Putnoe Primary School
Bedford, MK41 0DH · Bedford · primary school
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27th 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.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 3.1/10 against 1,976 of them, against 2.9/10 nationally. So this is not simply a reflection of who attends. 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 | 57.0 · 32 | 40% | 1.29 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 2.0 · 24 | 25% | 0.59 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Putnoe Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 57.0% 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%. Its results are much the same when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so the gap is not explained by intake (3.1 out of 10 against similar schools, 2.9 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in September 2024.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join photography, KS1 Art, KS2 Art, and sketching clubs, and visit Condover Hall on trips. Both breakfast and after-school clubs are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 494 pupils against a stated capacity of 630. 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 specific activities take place during the after-school club? How does the school maintain its Good Ofsted rating while addressing the gap in higher standard attainment?
What Ofsted said about Putnoe Primary School
Overview
Putnoe Primary School is described as a place where pupils are "happy and harmonious," demonstrating high levels of tolerance and respect. The report highlights "exceptional work" by leaders to recover from difficult circumstances, resulting in improving attainment and a "consistently highly positive culture of behaviour and attitudes."
Strengths
- Pupils exhibit "Outstanding" behaviour and personal development, actively supporting one another and showing deep commitment to school values such as "politeness, trust and honesty."
- Leaders place "pupils’ welfare at the heart of everything they do," working effectively with agencies to remove barriers to education and support families.
- The curriculum is "ambitious and broad," with staff using assessment diligently to ensure pupils can "recall and apply this knowledge well," particularly in subjects like music.
- The school has a "very effective approach to teaching children to read," with staff providing targeted support so pupils read with "confidence and fluency."
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are "fully included in class," receiving additional help such as "writing scaffolds" to access the curriculum.
Areas to improve
- Some teachers do not plan enough opportunities for pupils to develop their writing across the curriculum, meaning a minority of pupils do not always produce writing with "sufficient depth."
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 | 67% |
| 2023/24 | 62% |
| 2024/25 | 57% |
| 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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