Hazeldene School, Bedford

In its own words: "The government set out their definition of British Values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy. These were reinforced in September 2014 due to events at the time. These regulations sit alongside the requirements of the Equalities Act, which also applies to all types of school (Single Equality Policy)."

From the headteacher's welcome: "At Hazeldene we strive to develop an atmosphere of trust, happiness and achievement here at the school, to ensure that your child feels cared for and supported on their educational journey. As a school we work hard to ensure we develop exciting opportunities for all pupils."

In 2025, 85% of Year 6 pupils at Hazeldene School reached the expected standard in reading and 80% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 74% and 70% in Bedford and 77% and 75% across England.

Results rose from 77% in reading and 78% in maths in 2024.

For September 2026 entry, 75 families put Hazeldene School as their first choice and 180 named it as one of their preferences, for 60 places offered. That is 1.3 first choices for every place. 16 families who put it first were not offered a place there.

The nearest other state primary schools to Hazeldene School are The Hills Academy (under 0.1 miles, Good, 73% reading, 77% maths); St John Rigby Catholic Primary School (0.3 miles, Good, 63% reading, 57% maths); Brickhill Primary School (0.6 miles, Good, 80% reading, 70% maths); and Putnoe Primary School (0.7 miles, Good, 74% reading, 71% maths).

Hazeldene School's 2025 results were higher than all 4 of them.

107 parents answered Ofsted's Parent View survey about Hazeldene School (as of September 2025): 95% would recommend the school, 99% say their child is happy there and 82% of those with a view say bullying is dealt with well.

The strongest agreement was that their child does well at the school (99%); the weakest, that the school deals with bullying well (among parents with a view) (82%).

12.9% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well below the average state school (25%), and 4.1% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

The largest ethnic groups are White British (68%), Mixed (14%) and Asian (7%).

In 2026, 60 pupils (13.5%) received SEN support and 9 (2%) had an education, health and care plan, against 16.2% and 4.6% at the average state school. The most common need among them is speech, language and communication needs.

The nearest railway station is Bedford St Johns Rail Station, about 1.7 miles away in a straight line.

6 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Braeside (opposite), 260 metres away.

Measured by the 2025 English Indices of Deprivation, the neighbourhood Hazeldene School stands in is among the 10% least deprived neighbourhoods in England. This describes where the school is, not where its pupils live.

In August 2026, police recorded 211 crimes within a mile of the school, most often shoplifting, violence and sexual offences and anti-social behaviour. That is well above the typical figure around schools in Bedford (136), as is usual near a town centre.

In 2024/25, Hazeldene School issued 4 suspensions, 0.9 for every 100 pupils (the average state school: 6.3), and 1 permanent exclusion.

The secondary schools closest to Hazeldene School are Goldington Academy (0.4 miles), Castle Newnham School (0.8 miles), Mark Rutherford School (0.8 miles) and St Thomas More Catholic School (1.1 miles).