Shackleton Primary School
Bedford, MK42 9LZ · Bedford · primary school
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46th 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 — 2.0/10 against 2,100 of them, against 2.0/10 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 | 54.0 · 26 | 40% | 1.03 |
| Ofsted | 8 | 35% | 0.27 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 0.0 · 10 | 25% | 0.26 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Shackleton Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 54.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 0.0%, 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 (2.0 out of 10 either way). The school was inspected in January 2026 under the new report-card framework, which grades areas separately without an overall grade.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils access swimming and street tag, perform in The Big Green Adventure, and visit London, Whipsnade Zoo, Woburn Safari Park, The Grange Farm, and Wimpole Farm. Breakfast and after-school clubs are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 487 pupils against a stated capacity of 480. 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 support is available for those aiming for the higher standard? How does the school manage class sizes given the current over-capacity status?
What Ofsted said about Shackleton Primary School
Overview
The report describes a school where leaders have established a "positive culture" and prioritised improving teaching in core subjects, leading to greater consistency in classroom practice. While attendance is improving and pupils feel safe and valued, achievement in reading, writing and mathematics "does not meet national expectations," leaving some pupils "not as well prepared as they should be" for the next stage of education.
Strengths
- Safeguarding standards are met, with an "open culture" where concerns are "actively identified, acted upon and managed."
- Behaviour is "orderly and purposeful," with bullying being "uncommon" and staff addressing issues "swiftly and well."
- Leaders build "strong relationships with families" and work closely with external agencies to support attendance, which is rising.
- The early years provision is strengthened, helping children "settle quickly" and develop "secure early writing skills" and confidence.
- Staff provide effective support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, ensuring they "progress appropriately from their starting points."
Areas to improve
- Leaders must improve pupils' achievement in core subjects so more meet national expectations and "securely remember and apply their learning."
- Leaders should embed the clarity and consistency of core subjects across the "wider curriculum" to ensure pupils retain knowledge.
- Governors need to strengthen their "strategic oversight" to evaluate the impact of leaders' actions more rigorously.
Safeguarding
The report states that "safeguarding standards are met," meaning leaders have established an open culture where safeguarding is everyone's responsibility and pupils are made safer.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 29% |
| 2023/24 | 43% |
| 2024/25 | 54% |
| 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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