Kempston Rural Primary School
105%
Capacity
440
Pupils
2.7x
Demand
About Kempston Rural Primary School
Kempston Rural Primary School is a state-funded Does not apply primary school serving the Bedford community, welcoming children from age 5 to 11. The school has 440 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (105% of 420 places). Nursery provision is also available on site.
Ofsted has rated Kempston Rural Primary School "Good", the school is led by headteacher EJ Kelly, it falls under Bedford local authority.
In terms of academic performance, 75% 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 2835th out of 13,686 schools in England. Additionally, 6th out of 46 in Bedford.
Kempston Rural Primary School is a popular choice with families — it received 162 applications for 60 places, making it 2.7x oversubscribed. Of these, 71 were first-preference applications.
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 Kempston Rural Primary School include Library, Outdoor Playground, Playing Fields, Gymnasium, Art Studios, Sensory Room, Forest School, Sports Hall, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Rounders, Cricket, Athletics, Football and 3 more, as well as clubs including Drama, Choir, Science Club, Chess.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 12.0%, which is well below the national average for primary schools in England.
For families exploring primary schools in Bedford, Kempston Rural Primary 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 | 5 to 11 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Martell Drive, Kempston, Bedford, MK42 7FJ |
| Headteacher | EJ Kelly |
| Local Authority | Bedford |
| Number of Pupils | 440 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 12.0% |
| School Capacity | 440 / 420 (105% full) |
| Nursery Classes | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
21 Nov 2023Overall Effectiveness
Good
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 21 Dec 2023. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on KS2 Reading, Writing & Maths (75%)
2835th of 13,686
Nationally
271st of 1,612
In East of England
6th of 46
In Bedford
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE KS2 Reading, Writing & Maths data
KS2 SATs Results
2023/24Reading, Writing & Maths Combined
75%
Expected Standard
10%
Higher Standard
'22/23
74%
'23/24
75%
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
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
2025/26Oversubscribed60
162
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
71 families put this school as their 1st choice (44% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kempston Rural Primary 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
Martell Drive, Kempston
Bedford, MK42 7FJ
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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