The short version
Above-average SATs results. At capacity. Rated Requires Improvement by Ofsted (2023).
- SATs results are above the national average, with 73% meeting the expected standard (national: 62%)
- Rated Requires Improvement by Ofsted in 2023
- The school is at capacity (107% full)
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Reading, Writing & Maths
Expected standard
Pupils meeting expected level in all three
73%
+11.0pp vs nationalHigher standard
Pupils exceeding expected level
0%
-8.0pp vs nationalSubject scores
Reading
Average scaled score (100 = expected)
106
0.0 vs nationalMaths
Average scaled score (100 = expected)
107
+2.0 vs nationalGrammar & spelling
Average scaled score (100 = expected)
106
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.
13% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 25 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 16 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 37 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Academy converter
- Phase
- Primary
- Ages
- 2–11
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 602
- Capacity
- 100%
- FSM
- 11.2%
Governance
- Local authority
- Central Bedfordshire
- Trust
- ADVANTAGE SCHOOLS
- Head
- Mr Jordan Campbell (Principal)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- No
- Nursery
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection
6 official reports linked on this page, including 5 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Location
Wilbury Drive, Dunstable, Bedfordshire, LU5 4QP
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmWillow Nursery School
Nursery · Very close
Hadrian Academy
Primary · Very close
Stannard School
Independent · 421m away
St Christophers Academy
Primary · 826m away
The Chalk Hills Academy
Secondary · 939m away
Chantry Primary School
Primary · 947m away
Chantry Primary Academy
Primary · 947m away
Pastures Way Nursery School
Nursery · 1.3km away
Questions parents ask
What is The Vale Academy's Ofsted rating?
The Vale Academy was rated Requires Improvement at its most recent inspection in June 2025. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend The Vale Academy?
The Vale Academy currently has 602 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does The Vale Academy take?
The Vale Academy caters for pupils aged 2 to 11. It is classified as a primary school.
Where is The Vale Academy?
The Vale Academy is in Dunstable, LU5 4QP, in the Central Bedfordshire local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does The Vale Academy have a sixth form?
No, The Vale Academy does not have a sixth form. Pupils move to a different school or college for post-16 study.
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