Priory Academy
Dunstable, LU5 4JA · Central Bedfordshire · all-through school
Check the area around this school
8th of 16 secondary schools in Central Bedfordshire we can score, 27 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 734 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.1/10 among them, against 4.1/10 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 | 52 | 35% | 1.84 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 45.0 · 50 | 30% | 1.50 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | -0.21 · 34 | 25% | 0.85 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 42.0 · 29 | 10% | 0.29 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Priory Academy overview
How it's doing
Ofsted rated the school Good in June 2023. In 2024/25, 49.5% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 46.2, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was -0.21 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did worse than those nationally who started from the same place. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.8 out of 10 among them, against 5.1 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
An after-school club is available for pupils.
Getting in
The published school roll is 830 pupils against a stated capacity of 700. 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 to improve their progress scores, which are below the national benchmark? What specific support is available for pupils who need extra help in English and maths?
What Ofsted said about Priory Academy
Overview
Priory Academy continues to be a good school, where pupils thrive in a positive environment characterised by ‘care and kindness’. Leaders have established an ambitious curriculum with a strong focus on reading and effective teaching practices that help pupils build knowledge over time.
Strengths
- Pupils enjoy good relationships with staff and peers, demonstrating high expectations and taking responsibility for their own and others’ wellbeing.
- Teachers deliver the curriculum in a sensible order, providing regular opportunities for review and effective support to ensure pupils do not fall behind.
- Reading has a high profile, with leaders ensuring pupils access high-quality books matched to their abilities and providing effective support for those who find reading difficult.
- Leaders prepare pupils well for adult life through high-quality career guidance and opportunities to engage with post-16 providers and employers.
- Staff appreciate leaders’ efforts to ensure reasonable workloads, and the trust and governors work effectively to hold leaders accountable.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must provide teachers with precise information and training on the specific needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) to ensure targeted support is given.
- Leaders must implement effective measures to support pupils who find regulating their behaviour challenging, as current approaches have not prevented an increase in suspensions.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff trained to identify signs of potential harm and acting swiftly and appropriately when concerns arise.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 41.7 |
| 2024/25 | 46.2 |
| 2025/26 | 42.0 |
| 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
Saved schools live on this device only — no account, no tracking. Visit the school's website
Loading full school details…
Similar schools nearby
Same area, prioritising the same phase — useful for shortlisting alternatives.
Every school within 2.5 miles of LU5 4JA, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT