The short version
Average GCSE results. At capacity. Rated Outstanding by Ofsted (2020).
- GCSE results are broadly in line with the national average (Attainment 8: 46.5 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Outstanding by Ofsted in 2020
- This school does not have a sixth form
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
46.5
2.7 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
37%
5.1pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
89%
Source: 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
3%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
5%
Based on 95 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 14 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
19% 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, 15 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 10 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 53 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Free schools
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–16
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 525
- Capacity
- 100%
- FSM
- 28.4%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Bedford
- Trust
- ADVANTAGE SCHOOLS
- Head
- Mr Tom Wood (Principal)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- No
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection
4 official reports linked on this page, including 3 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Location
Cauldwell Street, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK42 9AD
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmBedford College
16 plus · Very close
Bedford Girls' School
Independent · 378m away
Priory Primary School
Primary · 818m away
Peter Pan Nursery School
Nursery · 835m away
Cauldwell School
Primary · 870m away
Cherry Trees Nursery School
Nursery · 932m away
Shackleton Primary School
Primary · 964m away
Castle Newnham School
Primary · 1.2km away
Questions parents ask
Is Bedford Free School a selective school?
No. Bedford Free School is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is Bedford Free School's Ofsted rating?
Bedford Free School was rated Outstanding at its most recent inspection in April 2025. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend Bedford Free School?
Bedford Free School currently has 525 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Bedford Free School take?
Bedford Free School caters for pupils aged 11 to 16. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is Bedford Free School?
Bedford Free School is in Bedford, MK42 9AD, in the Bedford local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Bedford Free School have a sixth form?
No, Bedford Free School does not have a sixth form. Pupils move to a different school or college for post-16 study.
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