Cauldwell School
Bedford, MK42 9DR · Bedford · primary school
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20th 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 — 5.9/10 against 3,295 of them, against 5.6/10 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 | 74.0 · 76 | 40% | 3.02 |
| Ofsted | 12 | 35% | 0.43 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 2.0 · 24 | 25% | 0.59 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Cauldwell School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 74.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared with the national median of 64%. 2.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Its position is much the same whether compared with all schools or only those whose pupils have similar backgrounds (5.9 out of 10 against similar schools, 5.6 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted inspected the school in November 2025 under the new framework, which grades areas separately without an overall grade.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Spanish Club, Homework Club, and the MoreLife physical activity club, as well as swimming and choir. An after-school club is also available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 415 pupils against a stated capacity of 420. 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 not yet meeting the higher standard in maths? What specific activities does the MoreLife club offer during the week? How does the school manage the transition for children moving into Year 6?
What Ofsted said about Cauldwell School
Overview
Cauldwell School is described as a place where pupils feel safe, valued, and happy, with a "well-established culture of respect" and high attendance. The report highlights a "highly inclusive culture" where individual needs are well understood, particularly for pupils with special educational needs and those speaking English as an additional language. While achievement in reading and mathematics is strong, the report notes that writing standards and early years interactions require further development to match the quality of other areas.
Strengths
- Attendance and behaviour are rated at a "Strong standard," with a "calm and welcoming school environment" where bullying is rare.
- Inclusion is rated at a "Strong standard," with "well-tailored support" for pupils with SEND and disadvantaged pupils.
- Personal development is rated at a "Strong standard," featuring a "coherent, thoughtfully structured" personal, social and health education programme.
- Pupils attain and progress well in reading and mathematics, developing a "solid grasp of mental calculations."
- Leaders act with "great integrity," ensuring pupils sit at the heart of decision-making and maintaining positive community relationships.
Areas to improve
- Leaders should improve the frequency and quality of adult interactions with children in the early years to better support learning through play.
- In the early years, writing opportunities must be better matched to children’s phonics knowledge and physical skills.
- Teaching of writing across the curriculum needs strengthening to ensure pupils apply grammar, spelling, and composition skills confidently.
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.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 46% |
| 2023/24 | 53% |
| 2024/25 | 74% |
| 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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