Noel-Baker Academy is a secondary school for students aged 11-16 years and our standard pupil admissions number is 280.
Everything we do is underpinned by our passionate belief that outstanding schooling is the right of every child, and a determination that such a vision is achievable. We believe our students are entitled to the same breadth and depth of provision as any student attending any of the best schools in the country. We will never accept that family background, socio-economic circumstances or prior attainment will inevitably limit young people’s potential.
As prospective parents, we look forward to welcoming you to our academy.
Click on the links below to see our admissions criteria.
Admissions Criteria – Academic Year 2026 – 2027
Admissions Criteria – Academic Year 2025 – 2026
Admissions Criteria – Academic Year 2024 – 2025
To check if you are in our catchment area, click on this link.
We are delighted that you are considering joining Noel-Baker Academy. We hope to make the transition from your current school as smooth as possible.
Further information and guidance around secondary school transfers can be found on Derby City Council’s website.
We are always happy for students and their parents/carers to visit us. Please contact us to arrange a visit. We look forward to welcoming you.
| Action | Date |
| National Offer date for Secondary Schools | Monday 3 March 2025 |
| Closing date for Da Vinci Academy and Noel-Baker Academy Appeals. | Tuesday 1 April 2025 |
| Stage 1 Presentations and Stage 2 Appeals for Da Vinci Academy and Noel-Baker Academy | Tuesday 6 May 2025 |
Appeals received after the closing date can still be processed and heard, however they may not be a part of the block hearings and may be scheduled at a later date.
Further information about school appeals can be found on the Derby City Council website. Please contact the academy if we can be of further assistance with the appeal process by emailing [email protected] .
If you are refused a place for your child, for whatever reason given, you have the right to appeal this decision. An independent panel will review your application and make a final, legally binding, decision on the matter.
Appeals information and forms can be requested directly from the school by emailing [email protected] .
The national offer day is Monday 3rd March 2025. Appeals must be lodged within 28 days of the notification.
For in-year admissions into any academic year group, appeals must be heard within 30 school days of being received by the appeals office.
Your appeal form and any additional information will be passed to the Clerk to the Independent Appeals Panel who will then contact you with further information about the appeal.
Please note: Should your address change during the application and appeals process, it is your responsibility to inform Derby City Secondary Admissions so that the waiting list is accurate and up-to-date. You can only make an appeal application if you have already applied for a place through Derby City Secondary Admissions and received a letter from them stating that your application was declined.
Applications must be made by applying online to Derby City Council.
If your child is starting secondary school for the first time in September 2026 and you live in Derby, you should follow the steps on the Derby City Council website when admissions open for September 2025.
If you live outside of Derby and would like a place at Noel-Baker Academy, you should still apply through your local council.
Applications usually open at the beginning of September and remain open until 31st October.
There is usually an option to make a telephone application from mid September until 31st October.
Please contact us or visit Derby City Council website for further updates.
