The short version
Above-average GCSE results. 86% capacity. Rated Requires Improvement by Ofsted (2022).
- GCSE results are above the national average (Attainment 8: 51.6 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Requires Improvement by Ofsted in 2022
- 12% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, below the national average
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
51.6
7.8 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
59%
17.1pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
46%
A-Level Average
Mean grade across subjects
C+
A-Level Value Added
Progress vs expected
+0.13
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
94%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
89%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
2%
Employment
Directly into work
3%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
3%
Based on 265 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, 18 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 13 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 126 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Academy converter
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–18
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 1,685
- Capacity
- 86%
- FSM
- 12.3%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Bedford
- Trust
- MERIDIAN TRUST
- Head
- Carly Waterman (Head of School)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection
5 official reports linked on this page, including 4 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Location
Odell Road, Sharnbrook, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK44 1JL
Rural setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmQuestions parents ask
Is Sharnbrook Academy a selective school?
No. Sharnbrook Academy is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is Sharnbrook Academy's Ofsted rating?
Sharnbrook Academy was rated Requires Improvement at its most recent inspection in February 2025. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend Sharnbrook Academy?
Sharnbrook Academy currently has 1,685 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Sharnbrook Academy take?
Sharnbrook Academy caters for pupils aged 11 to 18. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is Sharnbrook Academy?
Sharnbrook Academy is in Bedford, MK44 1JL, in the Bedford local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Sharnbrook Academy have a sixth form?
Yes, Sharnbrook Academy has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
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