Best 3 Secondary schools in Bedford – comparison

Q: How are these comparisons built?

We align public datasets side-by-side. Headline Ofsted judgement and publication date are shown when available. Exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are available to Pro users; free users see rounded values.

Q: What if a school has a recent ungraded visit?

Ungraded Section 8 visits do not replace the last graded judgement. We continue to show the latest graded judgement until a new graded inspection is published.

Q: Why can’t I see exact numbers?

To keep the service sustainable, exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are Pro features. Everyone can still compare approximate values.

Q: How should I choose a school?

Start with the most recent graded Ofsted judgement, then consider distance and travel, roll versus capacity, and the admissions policy. Visit the school, ask about pastoral support and enrichment, and ensure it fits your child’s needs.

Q: What should I look for when comparing schools?

Compare headline Ofsted and publication dates for recency; check FSM% and local context; review capacity utilisation (under, near, or over capacity); and look at trust or local authority governance. Read the official Ofsted report for curriculum and safeguarding details.

Comparison of secondary schools: Bedford Free School (Secondary) in Bedford; St Thomas More Catholic School (Secondary) in Bedford; Bedford Academy (Secondary) in Bedford — covering Ofsted outcomes, size, FSM%, governance, capacity & more.

At a glance

This page compares Bedford Free School, St Thomas More Catholic School and Bedford Academy. They are secondary phase and free schools, academy converter and academy sponsor led type located around Bedford, Bedfordshire. The strongest headline Ofsted judgement here is 1 (Bedford Free School), published Mar 2020. The lowest is 2 (St Thomas More Catholic School), published Nov 2023. The most recent inspection on record is for St Thomas More Catholic School (Nov 2023). average roll around ≈ 950, combined total ≈ 2,850, typical FSM 25–30%, range 20–25%–35–40%; spread across trusts such as Advantage Schools, OUR LADY IMMACULATE CATHOLIC ACADEMIES TRUST LTD and Heart Academies Trust.

🔒 Export (Pro)

Attribute	Bedford Free School MK42 9AD	St Thomas More Catholic School MK41 7UL	Bedford Academy MK42 9TR
Phase / Type	Secondary • Free schools	Secondary • Academy converter	Secondary • Academy sponsor led
Location	Bedford Bedfordshire MK42 9AD	Bedford Bedfordshire MK41 7UL	Bedford Bedfordshire MK42 9TR
Latest Ofsted	1 23 Mar 2020	2 8 Nov 2023	2 16 May 2023
Ofsted report	—	—	—
Pupils (roll)	≈ 550 🔒 Unlock exact pupils	≈ 950 🔒 Unlock exact pupils	≈ 1,400 🔒 Unlock exact pupils
FSM %	25–30% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %	20–25% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %	35–40% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %
Capacity	500	1040	1440
Capacity utilisation	Near capacity 🔒 View exact %	Under capacity 🔒 View exact %	Near capacity 🔒 View exact %
Age range	—	—	—
Gender	Mixed	Mixed	Mixed
Admissions policy	Non-selective	Non-selective	Non-selective
Trust / Local authority	Advantage Schools	OUR LADY IMMACULATE CATHOLIC ACADEMIES TRUST LTD	Heart Academies Trust
Website	www.bedfordfreeschool.co.uk	www.st-thomasmore.org.uk	bedfordacademy.co.uk
Telephone	01234332299	01234400222	01234301500
SEN provision	None reported	None reported	None reported
Profile	View profile	View profile	View profile

Bedford Free School

MK42 9AD

Phase / Type: Secondary • Free schools
Location: Bedford
Bedfordshire
MK42 9AD
Ofsted: 1 23 Mar 2020
Pupils: ≈ 550 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 25–30% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: Advantage Schools
Website: www.bedfordfreeschool.co.uk
Telephone: 01234332299

St Thomas More Catholic School

MK41 7UL

Phase / Type: Secondary • Academy converter
Location: Bedford
Bedfordshire
MK41 7UL
Ofsted: 2 8 Nov 2023
Pupils: ≈ 950 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 20–25% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: OUR LADY IMMACULATE CATHOLIC ACADEMIES TRUST LTD
Website: www.st-thomasmore.org.uk
Telephone: 01234400222

Bedford Academy

MK42 9TR

Phase / Type: Secondary • Academy sponsor led
Location: Bedford
Bedfordshire
MK42 9TR
Ofsted: 2 16 May 2023
Pupils: ≈ 1,400 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 35–40% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: Heart Academies Trust
Website: bedfordacademy.co.uk
Telephone: 01234301500

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Map of compared schools

How are these comparisons built?

We line up public school data side-by-side. Ofsted “headline” judgement is shown with the publication date when available. Exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are available to Pro users; everyone sees rounded values.

What if a school has a recent ungraded visit?

Ungraded visits (Section 8) check whether the previous graded judgement still stands, but do not replace it. We keep the latest graded judgement as the headline until a new graded inspection is published.

Why can’t I see exact numbers?

To keep the service sustainable, we show approximate pupils and bucketed FSM% to free users. Upgrade to AllSchools Pro to unlock precise figures and exports.

How should I choose a school?

Start with the most recent graded Ofsted judgement, then check whether it aligns with your child’s needs. Look at distance and travel, typical class sizes (roll vs capacity), and the school’s admissions policy. Speak to the school, arrange a visit, and ask about pastoral support and enrichment.

What should I look for when comparing schools?

Compare headline Ofsted and publication dates for recency; check FSM% and local context; scan capacity utilisation (under, near, or over capacity); and review trust/local authority for governance. If available, read the official Ofsted report for curriculum and safeguarding detail.