Biggleswade Academy
Biggleswade, SG18 8JU · Central Bedfordshire · primary school
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17th 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 4,277 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.6/10 among them, against 2.8/10 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 | 57.0 · 32 | 40% | 1.29 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 1.0 · 21 | 25% | 0.53 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Biggleswade Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 57.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 1.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in June 2024. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.6 out of 10 among them, against 2.8 out of 10 nationally.
Getting in
The published school roll is 839 pupils against a stated capacity of 957. 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 trips or external visits are planned for the current academic year?
What Ofsted said about Biggleswade Academy
Overview
Biggleswade Academy is judged as ‘Good’ overall, with pupils described as ‘extremely polite and friendly’ who ‘thrive in the safety of the school environments’. The school has constructed a ‘broad, balanced and ambitious curriculum’ that helps pupils build secure learning, supported by teachers who are ‘confident about the subjects they teach’. However, the early years provision ‘Requires improvement’ due to inconsistencies in curriculum planning and staff expertise.
Strengths
- Pupils demonstrate the school’s virtues of ‘ambition, determination, respect and integrity’ and are ‘very attentive to their teachers’ clear explanations’.
- Most pupils achieve well, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), who receive ‘skilfully adapted’ teaching and a ‘bespoke curriculum’.
- Reading is a priority, with ‘well-trained adults’ delivering phonics lessons and targeted support ensuring ‘most pupils are fluent readers by the end of key stage 1’.
- The ‘Education4Life’ curriculum prepares pupils for their futures, fostering a ‘tolerant, respectful approach to diversity’ and mature understanding of British values.
- An ‘increasingly wide-ranging programme of extra-curricular activities’ and memorable trips enrich the curriculum and allow pupils to ‘let off steam and have fun’.
Areas to improve
- Curriculum planning does not always start in early years, meaning children ‘are not as well prepared for different subjects in key stage 1 as they could be’.
- Inconsistencies in staff expertise within the early years mean ‘learning opportunities are sometimes missed’ and children do not progress as quickly as they might.
Safeguarding
The report states that ‘the arrangements for safeguarding are effective’.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 67% |
| 2023/24 | 72% |
| 2024/25 | 57% |
| 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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