Goldington Academy
Bedford, MK41 9BX · Bedford · secondary school
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2nd of 12 secondary schools in Bedford we can score, 13 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 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 9.2/10 against 910 of them, against 8.6/10 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ofsted | 86 | 35% | 3.03 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 59.7 · 81 | 30% | 2.42 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.85 · 95 | 25% | 2.37 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 52.0 · 78 | 10% | 0.78 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Goldington Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 64.4% of pupils achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 54.3, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.85 in 2023/24, indicating better progress than pupils nationally starting from the same place. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (9.5 out of 10 against similar schools, 8.9 out of 10 against all schools). The school was inspected in May 2026 under the new framework, which grades areas separately without an overall grade.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils take part in the Marston Vale Trip.
Getting in
The published school roll is 958 pupils against a stated capacity of 750. 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 manage class sizes when operating significantly above its designated capacity? What specific support structures are in place to maintain the high Progress 8 scores for all students? How does the new Ofsted framework affect current teaching priorities?
What Ofsted said about Goldington Academy
Overview
Goldington Academy is described as a welcoming community where pupils feel a strong sense of belonging and thrive. The report highlights that leaders have built an "exemplary culture" over time, resulting in high-quality teaching, excellent attendance, and robust support for all pupils, including those with additional needs.
Strengths
- Pupils achieve highly in national assessments, developing "rich and deep knowledge" and using subject-specific vocabulary with confidence.
- Attendance is "excellent" and improving for disadvantaged pupils, supported by "rigorous and supportive systems."
- Behaviour is "typically exemplary," with a highly positive culture where bullying is rare and resolved quickly.
- Leaders provide "highly effective training" for staff, ensuring consistent high-quality teaching across the curriculum.
- There is a "wide and comprehensive personal development offer," including numerous clubs and leadership roles that build pupil confidence.
Areas to improve
- Leaders should continue to ensure teaching consistently develops "independent thinking and self-regulation," particularly for younger pupils, to have a transformational impact on their achievement.
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" and concerns are actively identified and managed.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 54.1 |
| 2024/25 | 54.3 |
| 2025/26 | 52.0 |
| England | 44.9 |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 3,682 state schools in England we hold a 2025/26 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
- 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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