Wootton Academy
Bedford, MK43 9HT · Bedford · secondary school
Check the area around this school
9th of 12 secondary schools in Bedford we can score, 13 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 891 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.2/10 among them, against 4.0/10 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 41.7 · 42 | 46% | 1.91 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | -0.17 · 37 | 38% | 1.43 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 44.8 · 43 | 15% | 0.66 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Wootton Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 45.3% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 44.3, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 in 2023/24 was -0.17, indicating pupils did slightly worse than those nationally starting from the same point. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.8 out of 10 among them, against 4.5 out of 10 nationally.
Getting in
The published school roll is 822 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,710. 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 scores, which are currently below the national benchmark? What specific support is available for students aiming to raise their Attainment 8 above the national median? How does the school manage class sizes given the significant difference between current roll and total capacity?
What Ofsted said about Wootton Academy
Overview
Wootton Upper School is described as a place where pupils are "keen to learn" and work hard within a culture of clear routines and kindness. The school offers a "broad, ambitious curriculum" that builds on prior knowledge, supported by consistent teaching structures and effective support for pupils with special educational needs. Overall, the inspection highlights positive behaviour, strong personal development, and effective leadership, though some inconsistencies in curriculum implementation and stakeholder communication remain.
Strengths
- Pupils demonstrate good behaviour and attendance, benefiting from "clear routines" and a culture where they "treat others with kindness and respect."
- Teachers use a consistent "stepping stones" structure to introduce new knowledge, regularly checking understanding to address gaps and ensure pupils "know and remember more."
- Staff effectively support pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities using "pupil passports" to tailor work, helping all pupils access the curriculum.
- The school promotes reading through diverse texts, literacy tasks, and a well-stocked library, with trained staff supporting weaker readers to become "more fluent and accurate."
- Pupils are well-prepared for life after school through career research, mock interviews, and lessons on personal finance and safety, including risks like "county lines."
Areas to improve
- In a few subjects, the curriculum is not implemented as well as it should be, meaning pupils do not retain knowledge as effectively; staff need to be confident in implementing the curriculum consistently.
- Some parents and pupils feel the school does not communicate clearly about recent changes, affecting their confidence in leadership; the school should review how it seeks views and informs stakeholders.
Safeguarding
The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective."
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 43.1 |
| 2024/25 | 44.3 |
| 2025/26 | 44.8 |
| 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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