Bedford Free School
105%
Capacity
525
Pupils
3.5x
Demand
About Bedford Free School
Bedford Free School is a state-funded None secondary school serving the Bedford community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 525 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (105% of 500 places).
the school is led by headteacher Tom Wood, it falls under Bedford local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +1.11 is well above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is solid at 52.7. Additionally, placing it in the top 5% of schools nationally. Additionally, ranked 41st out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 1st out of 14 in Bedford.
Bedford Free School is a popular choice with families — it received 376 applications for 108 places, making it 3.5x oversubscribed. Of these, 190 were first-preference applications.
Bedford Free School parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is positive, with 70% recommending the school (91 responses).
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 7 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 4 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Bedford Free School include ICT Suite, Sports Hall, Astro Turf, Playing Fields, Art Studios, Tennis Courts, Music Rooms, Library, Dining Hall.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Rounders, Football, Rugby, Basketball and 3 more, as well as clubs including Choir, Model UN, Art Club, Newspaper and 6 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 28.4%, which is above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Bedford, Bedford Free 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 | Secondary (State) |
| Age Range | 11 to 16 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | None |
| Address | Cauldwell Street, Bedford, Bedford, MK42 9AD |
| Headteacher | Tom Wood |
| Local Authority | Bedford |
| Number of Pupils | 525 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 28.4% |
| School Capacity | 525 / 500 (105% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
24 Apr 2025Overall Effectiveness
Outstanding
Latest inspection (24 Apr 2025): Standards maintained
Source: Ofsted, 23 Mar 2020. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+1.11)
41st of 3,141
Nationally
2nd of 350
In East of England
1st of 14
In Bedford
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make significantly 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.
Ofsted Parent View
91 responsesWould Recommend This School
Source: Ofsted Parent View (GOV.UK statistical data), Sep – Sep 2025
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
9Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
17Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed108
376
High Demand
Competitive - many more applications than places available
190 families put this school as their 1st choice (51% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bedford Free School
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 9AD
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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