Lark Rise Academy
Dunstable, LU6 3PT · Central Bedfordshire · primary school
Check the area around this school
1st 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 3,510 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 7.9/10 among them, against 8.5/10 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 | 88.0 · 96 | 62% | 5.93 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 10.0 · 66 | 38% | 2.54 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Lark Rise Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 88.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 10.0% 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 7.9 out of 10 among them, against 8.5 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
A breakfast club is available for pupils.
Getting in
The published school roll is 351 pupils against a stated capacity of 360. 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 does the typical day look like for a child attending the breakfast club? How does the school maintain its current performance levels as it approaches full capacity?
What Ofsted said about Lark Rise Academy
Overview
Lark Rise Academy provides an exceptional educational experience where pupils are described as “charming, compassionate and confident.” The report highlights a “well-planned curriculum” and “meticulous” leadership that ensures high achievement and strong personal development across all year groups.
Strengths
- Pupils “achieve highly” and build “strong foundations in key skills,” allowing them to “confidently solve multi-step word problems” and perform strongly in statutory assessments.
- Early years provision is excellent, with children getting a “flying start in reading” through a strong grasp of pre-phonics and daily opportunities to read with confidence.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) “thrive” due to staff who “adapt teaching with precision” and use discreet support to ensure engagement alongside peers.
- Behaviour is positive, with pupils showing “high levels of respect” and maintaining attendance “above the national average” through clear expectations and incentives.
- Leaders are “accurate and methodical” in evaluating impact, ensuring staff receive precise support and that workload management enhances both pupil outcomes and staff well-being.
Areas to improve
- The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.
Safeguarding
The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective,” noting an open culture that puts pupils’ interests first.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 73% |
| 2023/24 | 82% |
| 2024/25 | 88% |
| 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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