Chellaston Academy, located in Derby, has undergone significant improvements since its previous inspection, which rated it as inadequate. The recent inspection, conducted on September 12 and 13, 2023, resulted in an overall effectiveness rating of good across all evaluated areas, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and sixth-form provision. The headteacher, Phil Smith, leads the school, which is part of the QEGS Multi-Academy Trust, overseen by CEO Anne Martin and a board of trustees chaired by Sue Hall.
Pupils express positive sentiments about their experience at Chellaston Academy, acknowledging the dramatic improvements made within the school. They appreciate the high expectations set by staff, which contribute to their academic and personal achievements. The school promotes its ICE values—integrity, care, and excellence—throughout its operations, focusing on fostering a positive mindset among students. Pupils take pride in earning ICE points, which are awarded for demonstrating these values, and they look forward to participating in end-of-year events like the ICE festival.
Safety and well-being are prioritized at Chellaston Academy, with pupils feeling secure and happy. They are aware of the various adults available to discuss any issues they may encounter, and they recognize the school's commitment to addressing poor behavior effectively. Most parents and carers express satisfaction with the school, with many recommending it to others. One parent noted their child's significant academic and personal growth during their time at Chellaston.
The curriculum at Chellaston Academy is broad and ambitious, with high academic expectations. Pupils have opportunities to study two languages in key stage three, benefiting from a well-rounded education. The curriculum is designed to help pupils build on their existing knowledge and make connections with new concepts, although some areas still require refinement to ensure depth of understanding. Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge and employ a consistent teaching approach, although there are instances where excessive information is presented at once, which can hinder learning for some pupils.
Support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities is robust, with tailored strategies in place to ensure they can access the full curriculum. The school has implemented effective reading support for those who need it, and sixth-form students report positively on their educational experience, benefiting from expert subject knowledge and performing well in national examinations. They also engage in mentoring younger pupils, enhancing their own development while supporting others.
Pupils are well-prepared for their future endeavors, with a strong emphasis on personal development and careers education. The school fosters a calm and orderly environment, with effective behavior management strategies in place. While overall attendance is high, some groups of pupils still struggle with consistent attendance, which the school aims to address through ongoing strategies.
Governance at Chellaston Academy is effective, with leaders allocating resources wisely to facilitate improvement. Staff feel supported and valued, contributing to a positive working environment. The arrangements for safeguarding are deemed effective, ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils. The school is committed to continuous improvement, focusing on refining its curriculum and enhancing attendance strategies to ensure all pupils benefit from the high-quality education provided.
