Livingstone Primary School, Bedford

In its own words: "We are situated on the northern edge of the old heart of Bedford. Our building dates from 1893 and has great character. The spacious school hall is the hub around which school activities revolve. There are currently twelve classes for children from four to eleven years of age. Our extensive and attractive grounds around the school are an added bonus."

Clubs and activities named on the school's website include multi-sports, dance, Lego, gardening and art.

The school runs a breakfast club and after-school care.

In 2025, 67% of Year 6 pupils at Livingstone Primary 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 were similar in 2024 (71% in reading, 75% in maths).

For September 2026 entry, 69 families put Livingstone Primary School as their first choice and 151 named it as one of their preferences, for 59 places offered. That is 1.2 first choices for every place. 13 families who put it first were not offered a place there.

The nearest other state primary schools to Livingstone Primary School are Edith Cavell Primary School (0.3 miles, Good, 70% reading, 70% maths); Priory Primary School (0.4 miles, Outstanding, 58% reading, 67% maths); Great Ouse Primary Academy (0.6 miles, Good, 82% reading, 76% maths); and St Francis of Assisi Catholic Primary and Pre-School (0.8 miles, Good, 67% reading, 63% maths).

Livingstone Primary School's 2025 results were higher than 3 of these 4 schools.

Livingstone Primary School is one of 3 schools run by The Leap Community Trust, an academy trust.

46.2% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

The largest ethnic groups are Black (22%), White British (20%) and Asian (20%).

The nearest railway station is Bedford Rail Station, about 820 metres away (roughly a 10-minute walk).

16 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Livingstone Primary School (opposite), 90 metres away.

Measured by the 2025 English Indices of Deprivation, the neighbourhood Livingstone Primary School stands in is among the 20% most deprived neighbourhoods in England. On income deprivation affecting children it is in the 4th decile, where the 1st is the most deprived. This describes where the school is, not where its pupils live.

In August 2026, police recorded 666 crimes within a mile of the school, most often violence and sexual offences, anti-social behaviour and shoplifting. That is well above the typical figure around schools in Bedford (136), as is usual near a town centre.

Livingstone Primary School recorded no suspensions or permanent exclusions in 2024/25.

The secondary schools closest to Livingstone Primary School are Bedford Free School (0.9 miles), Castle Newnham School (1 mile), Biddenham International School and Sports College (1 mile) and Goldington Academy (1.4 miles).