Bedford College
N/A
Capacity
N/A
Pupils
2.3x
Demand
About Bedford College
Bedford College is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Bedford community, welcoming children from age 16 to 99.
Ofsted has rated Bedford College "Good", the school is led by headteacher Yiannis Koursis, it falls under Bedford local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.43 is above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 43.4. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of C. Additionally, placing it in the top 25% nationally. Additionally, ranked 607th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 3rd out of 14 in Bedford.
Bedford College is a popular choice with families — it received 654 applications for 290 places, making it 2.3x oversubscribed. Of these, 277 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 8 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 5 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Bedford College include Sixth Form Centre, Sports Hall, Swimming Pool, Astro Turf, Library, Science Labs, Playing Fields, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Gymnastics, Dance, Rounders, Cross Country and 5 more, as well as clubs including Coding, Art Club, Film Club, Drama and 6 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 37.2%, which is well above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Bedford, Bedford College 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 | 16 to 99 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Cauldwell Street, Bedford, Bedford, MK42 9AH |
| Headteacher | Yiannis Koursis |
| Local Authority | Bedford |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 37.2% |
| School Capacity | 1,500 |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
21 Mar 2023Overall Effectiveness
Good
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 16 May 2023. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.43)
607th of 3,141
Nationally
64th of 350
In East of England
3rd of 14
In Bedford
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make more progress than similar students nationally
Attainment 8 (vs national avg)
Students achieve significantly higher grades than the national average
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. Progress 8 compares to students with similar Key Stage 2 results.
A-Level Results
2023/24Average Points per Entry
Value Added Score
Best 3 A-Levels (Average)
'21/22
27.0
'22/23
20.9
'23/24
29.4
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
8Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
19Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed290
654
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
277 families put this school as their 1st choice (42% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bedford College
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
Understanding School Catchment Areas
How admission distances work and tips for maximising your choices
Contact Information
Cauldwell Street, Bedford
Bedford, MK42 9AH
Cauldwell Street, Bedford
Bedford, MK42 9AH
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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