Harlington Upper School
88%
Capacity
1,198
Pupils
1.4x
Demand
About Harlington Upper School
Harlington Upper School is a state-funded None secondary school serving the Central Bedfordshire community, welcoming children from age 13 to 18. The school has 1,198 pupils on roll and is well-filled (88% of 1,360 places).
Ofsted has rated Harlington Upper School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Helen Harris, it falls under Central Bedfordshire local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.34 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 44.4. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of C. Additionally, ranked 2322nd out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 10th out of 16 in Central Bedfordshire.
Harlington Upper School is a popular choice with families — it received 284 applications for 202 places, making it 1.4x oversubscribed. Of these, 184 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 9 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 6 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Harlington Upper School include Sixth Form Centre, Music Rooms, Dining Hall, Art Studios, Playing Fields, Sports Hall, Theatre, Tennis Courts, Library.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Rowing, Netball, Badminton, Swimming and 5 more, as well as clubs including Coding, Art Club, Chess, Model UN and 3 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 12.8%, which is below the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Central Bedfordshire, Harlington Upper 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 | 13 to 18 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | None |
| Address | Goswell End Road, Dunstable, Central Bedfordshire, LU5 6NX |
| Headteacher | Helen Harris |
| Local Authority | Central Bedfordshire |
| Number of Pupils | 1,198 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 12.8% |
| School Capacity | 1,198 / 1,360 (88% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
3 Oct 2023Overall Effectiveness
Good
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 14 Jan 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.34)
2322nd of 3,141
Nationally
268th of 350
In East of England
10th of 16
In Central Bedfordshire
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make less 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
35.0
'22/23
28.9
'23/24
28.4
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
9Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
16Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed202
284
Balanced
Applications roughly match available places
184 families put this school as their 1st choice (65% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Harlington Upper 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
Goswell End Road, Dunstable
Central Bedfordshire, LU5 6NX
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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