Kempston Academy
84%
Capacity
824
Pupils
1.2x
Demand
About Kempston Academy
Kempston Academy is a state-funded None secondary school serving the Bedford community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 824 pupils on roll and is well-filled (84% of 982 places).
Ofsted has rated Kempston Academy "Good", the school is led by headteacher Paul House, it falls under Bedford local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.09 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 37.3. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of E. Additionally, ranked 1754th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 13th out of 14 in Bedford.
Kempston Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 168 applications for 143 places, making it 1.2x oversubscribed. Of these, 89 were first-preference applications.
Kempston Academy parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is very positive, with 86% recommending the school (148 responses).
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 Kempston Academy include Science Labs, Sports Hall, ICT Suite, Astro Turf, Library, Tennis Courts, Playing Fields, Art Studios, Sixth Form Centre.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Hockey, Cricket, Rounders, Football and 2 more, as well as clubs including Eco Club, Drama, Gardening, Science Club and 5 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 28.9%, which is above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Bedford, Kempston 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 | Secondary (State) |
| Age Range | 11 to 18 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | None |
| Address | Hill Rise, Bedford, Bedford, MK42 7EB |
| Headteacher | Paul House |
| Local Authority | Bedford |
| Number of Pupils | 824 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 28.9% |
| School Capacity | 824 / 982 (84% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
16 Oct 2024Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (16 Oct 2024): Standards maintained
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 11 Oct 2018. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.09)
1754th of 3,141
Nationally
201st of 350
In East of England
13th 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
'21/22
14.1
'22/23
15.2
'23/24
9.1
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
Ofsted Parent View
148 responsesWould Recommend This School
Source: Ofsted Parent View (GOV.UK statistical data), Sep – Sep 2025
SEND Support
Resourced ProvisionSource: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
9Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
15Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed143
168
Balanced
Applications roughly match available places
89 families put this school as their 1st choice (53% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kempston Academy
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
Hill Rise, Bedford
Bedford, MK42 7EB
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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