Great Ouse Primary Academy
106%
Capacity
444
Pupils
1.8x
Demand
About Great Ouse Primary Academy
Great Ouse Primary Academy is a state-funded None primary school serving the Bedford community, welcoming children from age 3 to 11. The school has 444 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (106% of 420 places). Nursery provision is also available on site.
Ofsted has rated Great Ouse Primary Academy "Good", the school is led by headteacher Chris Payne, it falls under Bedford local authority.
In terms of academic performance, 78% of pupils met the expected standard in Reading, Writing and Maths at KS2 — well above the national average. Additionally, placing it in the top 25% nationally. Additionally, ranked 2033rd out of 13,686 schools in England. Additionally, 4th out of 46 in Bedford.
Great Ouse Primary Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 104 applications for 59 places, making it 1.8x oversubscribed. Of these, 60 were first-preference applications.
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 Great Ouse Primary Academy include Playing Fields, ICT Suite, Art Studios, Outdoor Playground, Forest School, Sports Hall.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Netball, Tennis, Dance, Rounders and 2 more, as well as clubs including Science Club, Choir, Chess, Film Club and 1 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 19.9%, which is below the national average for primary schools in England.
For families exploring primary schools in Bedford, Great Ouse Primary Academy 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 | 3 to 11 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | None |
| Address | Seaforth Gardens, Bedford, Bedford, MK40 4TJ |
| Headteacher | Chris Payne |
| Local Authority | Bedford |
| Number of Pupils | 444 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 19.9% |
| School Capacity | 444 / 420 (106% full) |
| Nursery Classes | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
22 Feb 2022Overall Effectiveness
Good
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 2 May 2022. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on KS2 Reading, Writing & Maths (78%)
2033rd of 13,686
Nationally
190th of 1,612
In East of England
4th of 46
In Bedford
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE KS2 Reading, Writing & Maths data
KS2 SATs Results
2023/24Reading, Writing & Maths Combined
78%
Expected Standard
3%
Higher Standard
'22/23
67%
'23/24
78%
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. National expected standard benchmark is around 65%.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
6Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
11Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed59
104
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
60 families put this school as their 1st choice (58% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Great Ouse Primary Academy
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
Seaforth Gardens, Bedford
Bedford, MK40 4TJ
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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