Bedford Free School

A outstanding free schools school in Bedford. Explore Ofsted ratings, admissions information, and performance data for Bedford Free School.

Bedford, MK429AD Ofsted: Outstanding Age 11-16 Mixed intake
Back to School Search

Performance Score

Overall school rating

78

/ 100

Secondary weighted harmonic mean of 3 indicators

Indicators used for Secondary schools

Progress 8 score
78.8
/ 100 normalized
Weight: 40.0%
Raw: 1.11
English & Maths grade 4+ %
62.2
/ 100 normalized
Weight: 30.0%
Raw: 74.5%
Ofsted inspection outcome
100.0
/ 100 normalized
Weight: 30.0%
Raw: Outstanding

How we weight each phase

Tap to toggle

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

Outstanding
Overall effectiveness
Outstanding
Last inspected
15 January 2020
Previous grade
Good
Quality of education
Outstanding
Behaviour & attitudes
Outstanding
Personal development
Outstanding
Leadership & management
Outstanding
Safeguarding
Effective

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

Contact Information

How to reach this school

Source: GIAS
Address
Cauldwell Street
Bedford, MK429AD
Phone
1234332299
Website
bedfordfreeschool.co.uk/

Location

Find the school on the map

Source: Geocoding
View on Google Maps Get Directions

School Information

Basic details and characteristics

Source: GIAS
URN
138228
Type
Free schools
Phase
Secondary
Address
Cauldwell Street, Bedford, MK42 9AD
Website
http://www.bedfordfreeschool.co.uk/
Age range
11-16
Gender
Mixed
School status
Open
Trust/MAT
ADVANTAGE SCHOOLS
Capacity
500 pupils
Setting
Urban: Nearer to a major town or city
Sixth Form
No
Nursery
No

School Performance Data

Official government statistics

Source: DfE

School Demographics

Total Pupils
529
Free School Meals
26.7% (141 pupils)
Special Educational Needs
4.0% (21 pupils)

Daily Attendance

Attendance Rate
93.5%
Good
Persistent Absence
20.4%
Missing 10%+ of school days

Detailed Performance Metrics

Attainment 8 Scores
Attainment 8:
52.7
Ebacc Attainment 8:
16.3
English Attainment 8:
11.8
Maths Attainment 8:
9.9
Open Subjects Attainment 8:
14.7
EBacc Subject Performance
Ebacc Attainment 8:
16.3
Ebacc English:
100.0%
Ebacc Entry:
55.1%
Ebacc Humanities:
100.0%
Ebacc Languages:
92.9%
Ebacc Maths:
100.0%
Ebacc Sciences:
100.0%
Progress Measures
Progress 8:
1.11
Progress 8 Range:
0.82 to 1.39

Key Performance Indicators

EBacc Entry:
55.1 (+35.7 vs average)
English & Maths Grade 5+:
74.5 (+22.5 vs average)
Attainment 8:
52.7 (+13.2 vs average)
Progress 8:
1.11 (+1.3 vs average)

Calculated Fields

Derived insights and analysis

Source: Calculated

Class Size Information

Average Class Size
22 pupils
Excellent
Pupils per Year Group
88
Average across all year groups
Total School Size
529 pupils
11-16

From the School Website

Information extracted from the school's own website

Source: School Website

Ethos & Values

Respect Honesty High expectations Integrity Ambition Excellence

Head Teacher's Message

Welcome to Bedford Free School. We believe, that given the right circumstances, all children are capable of extraordinary things.

Facilities

PE facilities Rooftop extension Halls Sports areas Classrooms Outdoor spaces

Curriculum Highlights

Extended school day (8:25am–4:00pm) Electives programme Global Communities lessons Extended Projects programme in Year 7 Daily 30 minutes of group reading Prep sessions and supervised after-school homework club Work experience in Year 10 University visits in Year 11 Careers fairs

Wraparound Care

Extended school day 8:25am–4:00pm; facilities available 8:00am–5:30pm for quiet work and prep

SEND Provision

SEND Information Report 2025/26; Local Offer information referenced on the SEND page

Admissions Criteria

Bedford Free School is a non-selective comprehensive school; places are offered through the Local Authority’s coordinated admissions process; applications are made via the common application form; open to applicants from Bedford Borough and beyond

Other Secondary Schools in Bedford

Compare with nearby schools

View all Secondary schools in Bedford