The Firs Lower School

A good academy converter school in Central Bedfordshire. Explore Ofsted ratings, admissions information, and performance data for The Firs Lower School.

Bedford, MK452QR Ofsted: Good Age 2-9 Mixed intake
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Performance Score

Overall school rating

Score not available

Needs all indicators

Performance score unavailable: missing published data for KS2 pupils meeting expected standard, KS2 pupils exceeding expected standard

Indicators used for Primary schools

KS2 pupils meeting expected standard
Not published
Raw: No data published
KS2 pupils exceeding expected standard
Not published
Raw: No data published
Ofsted inspection outcome
75.0
/ 100 normalized
Weight: Not used
Raw: Good

How we weight each phase

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Primary schools

  • KS2 pupils meeting expected standard 40.0%
  • KS2 pupils exceeding expected standard 30.0%
  • Ofsted inspection outcome 30.0%

Secondary schools

  • Progress 8 score 40.0%
  • English & Maths grade 4+ % 30.0%
  • Ofsted inspection outcome 30.0%

All-through schools

  • Progress 8 score 25.0%
  • English & Maths grade 4+ % 20.0%
  • KS2 pupils meeting expected standard 20.0%
  • KS2 pupils exceeding expected standard 15.0%
  • Ofsted inspection outcome 20.0%

Secondary with Sixth Form schools

  • Progress 8 score 20.0%
  • English & Maths grade 4+ % 20.0%
  • Continue in education or training 20.0%
  • Sustained employment 20.0%
  • Ofsted inspection outcome 20.0%

Sixth Form Only schools

  • Continue in education or training 40.0%
  • Sustained employment 30.0%
  • Ofsted inspection outcome 30.0%

Special schools

  • Ofsted inspection outcome 100.0%

Alternative Provision schools

  • Ofsted inspection outcome 100.0%

Independent schools

  • Ofsted inspection outcome 100.0%

Ofsted Inspection

Official inspection outcomes

Good
Overall effectiveness
Good
Last inspected
7 November 2013
Previous grade
Requires Improvement
Quality of education
9
Behaviour & attitudes
9
Personal development
9
Leadership & management
Good
Safeguarding
9

Source: Ofsted inspection outcomes. Grades: Outstanding, Good, Requires Improvement, Inadequate.

Contact Information

How to reach this school

Source: GIAS
Address
Station Road
Ampthill
Bedford, MK452QR

Location

Find the school on the map

Source: Geocoding

School Information

Basic details and characteristics

Source: GIAS
URN
137756
Type
Academy converter
Phase
Primary
Address
Station Road, Ampthill, Bedford, MK45 2QR
Age range
2-9
Gender
Mixed
Religious character
Does not apply
School status
Open
Trust/MAT
THE FIRS LOWER SCHOOL
Capacity
348 pupils
Setting
Urban: Nearer to a major town or city
Sixth Form
No
Nursery
Yes

School Performance Data

Official government statistics

Source: DfE

School Demographics

Total Pupils
335
Free School Meals
8.4% (28 pupils)
Special Educational Needs
1.2% (4 pupils)

Daily Attendance

Attendance Rate
95.5%
Excellent
Persistent Absence
8.4%
Missing 10%+ of school days

Key Performance Indicators

Low Persistent Absence:
8.4 (9.1 below average)
Low Absence Rate:
4.5 (2.1 below average)

Calculated Fields

Derived insights and analysis

Source: Calculated

Class Size Information

Average Class Size
21 pupils
Excellent
Pupils per Year Group
42
Average across all year groups
Total School Size
335 pupils
2-9

From the School Website

Information extracted from the school's own website

Source: School Website

Ethos & Values

"Working together to achieve our best"

Head Teacher's Message

Headteacher Adam J.G. Campbell describes The Firs Lower School as a happy, caring school that values children as individuals, promotes a growth mindset, fosters creativity and problem solving, and emphasizes independent learning, social development, and partnership with families; invites visits to discuss children’s needs.

Extracurriculars

Clubs

Choir Dance Chess

Sports

Football Basketball Tennis

Facilities

Spacious, purpose-built computer suite with 30 computers 4+ unit with its own courtyard and outdoor play area Recently added block of two classrooms (Year 3 provision) Two separate KS1 and KS2 playgrounds On-site Saplings Pre-school (The Saplings) Wraparound care service (Kids' Club)

Curriculum Highlights

Read Write Inc. (early reading and literacy) Forest School Outdoor learning Computing (spacious on-site IT suite)

Wraparound Care

Breakfast Club: Yes After-School Care: Yes

Wraparound care is available before and after school (Kids' Club) and during holiday periods. The Saplings Pre-school on site offers wraparound care, with specific times listed for before/after school provision (7:50–9:00 am and 3:30–6:00 pm).

Admissions Criteria

The Firs Lower School complies with the School Admissions Code. Online applications are through Central Beds. There are Determined Admissions Policy documents (2025-2026 and 2026-2027) and information about tours, Saplings admission, and catchment area; additional admissions forms and booklets are available via the Admissions section.

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