Priory Primary School, Bedford
Data last updated 11 Sept 2026
Location
Estimated admission likelihood based on school density and oversubscription data
Key Information
DfE GIASOfsted Rating
Ofsted · 2 years agoOverall
Quality of Education
Behaviour & Attitudes
Personal Development
Leadership & Management
Early Years
Ofsted Insights
What This School Does Well
This school transforms the learning journey for children who arrive speaking little English and with skills well below their age. Teachers know their pupils extremely well and create stimulating activities that help every child progress rapidly. The school celebrates the wide range of cultures and backgrounds among its pupils, and families tell inspectors that the school inspires their children to learn with enthusiasm.
Key Strengths
- Outstanding teaching that is tailored to meet the needs of all pupils, including the most-able
- Rapid progress in reading, with phonics check results above average and a school-wide love of reading
- Excellent support for vulnerable pupils and those learning English as an additional language, enabling them to make rapid progress
- Pupils are extremely polite, well-behaved and respectful of each other's different faiths and cultures
- Strong parental involvement in children's learning and well above-average attendance
Areas for Improvement
- Ensure pupils use the guidance from teachers to correct and improve their work
- Work with all parents to ensure children arrive on time every day so they don't miss learning
Safeguarding
Safeguarding is effective - pupils feel extremely safe at school and have a well-developed understanding of how to keep themselves and others safe at all times.
Extracurricular Activities
Weekly whole-school assembly with storytelling volunteers, theatre visits, educational activities, research projects, mathematical game packs to take home
Priory Lower School is an outstanding school where children with much lower starting points than typical for their age make rapid progress, reaching in-line attainment by the end of Year 4. The headteacher and staff demonstrate exceptional determination to help all pupils thrive through outstanding teaching and strong support.
At a Glance
26.2%
Free School Meals
No
Boarding
Yes
Nursery
No
Sixth Form
No
Special Measures
What Parents Think
16 responsesSource: Ofsted Parent View - % who strongly agree or agree
Primary Performance (KS2)
Academic year 2025/26KS2 Results (% meeting expected standard)
Reading has remained stable at around 58%. Maths has declined from 71% to 67%. Writing has improved from 58% to 75%.
Class Sizes
25.3
Avg class size
25.7
Infant (KS1)
25.5
KS2
8
Total classes
2024/25 academic year
Getting There
Train Stations
Bus Stops
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Capacity & Demand
School Occupancy
104%
Over capacity
214 pupils
206 capacity
8 places over capacity
Area Demand Pressure - Bedford
Based on MHCLG housing supply data for Bedford
Admissions Demand - Bedford
Places available
2,690
Applications
2,103
Got 1st preference
93.6%
Got preferred school
99.3%
Primary admissions across Bedford (2025/26)
Inspection History(6)
House Prices
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SEN Provision
How many pupils have special educational needs, what types of support the school provides, and how it compares to similar schools.
Pupil Demographics
The school's pupil mix - ethnicity breakdown, free school meals eligibility, and English as an additional language. Useful context when evaluating school fit.
Teachers & Staff
Teacher qualification rates, pupil-to-teacher ratio, staff turnover, and salary data. Shows how well-resourced and stable the school's workforce is.
School Funding
Annual funding per pupil, total budget, pupil premium grants, and how the school's resources compare to similar schools nationally.
Pupil Absence2024/25
6.09383%
Overall absence
20%
Persistent absence
170
Enrolments
Absence trend
Source: DfE pupil absence statistics. Persistent absence = pupils missing 10%+ sessions.
Reviews
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Secondary Schools Nearby
Secondary schools pupils are likely to move to
Priory Primary School
Bedford Free School
Bedford School
Bedford Girls' School
Bedford Modern School
St John's School
Biddenham International School and Sports College
Castle Newnham School
Bedford Greenacre Independent School
Grange Academy
Goldington Academy
Showing 10 of 15 linked schools
Nearby Schools
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