Samuel Whitbread Academy
Shefford, SG17 5QS · Central Bedfordshire · secondary school
5th of 15 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 644 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.5/10 among them, against 5.2/10 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% | 1.81 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2024/25 | 48.0 · 61 | 30% | 1.82 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | -0.13 · 40 | 25% | 1.00 |
| Attainment 8 2024/25 | 46.7 · 56 | 10% | 0.56 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Get to know the school
How it's doing. In 2024/25, 48.0% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 46.7, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was -0.13 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did slightly worse than those nationally who started from the same place. Ofsted rated the school Good in April 2023. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.5 out of 10 among them, against 5.2 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom. Pupils can join the Duke of Edinburgh Award, play football, netball, rugby, equestrian, or cheerleading, and participate in Christmas productions, summer arts festivals, dance, choirs, orchestras, percussion groups, and bands. The school also organises trips to Wimbledon. An after-school club is available.
Getting in. There are 1660 pupils in a school with 1650 places, meaning it is over capacity by 10. The school is over its stated capacity, so places are competitive.
Worth asking on a visit. How does the school manage the 10 pupils over capacity in daily operations? What specific support is offered to help pupils improve their Progress 8 scores? How accessible is the after-school club for families with varying work schedules?
Written by AI from this school's published results, inspection record and its own website — not by Ofsted, the school, or SchoolsGPT staff. Every figure above comes from the sources on this page. Check anything that matters with the school.
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.
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