Samuel Whitbread Academy
Shefford, SG17 5QS · Central Bedfordshire · secondary school
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6th 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 610 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.0/10 among them, against 4.3/10 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.84 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 42.9 · 44 | 30% | 1.33 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | -0.13 · 40 | 25% | 1.00 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 45.7 · 48 | 10% | 0.48 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Samuel Whitbread Academy overview
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 peers nationally starting 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 1.4 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. Trips include Wimbledon, and an after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,657 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,650. 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 8 scores? What specific support is available for students aiming to raise their Attainment
What Ofsted said about Samuel Whitbread Academy
Overview
Samuel Whitbread Academy continues to be a good school, where pupils are happy and appreciate the wide range of academic and extra-curricular opportunities. Leaders maintain high expectations for all students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, fostering a positive environment where bullying is rare and behaviour is generally orderly.
Strengths
- Pupils benefit from a "wide curriculum offer" and "high-quality teaching" in most subjects, where teachers possess "strong subject knowledge".
- Leaders have "prioritised reading across the curriculum," helping struggling pupils catch up and become "more confident readers".
- The school provides effective support for pupils with SEND, who study an "ambitious curriculum" with tailored teaching adaptations.
- Staff feel valued and supported, benefiting from "a wide range of training" and collaborative opportunities.
- Personal development is well-integrated, with pupils gaining knowledge of "equality, diversity, relationships and democracy".
Areas to improve
- In a "small number of subjects," teaching quality is inconsistent because teachers do not always check learning or correct misconceptions, causing pupils to carry errors into subsequent work.
- Leaders must address "residual concerns" from some pupils and parents regarding the behaviour of a small number of pupils in communal spaces.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with a "strong safeguarding culture," rigorous recruitment checks, and well-trained staff who manage cases swiftly.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 47.1 |
| 2024/25 | 46.7 |
| 2025/26 | 45.7 |
| 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
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