The short version
Average GCSE results. Nearly full. Rated Good by Ofsted (2023).
- GCSE results are broadly in line with the national average (Attainment 8: 42.8 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Good by Ofsted in 2023
- The school is nearly full at 92% capacity
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
42.8
1.0 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
38%
4.0pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
48%
A-Level Average
Mean grade across subjects
C+
A-Level Value Added
Progress vs expected
+0.36
Band 2Source: Department for Education Performance Tables 2024-25
Post-GCSE Destinations
These figures track pupils 6 months after leaving. Source: DfE destination measures.
Sustained destination
In education, employment or training
91%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
86%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
1%
Employment
Directly into work
4%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
4%
Based on 205 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 15 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
23% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
3% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 19 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 11 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 128 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Academy sponsor led
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–18
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 1,375
- Capacity
- 92%
- FSM
- 37.2%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Bedford
- Trust
- HEART ACADEMIES TRUST
- Head
- Mr Chris Deller (Head Teacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection: Good
6 official reports linked on this page, including 5 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Short inspection
May 2019 | Short Inspection
Full inspection: Good
October 2015 | Full Inspection
Curriculum and development visit
February 2015 | Curriculum and development visit Curriculum and development visit
Full inspection: Good
July 2013 | Full Inspection
Monitoring visit
January 2012 | Monitoring Visit
Location
Mile Road, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK42 9TR
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmKing's Oak Primary School
Primary · 451m away
Shackleton Primary School
Primary · 883m away
Cherry Trees Nursery School
Nursery · 950m away
Elstow School
Primary · 1.0km away
Bedford Girls' School
Independent · 1.6km away
Peter Pan Nursery School
Nursery · 1.7km away
Cauldwell School
Primary · 1.7km away
Shortstown Primary School
Primary · 1.7km away
Questions parents ask
Is Bedford Academy a selective school?
No. Bedford Academy is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is Bedford Academy's Ofsted rating?
Bedford Academy was rated Good at its most recent inspection in March 2023. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend Bedford Academy?
Bedford Academy currently has 1,375 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Bedford Academy take?
Bedford Academy caters for pupils aged 11 to 18. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is Bedford Academy?
Bedford Academy is in Bedford, MK42 9TR, in the Bedford local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Bedford Academy have a sixth form?
Yes, Bedford Academy has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
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