Ardley Hill Academy
Dunstable, LU6 3NZ · Central Bedfordshire · primary school
Check the area around this school
14th of 36 primary schools in Central Bedfordshire we can score, 95 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to the 4,259 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.3/10 among them, against 3.5/10 nationally. Both figures are results only, without the inspection grade. A lower figure here means a stronger comparison group, not a weaker school.
How this is worked out
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expected standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 60.0 · 39 | 40% | 1.56 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 3.0 · 29 | 25% | 0.73 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Ardley Hill Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 60.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 3.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in September 2024. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.3 out of 10 among them, against 3.5 out of 10 nationally.
Getting in
The published school roll is 422 pupils against a stated capacity of 520. These whole-school figures do not establish entry-year vacancies or the likelihood of an offer. Confirm entry-year availability and admissions criteria with the school or local authority.
Worth asking on a visit
How does the school support pupils who are below the expected standard in maths? What does a typical day look like for a child in Year 6? How does the school monitor progress between inspections?
What Ofsted said about Ardley Hill Academy
Overview
Ardley Hill Academy is judged as 'Good' across all inspection categories, marking significant improvement from its previous 'Requires improvement' rating. The report highlights a positive school culture where pupils embody the ‘REACH’ values and feel valued within the community. Leaders have successfully rebuilt relationships with parents and the local community, fostering a new era of unity.
Strengths
- Pupils demonstrate "calm and focused behaviour" and are supported by a "well-thought-through pastoral support" system that helps vulnerable children express their feelings.
- The curriculum is being refined with support from subject experts, helping pupils develop a "broad understanding across various subjects" and improving vocabulary.
- Reading foundations are strong in the early years, with many Nursery children able to identify letter sounds, leading to accurate spelling in Key Stage 1.
- Personal development is enhanced through diverse opportunities, including sports competitions, swimming lessons, and educational trips that build confidence and creativity.
- Governance provides a "positive impact," with rigorous safeguarding audits and effective staff training creating a supportive working environment.
Areas to improve
- Staff require further training to effectively support weaker readers, as current strategies are not sufficiently improving "reading fluency and expression."
- Support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is inconsistent; the school must strengthen strategies to ensure all such pupils receive the help they need to achieve their best.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with rigorous audits ensuring tenacity in supporting vulnerable pupils.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 60% |
| 2023/24 | 42% |
| 2024/25 | 60% |
| England | 64% |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 14,326 state schools in England we hold a 2024/25 figure for — a school-level median, not the DfE's pupil-weighted national figure.
Your offer chance
—Based on official applications/offers, distance and catchment where we have it. Bands only — never a percentage.
Sibling, faith, looked-after and other criteria can override distance. Always confirm with the school or local authority.
Next dates
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2027
- Primary National Offer Day16 Apr 2027
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2028
- Primary National Offer Day17 Apr 2028
Saved schools live on this device only — no account, no tracking. Visit the school's website
Loading full school details…
Similar schools nearby
Same area, prioritising the same phase — useful for shortlisting alternatives.
Every school within 2.5 miles of LU6 3NZ, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT