Balliol Primary School
Bedford, MK42 7ER · Bedford · primary school
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39th of 50 primary schools in Bedford we can score, 55 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 0.6/10 against 2,358 of them, against 0.9/10 nationally. So this is not simply a reflection of who attends. 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 | 39.0 · 8 | 40% | 0.30 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.81 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 0.0 · 10 | 25% | 0.26 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Balliol Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 39.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 0.0%, against a national median of 7%. Its results are much the same when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so the gap is not explained by intake (0.6 out of 10 against similar schools, 0.9 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in September 2022.
Getting in
The published school roll is 355 pupils against a stated capacity of 440. 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 core subjects? What specific steps are taken to raise attainment towards the higher standard? How does the school maintain its Good Ofsted rating following the 2022 inspection?
What Ofsted said about Balliol Primary School
Overview
Balliol Primary School is judged as ‘Good’ across all inspection categories. Pupils are described as ‘friendly and kind’, benefiting from a ‘well designed’ curriculum and clear teaching that helps them ‘recall much of what they learn’. The school fosters a supportive culture where pupils feel safe and engaged in ‘memorable experiences’.
Strengths
- Early reading is strong, with ‘carefully planned activities’ ensuring most Reception children recognise sounds and build knowledge in Year 1.
- The curriculum is ‘well designed from the pre-school to Year 6’, with teachers using effective checks to ensure pupils learn intended knowledge.
- Behaviour is managed effectively, with a system that ‘motivates pupils’ and has contributed to suspensions ‘reducing over time’.
- Personal development is ‘suitably wide ranging’, including a ‘clearly sequenced’ personal, social and health education curriculum.
- Safeguarding arrangements are ‘effective’, with staff recognising the importance of ‘maintaining positive relationships’ with vulnerable pupils.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure all staff are ‘suitably skilled’ to teach reading fluency and comprehension, as some weaker readers are not developing these key skills.
- The outdoor area for Reception does not ‘match the ambition’ of classroom activities; leaders need to provide training and support to address this disparity.
- Governors and leaders must improve the ‘rigour’ of evaluating systems, particularly regarding attendance, to ensure they work effectively and changes are made ‘timely’.
Safeguarding
The report states that ‘the arrangements for safeguarding are effective’, with careful checks on adults and staff trained to recognise and report concerns promptly.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 54% |
| 2023/24 | 52% |
| 2024/25 | 39% |
| 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
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