Arnold Academy
97%
Capacity
699
Pupils
N/A
Demand
About Arnold Academy
Arnold Academy is a state-funded None secondary school serving the Central Bedfordshire community, welcoming children from age 9 to 13. The school has 699 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (97% of 720 places).
Ofsted has rated Arnold Academy "Good", the school is led by headteacher Peter Roberts, it falls under Central Bedfordshire local authority.
Arnold Academy has average reviews on SchoolParrot (3.0/5 from 2 parents).
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 9 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 6 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Arnold Academy include Astro Turf, Music Rooms, Sixth Form Centre, ICT Suite, Tennis Courts, Playing Fields, Science Labs, Sports Hall, Gymnasium, Art Studios, Library.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Tennis, Rowing, Martial Arts, Swimming and 5 more, as well as clubs including Young Enterprise, Newspaper, Choir, Science Club and 1 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 11.7%, which is well below the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Central Bedfordshire, Arnold Academy is one of the options available in the East of England region. Use Classpot to compare it side-by-side with nearby alternatives and find the best fit for your child.
Key Details
| School Type | Secondary (State) |
| Age Range | 9 to 13 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | None |
| Address | Hexton Road, Bedford, Central Bedfordshire, MK45 4JZ |
| Headteacher | Peter Roberts |
| Local Authority | Central Bedfordshire |
| Number of Pupils | 699 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 11.7% |
| School Capacity | 699 / 720 (97% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
23 May 2023Overall Effectiveness
Good
Source: Ofsted, 9 Jul 2023. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
SEND Support
Resourced ProvisionSource: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
11Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
14Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Frequently Asked Questions About Arnold Academy
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
Understanding Progress 8
Learn how Progress 8 measures pupil progress from primary to GCSE
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
School Admissions Timeline 2026/27
Key dates for primary, secondary and nursery applications
Contact Information
Hexton Road, Bedford
Central Bedfordshire, MK45 4JZ
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Reviews on Other Platforms
External reviews are provided by third-party platforms and are not verified by Classpot.
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