Houstone School
73%
Capacity
657
Pupils
3.8x
Demand
About Houstone School
Houstone School is a state-funded None secondary school serving the Central Bedfordshire community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 657 pupils on roll, operating at 73% capacity.
Ofsted has rated Houstone School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Elizabeth English, it falls under Central Bedfordshire local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.74 is well below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 32.7. Additionally, ranked 2884th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 13th out of 16 in Central Bedfordshire.
Houstone School is a popular choice with families — it received 30 applications for 8 places, making it 3.8x oversubscribed. Of these, 12 were first-preference applications.
Houstone School parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is mixed, with 55% recommending the school (154 responses).
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 7 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Social, Emotional & Mental Health, Speech, Language & Communication and 4 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Houstone School include Sixth Form Centre, Theatre, Library, Tennis Courts, Sports Hall, Music Rooms.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Hockey, Tennis, Martial Arts, Gymnastics and 5 more, as well as clubs including Science Club, Orchestra, Eco Club, Coding and 6 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 27.6%, which is above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Central Bedfordshire, Houstone 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 | Parkside Drive, Dunstable, Central Bedfordshire, LU5 5PX |
| Headteacher | Elizabeth English |
| Local Authority | Central Bedfordshire |
| Number of Pupils | 657 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 27.6% |
| School Capacity | 657 / 900 (73% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
20 May 2025Quality of Education
Good
Since Sep 2024, Ofsted no longer assigns a single overall grade
Source: Ofsted, 26 Jun 2025. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.74)
2884th of 3,141
Nationally
327th of 350
In East of England
13th of 16
In Central Bedfordshire
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make significantly 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.
Ofsted Parent View
154 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
6Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
19Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed8
30
High Demand
Competitive - many more applications than places available
12 families put this school as their 1st choice (40% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Houstone 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
Parkside Drive, Dunstable
Central Bedfordshire, LU5 5PX
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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