Bedale Church of England Primary School

About Bedale Church of England Primary School

Bedale Church of England Primary School is clearly a popular choice among local families, and the numbers back that up. For the 2025/26 intake, the school received 67 applications for just 44 places, giving an oversubscription ratio of 1.52. Of those 67 applications, 43 were first-preference choices, and the school was able to offer places to all 43 of those families. That level of demand suggests parents who get their first choice are very keen on what the school offers. While the school doesn't publish a parent-view recommendation percentage, the fact that it is oversubscribed and that almost all first-preference applicants received an offer points to a strong local reputation. Headteacher Elizabeth Turnbull leads a school that, in its most recent ungraded inspection in November 2023, was confirmed to have maintained its Good rating, with the early years provision judged Outstanding.

Academically, Bedale performs well above the local average. In the 2023/24 Key Stage 2 results, 80% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, compared to a North Yorkshire local authority average of 60%. That puts the school in the top 25% nationally for this measure, ranking 26th out of 223 primary schools in the county. Looking at individual subjects, 88% met the expected standard in reading, 85% in writing, and 83% in maths. The school also does well at stretching its pupils: 29% achieved the higher standard in reading and maths, and 20% in writing. Average scaled scores were 107 in reading and 105 in maths, both above the national benchmark of 100. This consistent performance across the core subjects suggests a solid, well-taught curriculum that supports both core competence and higher-level thinking.

The school offers a practical, well-resourced environment for its 308 pupils. Facilities include a library, ICT suite, playing fields, a sensory room, and a chapel, reflecting its Church of England foundation. There is a broad range of sports on offer, from swimming and tennis to netball and cross country, plus clubs like film, gardening, chess and drama. For families with children who have additional needs, the school lists support for a wide range of SEND provisions, including autistic spectrum disorder, speech and language communication needs, and specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia. With a capacity of 420 and currently 308 pupils, there is some room for growth, though the oversubscription figures show it is already in high demand. This is a school that suits families who value strong academic outcomes within a supportive, faith-based setting, and who are prepared to apply early to secure a place.

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