Mark Rutherford School
95%
Capacity
1,180
Pupils
2.2x
Demand
About Mark Rutherford School
Mark Rutherford School is a state-funded None secondary school serving the Bedford community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 1,180 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (95% of 1,243 places).
Ofsted has rated Mark Rutherford School "Requires Improvement", the school is led by headteacher Kelli Foster, it falls under Bedford local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.05 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is solid at 45.4. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of C-. Additionally, ranked 1655th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 12th out of 14 in Bedford.
Mark Rutherford School is a popular choice with families — it received 410 applications for 185 places, making it 2.2x oversubscribed. Of these, 129 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 8 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 5 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Mark Rutherford School include ICT Suite, Gymnasium, Swimming Pool, Sports Hall, Playing Fields, Music Rooms, Sixth Form Centre.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Swimming, Cricket, Cross Country, Athletics and 5 more, as well as clubs including Debate, Eco Club, Chess, Gardening and 3 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 26.5%, which is above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Bedford, Mark Rutherford 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 18 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | None |
| Address | Wentworth Drive, Bedford, Bedford, MK41 8PX |
| Headteacher | Kelli Foster |
| Local Authority | Bedford |
| Number of Pupils | 1,180 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 26.5% |
| School Capacity | 1,180 / 1,243 (95% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
14 Jun 2023Overall Effectiveness
Requires improvement
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 27 Jul 2023. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.05)
1655th of 3,141
Nationally
187th of 350
In East of England
12th 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
Best 3 A-Levels (Average)
'21/22
36.1
'22/23
29.8
'23/24
26.8
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
7Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
16Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed185
410
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
129 families put this school as their 1st choice (31% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mark Rutherford 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
Wentworth Drive, Bedford
Bedford, MK41 8PX
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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