Houghton Regis Primary School
Dunstable, LU5 5DH · Central Bedfordshire · primary school
Check the area around this school
29th of 36 primary schools in Central Bedfordshire we can score, 95 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 3,752 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 0.6/10 among them, against 1.3/10 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 | 36.0 · 6 | 62% | 0.34 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 2.0 · 24 | 38% | 0.92 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Houghton Regis Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 36.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 2.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 0.6 out of 10 among them, against 1.3 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in swimming and ballet, and an after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 386 pupils against a stated capacity of 315. 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 is provided for pupils who are not reaching the expected standard in core subjects? How does the after-school club integrate with the main curriculum to support learning?
What Ofsted said about Houghton Regis Primary School
Overview
Houghton Regis Primary School is described as a "friendly, happy school" where pupils are respectful and feel cared for. However, the report states that pupils "do not achieve as well as they could" due to inconsistent teaching quality and behaviour management. While leadership is rated "Good" with a clear vision for improvement, most other key areas require improvement.
Strengths
- Staff and governors share a "clear vision" and are "determined to ensure the very best for the pupils."
- There is a "clear process for identifying pupils with special education needs and/or disabilities (SEND)" with staff receiving training on adapting teaching.
- Reading is a priority from the early years, with staff regularly checking knowledge and celebrating pupils’ engagement with a "wide variety of genres."
- Pupils enjoy "happier times" during playtimes due to zoned activities and have access to a "vast range of leadership opportunities."
- Attendance has improved through "regular communications with parents" and support to break down barriers.
Areas to improve
- Ensure all staff have the necessary subject knowledge and skills to deliver the curriculum effectively and address pupils’ misconceptions.
- Make the early years curriculum more "stimulating and well sequenced" to better prepare children for Year 1.
- Apply high expectations of behaviour consistently across all staff to prevent disruption to learning.
- Design the curriculum to enable pupils to explore different faiths and cultures so they can engage with others’ views.
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 | 49% |
| 2023/24 | 59% |
| 2024/25 | 36% |
| 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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