Wilden CofE VA Primary School
Bedford, MK44 2PB · Bedford · primary school
Check the area around this school
23rd 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.
Narrow the comparison to the 4,185 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.8/10 among them, against 3.3/10 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expected standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 63.0 · 46 | 40% | 1.85 |
| 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.
Wilden CofE VA Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 63.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The proportion reaching the higher standard was 0.0%, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in September 2024. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.8 out of 10 among them, against 3.3 out of 10 nationally.
Getting in
The published school roll is 45 pupils against a stated capacity of 84. 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 not yet meeting the higher standard in core subjects? What specific strategies are used to raise attainment in reading and writing? How does the school manage class sizes to ensure individual attention for each child?
What Ofsted said about Wilden CofE VA Primary School
Overview
Wilden CofE VA Primary School is described as a place where pupils feel like part of a "family" and are "extremely well prepared for life in modern Britain." The report highlights a "highly effective early years curriculum" and "exceptional" personal development, noting that staff know pupils "exceptionally well" and foster a culture of being "a small school with a big heart."
Strengths
- The early years provision is outstanding, with staff skilfully building on children’s interests to ensure they are "very well prepared for learning in Year 1."
- Personal development is exceptional, supported by a "well-considered" PSHE curriculum that teaches pupils to respect others and understand diverse communities.
- Reading is prioritised effectively from Nursery, with a "well established" phonics programme and teachers who provide effective support so pupils "catch up quickly" if they fall behind.
- Staff identify the needs of pupils with SEND accurately and "precisely track" their progress, adapting learning to help them build on existing abilities.
- Pupils demonstrate high expectations for behaviour, remaining "polite and respectful" and ensuring learning is not disrupted.
Areas to improve
- Subject leaders must use checks on learning to ensure the curriculum is "implemented effectively, and as intended, in all subjects," addressing current variability in teaching quality.
- Teachers need to maintain "consistently high expectations" for the standard of pupils’ written work, as some work is "poorly presented" and does not reflect the depth of pupils’ understanding.
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 | 33% |
| 2023/24 | 70% |
| 2024/25 | 63% |
| 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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