Bedford Free School
URN: 138228 • Bedford MK42 9AD
Overview
- Name
- Bedford Free School
- URN
- 138228
- Type
- Free schools
- Phase
- Secondary
- Status
- Open
- Gender
- Mixed
- Religious
- None
- Admissions
- Non-selective
- Trust
- ADVANTAGE SCHOOLS
- Private
- No
- Ofsted rating
- Outstanding
- Ranking score
- 60.0 / 100
Leadership & Contact
- Headteacher
- Jane Herron (since 2025) , Principal
- Telephone
- 01234332299
- Website
- Visit Bedford Free School website
- Address
-
Cauldwell Street, Bedford MK42 9AD
Find on Google Maps
Summary
Bedford Free School is a mixed secondary free school located in Bedford, serving students aged 11-16. With a current enrolment of 525 pupils, the school operates above its capacity of 500. The school is committed to fostering a strong academic environment, underpinned by its core values of integrity, ambition, and excellence. Daily routines include a morning address that reinforces respect, honesty, and high expectations, contributing to a disciplined atmosphere conducive to learning.
The curriculum at Bedford Free School is designed to be academically rigorous, complemented by daily group reading sessions of classic literature. The school places a strong emphasis on preparing students for future educational opportunities, including university, by equipping them with essential knowledge and skills. Additionally, supervised homework sessions, known as prep, are provided to support students in their studies.
Bedford Free School actively engages with the local communities of Bedford and Kempston, aiming to enhance the educational experience for its pupils. The school prides itself on its outstanding Ofsted rating and is dedicated to ensuring the welfare and safeguarding of all students.
The curriculum at Bedford Free School is designed to be academically rigorous, complemented by daily group reading sessions of classic literature. The school places a strong emphasis on preparing students for future educational opportunities, including university, by equipping them with essential knowledge and skills. Additionally, supervised homework sessions, known as prep, are provided to support students in their studies.
Bedford Free School actively engages with the local communities of Bedford and Kempston, aiming to enhance the educational experience for its pupils. The school prides itself on its outstanding Ofsted rating and is dedicated to ensuring the welfare and safeguarding of all students.
Useful links
- Governance (governance)
- Special Educational Needs (sen)
- Calendar (calendar)
- High Visibility Version (other)
- Admissions (other)
- Prospectus (other)
- Policies and Documents (other)
- Term Dates (other)
- Privacy Policy (other)
- Terms of Use (other)
Nearby alternatives
- St Thomas More Catholic School (70.2)
- Redborne Upper School and Community College (69.8)
- Sharnbrook Academy (62.7)
- St Thomas More Catholic School (61.4)
- Goldington Academy (60.0)
Key details
- LA
- Bedford
- Age range
- 11 - 16
- Boarders
- No boarders
- Sixth form
- Does not have a sixth form
- Trust
- ADVANTAGE SCHOOLS
- Capacity
- 500
- Pupils
- 525
- Boys
- 270
- Girls
- 255
- FSM %
- 28.40
- Open date
- 2012-09-01
- Close date
- Last Ofsted
- 2020-01-16
- Next inspection
- Data snapshot
- 2025-07-14
- County
- Bedfordshire
Trends
| Date | Pupils | Boys | Girls | Capacity | FSM% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-07-14 | 525 | 270 | 255 | 500 | 28.40 |
| 2024-09-11 | 529 | 279 | 250 | 500 | 26.30 |
| 2023-09-11 | 499 | 250 | 249 | 500 | 19.60 |
| 2022-09-11 | 499 | 250 | 249 | 500 | 19.60 |
| 2021-09-11 | 504 | 237 | 267 | 500 | 17.30 |
| 2020-09-11 | 507 | 244 | 263 | 500 | 14.60 |
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