Classpot

Wixams Academy

Bedford, MK42 6BASecondaryAges 11–19MixedState
Ofsted Rating
Requires Improvement
Mar 2025
Progress 8
+0.23
Above average
−20+2
Competition
0.9×
Not oversubscribed
132 1st-choice / 145 places
Ranking
#1,011
of 3,141 nationally

About Wixams Academy

Wixams Academy is a mixed state secondary school in Bedford, serving pupils from age 11 to 19. Within the local authority, it ranks 6th out of 14 secondary schools by Progress 8 score, placing it just above the middle of the pack. Its Progress 8 score of 0.23 sits very close to the Bedford local authority average of 0.24, meaning pupils here make roughly the same academic progress as their peers across the borough. The school is outperformed by the top three schools in the area — Bedford Free School, Goldington Academy, and Bedford College — but it is not far behind the local benchmark. With a capacity of 1,750 and currently 933 pupils on roll, the school has room to grow. It is oversubscribed for Year 7 entry in 2025/26, receiving 188 applications for 145 places, with 131 first-preference offers made. The school has a sixth form and a non-religious character, and just over a fifth of pupils (20.7%) are eligible for free school meals.

Key Details

School TypeSecondary (State)
Age Range11 to 19 years
GenderMixed
Religious CharacterNone
AddressGreen Lane, Bedford, Bedford, MK42 6BA
HeadteacherNathaniel Wilson
Local AuthorityBedford
Number of Pupils933
Free School Meals (FSM)20.7%
School Capacity933 / 1,750 (53% full)
Sixth FormYes

The full report on this school

The inspection in plain English, admissions context, and how this school compares to nearby alternatives — all in one full school report.

  • Ofsted inspection in plain English
    Strengths, concerns and what inspectors flagged
  • Parent View survey results
    What parents told Ofsted — when the school has 10+ responses
  • Where Ofsted and parents disagree
    Gaps to probe + questions to ask at the open day
  • Admissions & catchment
    Admission criteria, distance cutoffs (where the LA publishes them)
  • Nearby schools compared
    Backup options with Ofsted, demand and distance
  • Attendance & behaviour data
    Persistent absentees, suspensions and exclusions vs national
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Ofsted Inspection Breakdown

5 Mar 2024
View Report
Overall Effectiveness
Requires improvement
Quality of Education
Requires improvement
Behaviour & Attitudes
Requires improvement
Personal Development
Good
Leadership & Management
Good
Sixth Form Provision
Good

Source: Ofsted, 9 Jun 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.

Facilities

12
Swimming PoolSports HallScience LabsSixth Form CentreLibraryAstro TurfPlaying FieldsGymnasiumTheatreDining HallMusic RoomsArt Studios

Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.

Extracurriculars

20

Sports

TennisHockeyGymnasticsAthleticsCross CountryBasketballRowingNetballBadminton

Clubs & Activities

NewspaperDramaEco ClubChoirArt ClubCodingDuke of EdinburghGardeningOrchestraYoung EnterpriseModel United Nations

Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.

SEND Support

AutismDyslexiaMental HealthSpeech & LanguagePhysicalLearning DifficultyOther

Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Wixams Academy

Wixams Academy has been rated "Requires Improvement" by Ofsted. This means the school is not yet good, but inspectors believe it can improve with the right support and changes.