Best Primary & Secondary Schools in Bedford 2026

Ranked by Ofsted rating, exam results, attendance, and class sizes. 84 schools across Bedford. Updated with 2025–26 data.

Total schools

Outstanding

Outstanding rate

56.7%

Avg KS2 SATs

35.9

Avg GCSE A8

All schools Primary Secondary

Rank	School	Ofsted	SNM Score
🥇	Cherry Trees Nursery School Nursery	Outstanding	95	View school
🥈	Peter Pan Nursery School Nursery	Outstanding	95	View school
🥉	Great Denham Primary School Primary	Outstanding	84	View school
4.	Castle Newnham School Primary	Outstanding	81	View school
5.	Harrold Primary Academy Primary	Good	81	View school
6.	Ridgeway School Not applicable	Good	80	View school
7.	St John's School Not applicable	Good	80	View school
8.	Greys Education Centre Not applicable	Good	80	View school
9.	Great Barford Church of England Primary Academy Primary	Good	80	View school
10.	Wootton Primary School Primary	Good	80	View school
11.	Lakeview School Primary	Good	80	View school
12.	Hazeldene School Primary	Good	78	View school
13.	Kymbrook Primary School Primary	Good	78	View school
14.	Bromham CofE Primary School Primary	Good	77	View school
15.	Elstow School Primary	Good	77	View school
16.	Cauldwell School Primary	Good	77	View school
17.	Turvey Primary School Primary	Good	76	View school
18.	Sharnbrook Primary Primary	Good	75	View school
19.	St Lawrence Church of England Primary School Primary	Good	74	View school
20.	Kempston Rural Primary School Primary	Good	74	View school

See full data for any school in Bedford

Catchment distances, exam trends, SEN data, attendance, and more — all in one place.

Search schools in Bedford

Frequently asked questions

How many primary & secondary schools are there in Bedford?

There are 84 primary & secondary schools in Bedford, of which 6 (7%) are rated Outstanding by Ofsted.

What are the best schools in Bedford?

Based on our composite score combining Ofsted ratings, exam results, attendance and class sizes, the top school in Bedford is Cherry Trees Nursery School. See the full ranked list above.

How do I apply for a school place in Bedford?

Primary and secondary school applications in Bedford are managed by the Local Authority. Applications for secondary places typically open in September for the following academic year. Visit the Bedford council website for application forms and deadlines.

What is the average Ofsted rating in Bedford?

7% of primary & secondary schools in Bedford are rated Outstanding and 77% are rated Good. 69% are rated Good or Outstanding.

Data sourced from Ofsted, Department for Education, and ISI. School rankings reflect the Schools Near Me composite score combining Ofsted ratings, exam results, attendance, and pupil-teacher ratios. Last updated April 2026.