathways, and genuine investment in wellbeing, Djanogly offers a purposeful secondary education with growing post-16 credentials.

Parents considering this option can use the FindMySchool Comparison Tool to view these results alongside other Nottingham secondaries on the Local Hub page.