Castle Newnham School
Bedford, MK40 3EP · Bedford · all-through school
Check the area around this school
21st 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 4,024 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 4.3/10 among them, against 5.7/10 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 | 40% | 2.28 |
| Ofsted | 10 | 35% | 0.34 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 8.0 · 57 | 25% | 1.43 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Castle Newnham 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 higher standard was reached by 8.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 4.3 out of 10 among them, against 5.7 out of 10 nationally. The most recent inspection took place in March 2026 under the new report-card framework, which grades each area separately and gives no overall grade.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the 4SIXTEEN Theatre Company and the Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Trips include a residential trip, a trip to France, an annual panto, and visits to museums and cinemas. An after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 624 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,380. 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 specific activities are included in the residential trip to France? How does the after-school club structure its daily sessions?
What Ofsted said about Castle Newnham School
Overview
Castle Newhham School fulfils the expected standard across all inspection categories, with safeguarding standards met. The report describes a school where pupils achieve well, behave respectfully, and feel safe, supported by robust leadership and a clear curriculum. While the school is undergoing significant change as it merges with a high school, leaders maintain rigorous monitoring and effective partnerships with parents.
Strengths
- Pupils achieve well, making secure progress through a "sequenced and ambitious curriculum" that prepares them for the next stages of education.
- Attendance is above national figures for all groups, supported by leaders who "analyse school attendance closely" and work effectively with parents.
- Behaviour is "calm, respectful and purposeful," with staff reacting quickly to bullying and providing personalised support for vulnerable pupils.
- Leaders and governors provide "rigorous and constructive challenge," ensuring decisions prioritise pupils' best interests and staff wellbeing.
- The early years provision offers a "solid start to school," with staff modelling language skilfully and prioritising reading and phonics from Reception.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure teaching, including in early years, "more consistently addresses gaps in pupils' learning so that pupils develop more detailed knowledge over time."
- Leaders need to "more precisely identify barriers to learning for some pupils" to ensure all consistently benefit from high-quality teaching across the full curriculum.
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing "an open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" and concerns actively identified and managed.
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
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2026
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2027
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2027
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2028
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