Bedford Free School

URN: 138228 • Bedford MK42 9AD

Overview

Type
Free schools
Phase
Secondary
Status
Open
Gender
Mixed
Religious
None
Admissions
Non-selective
Ofsted rating
n/a
School thumbnail

Leadership & Contact

Headteacher
Jane Herron (since 2025) , Principal
Telephone
01234332299
Website
Visit
Address
Cauldwell Street, Bedford MK42 9AD

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.

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
Next inspection
Data snapshot
2025-07-14
County
Bedfordshire

Trends

DatePupilsBoysGirlsCapacityFSM%
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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