Kensington Junior Academy, Ilkeston

In its own words: "You can still apply after this date, but your application will be treated as late. If you didn't apply online a decision letter will be posted to you. For applications made on and after this date your decision will be emailed to you once they have processed your application."

From the headteacher's welcome: "We are proud to be part of the Tapestry Learning Partnership. Welcome to Kensington Junior Academy. Our aim is to create a learning environment where governors, teachers and parents work together in an atmosphere of mutual respect and trust, enabling all children to feel valued and allowing for the best possible educational achievement."

The school runs a breakfast club, from £1.50 per day.

Coming up: an open evening on Thursday 12 November 2026 at 3.30pm. Check the school's website before you go, as dates can change.

In 2025, 66% of Year 6 pupils at Kensington Junior Academy reached the expected standard in reading and 74% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 76% and 73% in Derbyshire and 77% and 75% across England.

Results fell from 75% in reading and 80% in maths in 2024.

With small year groups, a few pupils can move these figures by several points.

Across Derbyshire, 95% of families were offered their first-choice primary school for 2026 entry, and 99% were offered one of the schools they named.

In 2026, families in Derbyshire lodged 161 appeals against primary school offers; 108 reached a hearing and 13 succeeded (12% of those heard).

The nearest other state primary schools to Kensington Junior Academy are Field House Infant School (0.2 miles, Good); Larklands Infant School (0.3 miles, Good); St Thomas Catholic Voluntary Academy (0.5 miles, Good, 82% reading, 85% maths); and Chaucer Infant School (0.5 miles).

Kensington Junior Academy is one of 15 schools run by Tapestry Learning Partnership, an academy trust.

51.1% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well above the average state school (25%), and 11.2% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

The largest ethnic groups are White British (82%), Mixed (6%) and Black (6%).

The nearest railway station is Ilkeston Rail Station, about 1 mile away in a straight line.

13 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Albany Street (adjacent), 90 metres away.

In August 2026, police recorded 260 crimes within a mile of the school, most often violence and sexual offences, anti-social behaviour and public order offences. That is well above the typical figure around schools in Derbyshire (50), as is usual near a town centre.

Kensington Junior Academy recorded no suspensions or permanent exclusions in 2024/25.

The secondary schools closest to Kensington Junior Academy are Ormiston Ilkeston Enterprise Academy (0.9 miles), Kirk Hallam Community Academy (1 mile) and Saint John Houghton Catholic Voluntary Academy (1.2 miles).