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Bedford Free School

Bedford Free School, Bedford
Secondary

Bedford Free School

Cauldwell Street, Bedford, MK42 9AD

A Outstanding-rated secondary school in Bedford.

Free schools
Pupils
525
Ages
11-16
FSM
28.4%
Attainment 8
46.1
Ofsted
Outstanding
Jan 2020

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Exam Results

Official performance data from the Department for Education

GCSE Results (Secondary)

Key performance measures— 2024/25

Attainment 8
46.1
Progress 8?
N/A
9-7 Grades
20.2%
Basics 9-5
36.1%

Trend — Attainment 8 & Progress 8

Progress 8 not available for 2024/25 — DfE cannot calculate it because COVID-19 cancelled this cohort's KS2 SATs (the baseline). Expected to return in 2026/27.

Grade Distribution (%)

9–7% / 9–5% / 9–4% available from 2023/24; no grade breakdown for 2022/23

EBacc Measures

EBacc Entry
88.7%
EBacc APS
4.46
EBacc 9-5
22.7%
EBacc 9-4
40.2%
How to read Progress 8 vs Attainment 8Two numbers, two different stories. The 6-min explainer for parents.

Community & Reviews

What parents say and who teaches here

Parent Reviews

Location & Area

Explore the neighbourhood around the school

Data shown for guidance only · confirm details with the school before applying

About Bedford Free School

Bedford Free School is a secondary school in Bedford, Bedford. Its latest Ofsted outcome is Outstanding (2020 inspection). According to the latest Ofsted Parent View survey (Sept 2025, 91 responses), 70% of parents would recommend this school. Latest published results: GCSE 2024/25: Attainment 8 46.1. The school has around 525 pupils on roll. Use this page to explore performance trends, inspection history, admissions notes and neighbourhood context before applying.

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Location: Cauldwell Street, Bedford, MK42 9AD | More schools in Bedford

Ofsted inspection history

Published Ofsted outcomes for Bedford Free School, including earlier inspections linked to predecessor establishments where applicable.

  1. Apr 2025 — Standards maintained
  2. Jan 2020 — Outstanding
  3. Mar 2016 — Good

Official reports: Ofsted.gov.uk

Schools near Bedford Free School

Other open schools within about 5 km, with the same phase shown first where possible.

Frequently asked questions about Bedford Free School

What is Bedford Free School's Ofsted rating?
Bedford Free School received a Outstanding rating from Ofsted following its 2020 inspection.
What do parents say about Bedford Free School?
Ofsted Parent View (Sept 2025, 91 responses): 70% of parents would recommend Bedford Free School.
What are Bedford Free School's latest exam results?
Bedford Free School: GCSE 2024/25: Attainment 8 46.1. Figures are from DfE-published performance tables.
Where is Bedford Free School located?
Bedford Free School is a secondary school in Bedford, Bedford (MK42 9AD).
How many pupils attend Bedford Free School?
Bedford Free School has around 525 pupils on roll according to the latest school census data.
How can I compare Bedford Free School with other schools?
View Bedford Free School's full profile on FavSchools for multi-year results and Ofsted history, then use the comparison tool or interactive map to explore nearby alternatives in Bedford.