Elstow School
100%
Capacity
418
Pupils
1.4x
Demand
About Elstow School
Elstow School is a state-funded Does not apply primary school serving the Bedford community, welcoming children from age 4 to 11. The school has 418 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (100% of 420 places).
Ofsted has rated Elstow School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Sarah Ciantar, it falls under Bedford local authority.
In terms of academic performance, 70% of pupils met the expected standard in Reading, Writing and Maths at KS2 — above the national average. Additionally, ranked 4068th out of 13,686 schools in England. Additionally, 10th out of 46 in Bedford.
Elstow School is a popular choice with families — it received 82 applications for 58 places, making it 1.4x oversubscribed. Of these, 49 were first-preference applications.
Elstow School parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is overwhelmingly positive, with 96% recommending the school (56 responses).
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 6 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 3 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Elstow School include Music Rooms, Sports Hall, ICT Suite, Playing Fields, Forest School, Sensory Room, Dining Hall, Outdoor Playground, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Cricket, Football, Athletics, Tennis and 2 more, as well as clubs including Science Club, Drama, Choir, Art Club and 1 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 20.3%, which is below the national average for primary schools in England.
For families exploring primary schools in Bedford, Elstow 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 | 4 to 11 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Abbey Fields, Bedford, Bedford, MK42 9GP |
| Headteacher | Sarah Ciantar |
| Local Authority | Bedford |
| Number of Pupils | 418 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 20.3% |
| School Capacity | 418 / 420 (100% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
26 Feb 2025Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (26 Feb 2025): Standards maintained
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 13 Dec 2016. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on KS2 Reading, Writing & Maths (70%)
4068th of 13,686
Nationally
423rd of 1,612
In East of England
10th of 46
In Bedford
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE KS2 Reading, Writing & Maths data
KS2 SATs Results
2023/24Reading, Writing & Maths Combined
70%
Expected Standard
11%
Higher Standard
'22/23
64%
'23/24
70%
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. National expected standard benchmark is around 65%.
Ofsted Parent View
56 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
11Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed58
82
Balanced
Applications roughly match available places
49 families put this school as their 1st choice (60% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Elstow 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
Abbey Fields, Bedford
Bedford, MK42 9GP
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
