Christopher Reeves CofE VA Primary School
Podington, NN29 7HU · Bedford · primary school
Check the area around this school
24th 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 4,112 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.5/10 among them, against 3.0/10 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 | 46.0 · 14 | 40% | 0.55 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| 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.
Christopher Reeves CofE VA Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 46.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 8.0% achieved it, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in July 2024. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.5 out of 10 among them, against 3.0 out of 10 nationally.
Getting in
The published school roll is 70 pupils against a stated capacity of 105. 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 curriculum support pupils who are below the expected standard in maths? What does a typical day look like for a child in Year 6?
What Ofsted said about Christopher Reeves CofE VA Primary School
Overview
Christopher Reeves CofE VA Primary School continues to be a good school, offering a nurturing environment where pupils feel safe and supported. The report highlights a strong sense of community, with a ‘family feel’ where everyone looks out for each other, and praises the effective curriculum that prepares pupils well for their next stage of education.
Strengths
- The curriculum is logically sequenced, using the ‘science of learning’ to ensure pupils repeatedly encounter key concepts, leading to strong retention in subjects like mathematics and music.
- Staff are ‘experts in teaching reading’, providing calm, small-group instruction from Reception that helps pupils quickly become confident readers.
- Bespoke support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is effective, helping them become more independent and access all subjects.
- Pupils enjoy a wide range of opportunities to develop talents, including musical events, guitar clubs, and forest school activities, fostering enthusiasm for learning.
- Leaders support staff well, considering workload and providing training, while the personal, social, health and economic education curriculum helps pupils respect difference and stay safe.
Areas to improve
- In some subjects, teachers are still mastering new school-wide teaching approaches, meaning pupils occasionally do not fully understand new concepts when first taught.
- Staff expectations of pupil behaviour are not always consistent, resulting in pupils sometimes failing to focus or follow instructions as expected.
Safeguarding
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 | 64% |
| 2023/24 | 46% |
| 2024/25 | 46% |
| 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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