Balliol Primary School
87%
Capacity
384
Pupils
2.6x
Demand
About Balliol Primary School
Balliol Primary School is a state-funded Does not apply primary school serving the Bedford community, welcoming children from age 2 to 11. The school has 384 pupils on roll and is well-filled (87% of 440 places). Nursery provision is also available on site.
Ofsted has rated Balliol Primary School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Louise Youngman, it falls under Bedford local authority.
In terms of academic performance, 52% of pupils met the expected standard in Reading, Writing and Maths at KS2 — below the national average. Additionally, ranked 10154th out of 13,686 schools in England. Additionally, 30th out of 46 in Bedford.
Balliol Primary School is a popular choice with families — it received 71 applications for 27 places, making it 2.6x oversubscribed. Of these, 26 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 4 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 1 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Balliol Primary School include Library, Playing Fields, Sports Hall, Gymnasium, Sensory Room, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Netball, Football, Rounders, Cross Country and 3 more, as well as clubs including Science Club, Gardening, Art Club, Coding and 2 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 33.1%, which is above the national average for primary schools in England.
For families exploring primary schools in Bedford, Balliol Primary School 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 | Primary (State) |
| Age Range | 2 to 11 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Balliol Road, Bedford, Bedford, MK42 7ER |
| Headteacher | Louise Youngman |
| Local Authority | Bedford |
| Number of Pupils | 384 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 33.1% |
| School Capacity | 384 / 440 (87% full) |
| Nursery Classes | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
12 Jul 2022Overall Effectiveness
Good
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 27 Sept 2022. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on KS2 Reading, Writing & Maths (52%)
10154th of 13,686
Nationally
1125th of 1,612
In East of England
30th of 46
In Bedford
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE KS2 Reading, Writing & Maths data
KS2 SATs Results
2023/24Reading, Writing & Maths Combined
52%
Expected Standard
4%
Higher Standard
'22/23
54%
'23/24
52%
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. National expected standard benchmark is around 65%.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
6Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
13Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed27
71
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
26 families put this school as their 1st choice (37% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Balliol Primary School
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
How to Choose a Primary School
Step-by-step guide to choosing the right primary school
KS2 SATs Explained
A parent's guide to Year 6 SATs and how results are reported
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
Contact Information
Balliol Road, Bedford
Bedford, MK42 7ER
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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