Best 3 Secondary schools in Bideford – 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: Atlantic Academy (Secondary) in Bideford; Bideford College (Secondary) in Bideford — covering Ofsted outcomes, size, FSM%, governance, capacity & more.

At a glance

This page compares Atlantic Academy and Bideford College. They are secondary phase and free schools and academy sponsor led type located around Bideford, Devon. The strongest headline Ofsted judgement here is 2 (Atlantic Academy), published Mar 2023. The most recent inspection on record is for Atlantic Academy (Mar 2023). average roll around ≈ 850, combined total ≈ 1,650, typical FSM 30–35%, range 25–30%–30–35%; all within the ATHENA LEARNING TRUST trust.

🔒 Export (Pro)

Attribute	Atlantic Academy EX39 5DW	Bideford College EX39 3AR
Phase / Type	Secondary • Free schools	Secondary • Academy sponsor led
Location	Bideford Devon EX39 5DW	Bideford Devon EX39 3AR
Latest Ofsted	2 23 Mar 2023	2 31 Jul 2022
Ofsted report	—	—
Pupils (roll)	≈ 250 🔒 Unlock exact pupils	≈ 1,450 🔒 Unlock exact pupils
FSM %	30–35% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %	25–30% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %
Capacity	500	2232
Capacity utilisation	Under capacity 🔒 View exact %	Under capacity 🔒 View exact %
Age range	—	—
Gender	Mixed	Mixed
Admissions policy	Non-selective	Non-selective
Trust / Local authority	ATHENA LEARNING TRUST	ATHENA LEARNING TRUST
Website	www.atlanticacademy.uk	www.bidefordcollege.org
Telephone	01237431969	01237477611
SEN provision	None reported	None reported
Profile	View profile	View profile

Atlantic Academy

EX39 5DW

Phase / Type: Secondary • Free schools
Location: Bideford
Devon
EX39 5DW
Ofsted: 2 23 Mar 2023
Pupils: ≈ 250 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 30–35% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: ATHENA LEARNING TRUST
Website: www.atlanticacademy.uk
Telephone: 01237431969

Bideford College

EX39 3AR

Phase / Type: Secondary • Academy sponsor led
Location: Bideford
Devon
EX39 3AR
Ofsted: 2 31 Jul 2022
Pupils: ≈ 1,450 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 25–30% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: ATHENA LEARNING TRUST
Website: www.bidefordcollege.org
Telephone: 01237477611

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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.