The short version
Average GCSE results.
- GCSE results are broadly in line with the national average (Attainment 8: 46.1 vs national 43.8)
- This school does not have a sixth form
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
46.1
2.3 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
56%
13.9pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
27%
Source: Department for Education Performance Tables 2024-25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 13 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
21% 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, 17 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 13 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 51 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Free schools
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–16
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 657
- Capacity
- 73%
- FSM
- 27.6%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Central Bedfordshire
- Trust
- ADVANTAGE SCHOOLS
- Head
- Ms Elizabeth English
Provisions
- Sixth form
- No
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection
1 official report linked on this page.
Location
Parkside Drive, Houghton Regis, Dunstable, LU5 5PX
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmThe Chiltern School
Special school · Very close
Hillcrest School
Special school · Very close
Lime Tree Primary Academy
Primary · 465m away
Thornhill Primary School
Primary · 686m away
St Vincent's Catholic Primary School
Primary · 1.0km away
Chalton Lower School
Primary · 1.4km away
Southfield Primary Academy
Primary · 1.4km away
Chantry Primary School
Primary · 1.5km away
Questions parents ask
Is Houstone School a selective school?
No. Houstone School is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
How many pupils attend Houstone School?
Houstone School currently has 657 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Houstone School take?
Houstone School caters for pupils aged 11 to 16. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is Houstone School?
Houstone School is in Dunstable, LU5 5PX, in the Central Bedfordshire local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Houstone School have a sixth form?
No, Houstone School does not have a sixth form. Pupils move to a different school or college for post-16 study.
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