Carlton CofE Primary School
Bedford, MK43 7JR · Bedford · primary school
Check the area around this school
22nd 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.
Narrow the comparison to the 3,353 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.1/10 among them, against 3.9/10 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 | 67.0 · 57 | 62% | 3.50 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 0.0 · 10 | 38% | 0.40 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Carlton CofE Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 67.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The proportion reaching the higher standard was 0.0%, against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.1 out of 10 among them, against 3.9 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in the School Council and Forest School.
Getting in
The published school roll is 87 pupils against a stated capacity of 120. 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 to progress from the expected standard to the higher standard? What specific skills are developed during Forest School sessions? How does the School Council influence school decisions?
What Ofsted said about Carlton CofE Primary School
Overview
Pupils at Carlton CofE Primary School are described as “confident and self-assured” within a “positive environment” where kindness and respect are evident. The school maintains high expectations for behaviour and learning, with staff demonstrating strong training in core subjects like English and mathematics. While the overall provision is rated Good across all key judgement areas, the report highlights inconsistencies in curriculum planning and subject knowledge in certain foundation subjects.
Strengths
- Pupils display excellent behaviour, being “polite and courteous” and listening well to others, which minimises disruptions.
- Phonics teaching is a significant strength, with staff addressing misconceptions quickly so pupils make “strong progress with their reading”.
- Staff accurately identify pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), ensuring they receive tailored support without becoming over-reliant on adults.
- The school fosters personal development by teaching pupils to “value different cultures and religions” and celebrating diversity.
- Leaders actively support staff well-being and work with governors and local authority advisers to address key priorities.
Areas to improve
- In some foundation subjects, staff lack sufficient subject-specific knowledge, leading to ineffective learning tasks and unidentified gaps in pupil knowledge.
- The curriculum in a few subjects is not coherently organised from the early years upwards, creating a gap between early years and Key Stage 1.
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 | 58% |
| 2023/24 | 57% |
| 2024/25 | 67% |
| 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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