Schools across Bedford
Local authority · 86 schools across 6 towns
86
54 primary · 14 secondary
36,122
83% capacity used
25
1 outstanding · 24 good
43,343
7,221 spare places
Ofsted Ratings
Area Performance (2025)
KS2 Reading
69.5%
KS2 Maths
66.1%
School Capacity
Primary Schools
3,164 spare places
Secondary Schools
2,440 spare places
Pupil Absence
Avg Overall Absence
5.8%
2024/25
Avg Persistent Absence
15.6%
2024/25
Schools Reporting
71
2024/25
Absence trend across Bedford schools
Source: DfE pupil absence statistics. Average across all open schools in this LA.
EHCP Timeliness
Issued Within 20 Weeks
73%
Plans Issued
355
Assessment Requests
473
Tribunal Cases
11
EHCP timeliness trend (% issued within 20 weeks)
Source: DfE EHCP timeliness statistics. Shows how quickly this LA issues Education, Health and Care Plans.
Admission Appeals
2025 admission appeals by school phase
Primary
29
Lodged
(1.1%)
14
Heard
1
Successful
(7%)
Primary (infant classes)
14
Lodged
(0.6%)
8
Heard
0
Successful
(0%)
Secondary
145
Lodged
(4.4%)
133
Heard
32
Successful
(24%)
Total
174
Lodged
(2.9%)
147
Heard
33
Successful
(22%)
Total appeals lodged per year
Source: DfE admission appeals statistics. Shows how competitive school places are in this area.