Biddenham International School and Sports College
90%
Capacity
1,357
Pupils
2.8x
Demand
About Biddenham International School and Sports College
Biddenham International School and Sports College is a state-funded None secondary school serving the Bedford community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 1,357 pupils on roll and is well-filled (90% of 1,500 places).
Ofsted has rated Biddenham International School and Sports College "Good", the school is led by headteacher David Bailey, it falls under Bedford local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.12 is above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 40.4. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of C-. Additionally, ranked 1271st out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 8th out of 14 in Bedford.
Biddenham International School and Sports College is a popular choice with families — it received 658 applications for 234 places, making it 2.8x oversubscribed. Of these, 300 were first-preference applications.
Biddenham International School and Sports College parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is very positive, with 92% recommending the school (120 responses).
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 Biddenham International School and Sports College include ICT Suite, Astro Turf, Science Labs, Tennis Courts, Sports Hall, Library, Swimming Pool, Playing Fields, Sixth Form Centre.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Athletics, Football, Tennis, Rugby and 6 more, as well as clubs including Orchestra, Debate, Young Enterprise, Gardening and 5 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 34.2%, which is well above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Bedford, Biddenham International School and Sports 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 | 11 to 18 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | None |
| Address | Biddenham Turn, Bedford, Bedford, MK40 4AZ |
| Headteacher | David Bailey |
| Local Authority | Bedford |
| Number of Pupils | 1,357 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 34.2% |
| School Capacity | 1,357 / 1,500 (90% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
27 Nov 2024Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (27 Nov 2024): Standards maintained
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 30 Apr 2019. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.12)
1271st of 3,141
Nationally
139th of 350
In East of England
8th of 14
In Bedford
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make similar progress to students nationally with the same starting point
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
32.3
'22/23
26.4
'23/24
25.3
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
Ofsted Parent View
120 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
19Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed234
658
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
300 families put this school as their 1st choice (46% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Biddenham International School and Sports 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
Biddenham Turn, Bedford
Bedford, MK40 4AZ
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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