The short version
Average GCSE results. At capacity.
- GCSE results are broadly in line with the national average (Attainment 8: 41.5 vs national 43.8)
- The school is at capacity (95% full)
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
41.5
2.3 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
40%
2.3pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
15%
A-Level Average
Mean grade across subjects
C-
A-Level Value Added
Progress vs expected
-0.19
Band 4Source: 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
3%
Employment
Directly into work
3%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
5%
Based on 197 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 17 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
26% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
4% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 16 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 10 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 118 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Academy converter
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–18
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 1,180
- Capacity
- 95%
- FSM
- 26.5%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Bedford
- Trust
- MARK RUTHERFORD SCHOOL TRUST
- Head
- Headteacher Kelli Foster (Headteacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection
5 official reports linked on this page, including 4 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Location
Wentworth Drive, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK41 8PX
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmPutnoe Primary School
Primary · 760m away
Woodside Middle School
Middle deemed secondary · 760m away
The Hills Academy
Primary · 1.3km away
Hazeldene School
Primary · 1.3km away
Brickhill Primary School
Primary · 1.5km away
Renhold VC Primary School
Primary · 1.6km away
Goldington Academy
Secondary · 1.8km away
St John Rigby Catholic Primary School
Primary · 1.8km away
Questions parents ask
Is Mark Rutherford School a selective school?
No. Mark Rutherford School is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
How many pupils attend Mark Rutherford School?
Mark Rutherford School currently has 1,180 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Mark Rutherford School take?
Mark Rutherford School caters for pupils aged 11 to 18. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is Mark Rutherford School?
Mark Rutherford School is in Bedford, MK41 8PX, in the Bedford local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Mark Rutherford School have a sixth form?
Yes, Mark Rutherford School has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
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