Samuel Whitbread Academy
101%
Capacity
1,660
Pupils
1.1x
Demand
About Samuel Whitbread Academy
Samuel Whitbread Academy is a state-funded None secondary school serving the Central Bedfordshire community, welcoming children from age 13 to 18. The school has 1,660 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (101% of 1,650 places).
Ofsted has rated Samuel Whitbread Academy "Good", the school is led by headteacher Nicholas Martin, it falls under Central Bedfordshire local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.13 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is solid at 47.1. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of C+. Additionally, ranked 1826th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 5th out of 16 in Central Bedfordshire.
Samuel Whitbread Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 409 applications for 356 places, making it 1.1x oversubscribed. Of these, 362 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 10 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 7 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Samuel Whitbread Academy include Music Rooms, Theatre, Sixth Form Centre, Astro Turf, Dining Hall, Library, ICT Suite, Science Labs, Sports Hall, Playing Fields.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Netball, Cross Country, Dance, Football and 4 more, as well as clubs including Chess, Choir, Book Club, Debate and 3 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 12.4%, which is well below the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Central Bedfordshire, Samuel Whitbread 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 | 13 to 18 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | None |
| Address | Shefford Road, Shefford, Central Bedfordshire, SG17 5QS |
| Headteacher | Nicholas Martin |
| Local Authority | Central Bedfordshire |
| Number of Pupils | 1,660 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 12.4% |
| School Capacity | 1,660 / 1,650 (101% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
3 Mar 2023Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (3 Mar 2023): School remains Good
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 11 Dec 2017. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.13)
1826th of 3,141
Nationally
212th of 350
In East of England
5th of 16
In Central Bedfordshire
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
37.1
'22/23
33.3
'23/24
33.5
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
SEND Support
Resourced ProvisionSource: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
10Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
15Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed356
409
Balanced
Applications roughly match available places
362 families put this school as their 1st choice (89% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Samuel Whitbread 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
Shefford Road, Shefford
Central Bedfordshire, SG17 5QS
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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