BF
Bedford Free School
Bedford·East of England·Free School
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SecondaryFree SchoolAges 11–16Co-edNone
Bedford Free School is a secondary free school in Bedford, East of England. It has not yet been rated by students on y.school. Be the first to rate this free school and help other students and parents understand what the school experience is really like.
In terms of academic performance, Bedford Free School has a Progress 8 score of +1.11 (above the national average), an Attainment 8 score of 52.7, 75% of students achieving grade 4+ in English and Maths.
The school has 525 pupils on roll, a teacher turnover rate of 13.7%, 23% of pupils eligible for free school meals, an overall absence rate of 6.5%.
All student scores on y.school are calculated from anonymous ratings using a transparent, deterministic methodology. Scores are freshness-weighted (18-month half-life) and include confidence tiers based on sample size, diversity, and consistency. For full details, see the y.school methodology.
Bedford Free School has a Progress 8 score of +1.11, which is above the national average of 0. Progress 8 measures how much progress students make between the end of Key Stage 2 and their GCSE results, compared to students with similar starting points nationally.
The school's Attainment 8 score is 52.7. Attainment 8 measures the average achievement of students across 8 qualifications including English, Maths, three EBacc subjects, and three open group qualifications.
75% of students at Bedford Free School achieved grade 4 or above in both English and Maths GCSEs.
Bedford Free School has an overall absence rate of 6.5%. The national average for secondary schools is approximately 5.5%.
The teacher turnover rate at Bedford Free School is 13.7%. This measures the percentage of teachers who left the school in the past year.
Bedford Free School has 525 pupils on roll.
23% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, which is used as a proxy for socioeconomic disadvantage.
Source: Department for Education, Ofsted. Data shown for context only — does not influence the Student Score.
Bedford Free School was rated "Outstanding" by Ofsted following an inspection in January 2020 (6 years ago). Based on Ofsted's inspection cycle, Bedford Free School is overdue for reinspection.
An "Outstanding" rating means Ofsted found the quality of education, behaviour, personal development, and leadership to all be of the highest standard. Only around 18% of schools in England hold this rating.
Note: From November 2025, Ofsted replaced single-word judgements with detailed report cards covering multiple categories. While Bedford Free School's rating shown above was awarded under the previous system, Ofsted now provides more granular assessments. For the most up-to-date inspection information, check the school's report card on the Ofsted website.
Ofsted data is displayed for context only and does not influence the Student Score. For the official Ofsted report, visit reports.ofsted.gov.uk.
Crime Nearby
435/mo
Within ~1 mile (Police.uk)
Violent Crime
151/mo
35% of total
Air Quality
Good
NO₂: 11.6 µg/m³ · PM2.5: 7.3
Bus Stops
24
Within 500m
Nearest Station
Bedford St Johns Rail Station
0.3km away · 2 stations nearby
Source: Police.uk, DEFRA UK-Air, DfT NaPTAN. Based on the school's location — actual conditions may vary.
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Other schools in the Bedford area
This inspection was 6 years ago. Schools are typically re-inspected every 4 years — this rating may no longer reflect the current school.
Quality of Education
Outstanding
Behaviour & Attitudes
Outstanding
Personal Development
Outstanding
Leadership & Management
Outstanding
Parent View
Would Recommend
91%
Child is Happy
43%
Child Feels Safe
66%
Source: Department for Education / Ofsted. Data shown for context only — does not influence the Student Score. Small schools may show extreme percentages due to small sample sizes.