The short version
Above-average SATs results. Rated Requires Improvement by Ofsted (2023).
- SATs results are above the national average, with 77% meeting the expected standard (national: 62%)
- Rated Requires Improvement by Ofsted in 2023
- The school has significant spare capacity
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Reading, Writing & Maths
Expected standard
Pupils meeting expected level in all three
77%
+15.0pp vs nationalHigher standard
Pupils exceeding expected level
0%
-8.0pp vs nationalSubject scores
Reading
Average scaled score (100 = expected)
107
+1.0 vs nationalMaths
Average scaled score (100 = expected)
106
+1.0 vs nationalGrammar & spelling
Average scaled score (100 = expected)
107
Source: Department for Education Performance Tables 2024-25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 9 days per year on average — about two weeks of school.
11% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
1% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 25 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 12 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 35 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Community school
- Phase
- Primary
- Ages
- 2–11
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 418
- Capacity
- 66%
- FSM
- 17%
Governance
- Local authority
- Bedford
- Head
- Mrs Karen Headland (Headteacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- No
- Nursery
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection
8 official reports linked on this page, including 7 earlier reports.
Previous reports
School inspection: Requires Improvement
January 2023 | School Inspection
Monitoring visit
October 2020 | Monitoring Visit
Short inspection
February 2017 | Short Inspection
Full inspection: Good
February 2013 | Full Inspection
Full inspection: Satisfactory
February 2011 | Full Inspection
Full inspection: Satisfactory
December 2007 | Full Inspection
Full inspection
February 2003 | Full Inspection
Location
High Road, Cotton End, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK45 3AG
Rural setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmQuestions parents ask
What is Cotton End Forest School's Ofsted rating?
Cotton End Forest School was rated Requires Improvement at its most recent inspection in May 2025. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend Cotton End Forest School?
Cotton End Forest School currently has 418 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Cotton End Forest School take?
Cotton End Forest School caters for pupils aged 2 to 11. It is classified as a primary school.
Where is Cotton End Forest School?
Cotton End Forest School is in Bedford, MK45 3AG, in the Bedford local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Cotton End Forest School have a sixth form?
No, Cotton End Forest School does not have a sixth form. Pupils move to a different school or college for post-16 study.
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