The short version
Average GCSE results. At capacity. Rated Good by Ofsted (2015).
- GCSE results are broadly in line with the national average (Attainment 8: 48.2 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Good by Ofsted in 2015
- The school is at capacity (105% full)
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
48.2
4.4 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
48%
6.2pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
25%
A-Level Average
Mean grade across subjects
C+
A-Level Value Added
Progress vs expected
-0.03
Band 3Source: 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
93%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
87%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
3%
Employment
Directly into work
3%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
6%
Based on 374 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 15 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
20% 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 11 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 142 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Academy converter
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 13–18
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 1,507
- Capacity
- 100%
- FSM
- 14.8%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Central Bedfordshire
- Trust
- VANDYKE UPPER SCHOOL
- Head
- Mrs Leah Ferguson-Moore (Headteacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection
8 official reports linked on this page, including 7 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Short inspection
May 2018 | Short Inspection
Full inspection: Good
March 2015 | Full Inspection
Curriculum and development visit
January 2014 | Curriculum and development visit Curriculum and development visit
Monitoring visit
October 2013 | Monitoring Visit
Full inspection: Requires Improvement
April 2013 | Full Inspection
Academy conversion letter
February 2012 | Academy Conversion Letter
Curriculum and development visit
October 2011 | Curriculum and development visit Curriculum and development visit
Location
Vandyke Road, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, LU7 3DY
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmBeaudesert Lower School
Primary · 717m away
The Rushmere Park Academy
Primary · 853m away
Heathwood Lower School
Primary · 1.2km away
Dovery Academy
Primary · 1.2km away
Brooklands Middle School
Middle deemed secondary · 1.3km away
Clipstone Brook Lower School
Primary · 1.3km away
Benjamin College
Independent · 1.3km away
Oak Bank School
Academy · 1.4km away
Questions parents ask
Is Vandyke Upper School a selective school?
No. Vandyke Upper School is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is Vandyke Upper School's Ofsted rating?
Vandyke Upper School was rated Good at its most recent inspection in January 2024. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend Vandyke Upper School?
Vandyke Upper School currently has 1,507 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Vandyke Upper School take?
Vandyke Upper School caters for pupils aged 13 to 18. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is Vandyke Upper School?
Vandyke Upper School is in Leighton Buzzard, LU7 3DY, in the Central Bedfordshire local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Vandyke Upper School have a sixth form?
Yes, Vandyke Upper School has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
Premium school profiles
Researching a selective school?
We hold deep admissions intelligence on the UK's top selective schools — exam breakdowns, interview formats, and parent strategy briefs.