Best Primary Schools in Bedford 2026

Ranked by Ofsted rating, exam results, attendance, and class sizes. 54 schools across Bedford. Updated with 2025–26 data.

Bedford has 54 primary schools, of which 4 (7%) are rated Outstanding by Ofsted and a further 48 rated Good — 96% of primary schools in Bedford are rated Good or Outstanding overall. Great Denham Primary School currently leads the local rankings on our composite SNM Score.

Application deadlines in Bedford follow the national calendar: 31 October for Year 7 secondary entry and 15 January for Reception primary entry. Offers go out on 1 March and 16 April respectively.

54
Total schools
4
Outstanding
7%
Outstanding rate
56.7%
Avg KS2 SATs
35.9
Avg GCSE A8
All schools Primary Secondary
Rank School Ofsted SNM Score
🥇 Great Denham Primary School
Primary
 Outstanding 84 View school
🥈 Castle Newnham School
Primary
 Outstanding 81 View school
🥉 Harrold Primary Academy
Primary
 Good 81 View school
4. Great Barford Church of England Primary Academy
Primary
 Good 80 View school
5. Wootton Primary School
Primary
 Good 80 View school
6. Lakeview School
Primary
 Good 80 View school
7. Hazeldene School
Primary
 Good 78 View school
8. Kymbrook Primary School
Primary
 Good 78 View school
9. Bromham CofE Primary School
Primary
 Good 77 View school
10. Elstow School
Primary
 Good 77 View school
11. Cauldwell School
Primary
 Good 77 View school
12. Turvey Primary School
Primary
 Good 76 View school
13. Sharnbrook Primary
Primary
 Good 75 View school
14. St Lawrence Church of England Primary School
Primary
 Good 74 View school
15. Kempston Rural Primary School
Primary
 Good 74 View school
16. Great Ouse Primary Academy
Primary
 Good 74 View school
17. Wilden CofE VA Primary School
Primary
 Good 72 View school
18. The Hills Academy
Primary
 Good 72 View school
19. King's Oak Primary School
Primary
 Good 71 View school
20. Queen's Park Academy
Primary
 Good 71 View school

Related lists for Bedford

All schools in BedfordPrimary & secondary combined Secondary schools in BedfordYear 7 onwards Outstanding schools in Bedford4 schools rated Outstanding

See full data for any school in Bedford

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

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Frequently asked questions

How many primary schools are there in Bedford?
There are 54 primary schools in Bedford, of which 4 (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 Great Denham Primary 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 schools in Bedford are rated Outstanding and 89% 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.