The Vale Academy
107%
Capacity
602
Pupils
1.4x
Demand
About The Vale Academy
The Vale Academy is a state-funded Does not apply primary school serving the Central Bedfordshire community, welcoming children from age 2 to 11. The school has 602 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (107% of 563 places). Nursery provision is also available on site.
Ofsted has rated The Vale Academy "Good", the school is led by headteacher Jordan Campbell, it falls under Central Bedfordshire 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 2822nd out of 13,686 schools in England. Additionally, 4th out of 34 in Central Bedfordshire.
The Vale Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 88 applications for 61 places, making it 1.4x oversubscribed. Of these, 58 were first-preference applications.
The Vale Academy parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is very positive, with 85% recommending the school (93 responses).
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 The Vale Academy include Forest School, Art Studios, Gymnasium, Outdoor Playground, Library, Sensory Room, Playing Fields, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Dance, Gymnastics, Tennis, Cross Country and 1 more, as well as clubs including Coding, Eco Club, Chess, Choir and 1 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 11.2%, which is well below the national average for primary schools in England.
For families exploring primary schools in Central Bedfordshire, The Vale 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 | Primary (State) |
| Age Range | 2 to 11 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Wilbury Drive, Dunstable, Central Bedfordshire, LU5 4QP |
| Headteacher | Jordan Campbell |
| Local Authority | Central Bedfordshire |
| Number of Pupils | 602 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 11.2% |
| School Capacity | 602 / 563 (107% full) |
| Nursery Classes | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
3 Jun 2025Quality of Education
Good
Since Sep 2024, Ofsted no longer assigns a single overall grade
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 13 Jul 2025. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on KS2 Reading, Writing & Maths (75%)
2822nd of 13,686
Nationally
269th of 1,612
In East of England
4th of 34
In Central Bedfordshire
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE KS2 Reading, Writing & Maths data
KS2 SATs Results
2023/24Reading, Writing & Maths Combined
75%
Expected Standard
0%
Higher Standard
'22/23
63%
'23/24
75%
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. National expected standard benchmark is around 65%.
Ofsted Parent View
93 responsesWould Recommend This School
Source: Ofsted Parent View (GOV.UK statistical data), Sep – Sep 2025
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
8Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
10Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed61
88
Balanced
Applications roughly match available places
58 families put this school as their 1st choice (66% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Vale Academy
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
Wilbury Drive, Dunstable
Central Bedfordshire, LU5 4QP
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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