Cotton End Forest School
URN: 109446 • Bedford MK45 3AG
Overview
- Name
- Cotton End Forest School
- URN
- 109446
- Type
- Community school
- Phase
- Primary
- Status
- Open
- Gender
- Mixed
- Religious
- Does not apply
- Admissions
- Not applicable
- Trust
- Private
- No
- Ofsted rating
- Requires improvement
- Ranking score
- 51.3 / 100
Leadership & Contact
- Headteacher
- Karen Headland (since 2025) , Headteacher
- Telephone
- 01234740100
- Website
- Visit
- Address
- High Road, Bedford MK45 3AG
Summary
Cotton End Forest School is a community primary school located in Bedford, catering to children aged 2-11 years. With a current enrolment of 418 pupils, the school has a capacity of 630 and is committed to providing a nurturing and inclusive environment. The school's ethos centres on hands-on learning experiences, particularly through its Forest School approach, which promotes confidence and self-esteem in a natural setting.
The curriculum at Cotton End is designed to inspire and engage students, fostering a love for learning while ensuring that individual needs are met. The recent Ofsted inspection in May 2025 rated the school as 'Good' in all areas, highlighting the positive outdoor ethos and the happiness of the pupils. The school also emphasizes values education, encouraging students to appreciate themselves, others, and their environment.
Cotton End Forest School actively involves parents and the wider community through various initiatives, including a Parent-Teacher Association and opportunities for parental engagement. The school’s commitment to creating a supportive and enriching educational experience is evident in its dedication to the personal growth of each child.
The curriculum at Cotton End is designed to inspire and engage students, fostering a love for learning while ensuring that individual needs are met. The recent Ofsted inspection in May 2025 rated the school as 'Good' in all areas, highlighting the positive outdoor ethos and the happiness of the pupils. The school also emphasizes values education, encouraging students to appreciate themselves, others, and their environment.
Cotton End Forest School actively involves parents and the wider community through various initiatives, including a Parent-Teacher Association and opportunities for parental engagement. The school’s commitment to creating a supportive and enriching educational experience is evident in its dedication to the personal growth of each child.
Useful links
- Governors (governance)
- Governor Reports (governance)
- Governor Vacancies (governance)
- List of Governors (governance)
- SEND information (sen)
- Calendar (calendar)
- Calendar (calendar)
- Policies (other)
- Prospectus (other)
- Term Dates (other)
Nearby alternatives
- Great Denham Primary School (75.3)
- Great Barford Lower School (73.7)
- Castle Newnham School (71.3)
- Gravenhurst Lower School (70.2)
- Greenfield CofE VC Lower School (70.2)
Key details
- LA
- Bedford
- Age range
- 2 - 11
- Boarders
- No boarders
- Sixth form
- Does not have a sixth form
- Trust
- Capacity
- 630
- Pupils
- 418
- Boys
- 229
- Girls
- 189
- FSM %
- 17.00
- Open date
- Close date
- Last Ofsted
- 2023-01-25
- Next inspection
- Data snapshot
- 2025-07-14
- County
- Bedfordshire
Trends
| Date | Pupils | Boys | Girls | Capacity | FSM% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-07-14 | 418 | 229 | 189 | 630 | 17.00 |
| 2024-09-11 | 389 | 220 | 169 | 630 | 15.40 |
| 2023-09-11 | 330 | 172 | 158 | 630 | 14.20 |
| 2022-09-11 | 330 | 172 | 158 | 630 | 14.20 |
| 2021-09-11 | 296 | 158 | 138 | 630 | 16.20 |
| 2020-09-11 | 252 | 137 | 115 | 270 | 14.80 |
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