Wixams Academy
53%
Capacity
933
Pupils
1.3x
Demand
About Wixams Academy
Wixams Academy is a state-funded None secondary school serving the Bedford community, welcoming children from age 11 to 19. The school has 933 pupils on roll, operating at 53% capacity.
Ofsted has rated Wixams Academy "Requires Improvement", the school is led by headteacher Nathaniel Wilson, it falls under Bedford local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.23 is above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is solid at 46.1. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of C-. Additionally, ranked 1011th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 6th out of 14 in Bedford.
Wixams Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 188 applications for 145 places, making it 1.3x oversubscribed. Of these, 132 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 7 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 4 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Wixams Academy include Swimming Pool, Sports Hall, Science Labs, Sixth Form Centre, Library, Astro Turf, Playing Fields, Gymnasium, Theatre, Dining Hall, Music Rooms, Art Studios.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Tennis, Hockey, Gymnastics, Athletics and 5 more, as well as clubs including Newspaper, Drama, Eco Club, Choir and 7 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 20.7%, which is close to the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Bedford, Wixams 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 | 11 to 19 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | None |
| Address | Green Lane, Bedford, Bedford, MK42 6BA |
| Headteacher | Nathaniel Wilson |
| Local Authority | Bedford |
| Number of Pupils | 933 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 20.7% |
| School Capacity | 933 / 1,750 (53% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
5 Mar 2024Overall Effectiveness
Requires improvement
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 9 Jun 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.23)
1011th of 3,141
Nationally
110th of 350
In East of England
6th of 14
In Bedford
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make more progress than similar students nationally
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)
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
12Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
20Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed145
188
Balanced
Applications roughly match available places
132 families put this school as their 1st choice (70% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wixams 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
Green Lane, Bedford
Bedford, MK42 6BA
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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