Thurleigh Primary School
Bedford, MK44 2DB · Bedford · primary school
Check the area around this school
35th 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 — 1.3/10 against 2,330 of them, against 1.6/10 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 | 50.0 · 19 | 40% | 0.76 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| 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.
Thurleigh Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 50.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared with the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 0.0%, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in June 2024. 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 (1.3 out of 10 against similar schools, 1.6 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Singing & Signing, Dance, and Wellbeing clubs, or learn Piano, Violin, or Guitar. Both breakfast and after-school clubs are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 92 pupils against a stated capacity of 105. 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 steps are taken to raise attainment towards the higher standard?
What Ofsted said about Thurleigh Primary School
Overview
Thurleigh Primary School is described as a “warm, friendly and nurturing” environment where pupils are “happy and safe.” The inspection highlights a “positive atmosphere” driven by high staff expectations and a curriculum that encourages independent learning. The school has improved significantly since its previous inspection, with governors ensuring staff workload is balanced while maintaining ambitious development goals.
Strengths
- Pupils demonstrate “exceptional” behaviour and “positive and proactive attitudes towards learning,” arriving promptly and regularly.
- Staff possess “good subject knowledge” and effectively check understanding in core subjects like English and mathematics to build on prior learning.
- The school provides strong support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), enabling them to “access the full curriculum” and learn alongside peers.
- A “wide-ranging personal development programme” prioritises well-being, offering pupils strategies for calming and opportunities to develop resilience and leadership.
- Parents are “overwhelmingly positive” about the school, recommending it highly due to the effective reward systems and community engagement.
Areas to improve
- The school must ensure “sufficient accuracy” in teaching letter sounds, rigorously checking pupils know individual sounds before attempting to blend them.
- In some foundation subjects, staff should better use assessment information to ensure pupils retain essential base knowledge before tackling more complex ideas.
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 | 81% |
| 2023/24 | 80% |
| 2024/25 | 50% |
| 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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