Sharnbrook Primary

About Sharnbrook Primary

Sharnbrook Primary sits in the Bedford local authority, where it ranks second out of 46 primary schools on the key stage 2 expected standard measure — comfortably inside the top 5% of its peers locally. The school shares the top tier with Thurleigh Primary School, Harrold Primary Academy, and Great Ouse Primary Academy, all of which cluster around similar ranking scores. It is one of only a handful of schools in the authority to achieve this level of performance, and its position reflects consistent academic strength rather than a single standout year. The school is a mixed, state-funded primary for children aged 3 to 11, with no religious character, and is led by headteacher Hannah Bennett. With 229 pupils on roll against a capacity of 210, it is slightly oversubscribed — a practical sign of its local reputation. The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 13.9%, which is modestly above the national average for primary schools but not dramatically so.

In its most recent Ofsted inspection in June 2024, Sharnbrook Primary was rated Good overall, a notable improvement from its previous Requires Improvement rating in 2022. The inspection report awarded Outstanding grades for both personal development and behaviour and attitudes, while quality of education, leadership and management, and early years provision all received Good. At key stage 2, 80% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined — well above the Bedford local authority average of 57%. Reading was a particular strength, with 97% reaching the expected standard and 47% achieving the higher standard. Maths also performed strongly, with 90% at expected and an average scaled score of 106. Writing saw 87% at expected and 17% at the higher level. The school’s national ranking places it in the top 12% of all primary schools in England on the same combined measure, and in the top 10% within the East of England region.

The school offers a practical set of facilities including playing fields, a library, a sensory room, an ICT suite, and an outdoor playground. Sports provision covers gymnastics, tennis, athletics, swimming, dance, cricket, and cross country, while clubs include Book Club, Coding, and Eco Club. For children with additional needs, the school lists SEND provisions for specific learning difficulties including dyslexia, social, emotional and mental health needs, speech, language and communication needs, and autistic spectrum disorder. There is nursery provision for younger children, but no sixth form. For the 2025/26 intake, the school received 40 applications for 23 places, with all 23 first-preference applicants offered a place — meaning it is oversubscribed but not prohibitively so. This is a school that suits families who prioritise strong academic outcomes, particularly in reading, and who value a supportive environment with clear behaviour expectations and a broad extracurricular offer.

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