Arnold Academy vs Harlington Upper School
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in East of England, England, 4.6 km apart, using official English 2025 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Arnold Academy
Bedford · Academy secondary · Ages 9–13
704 students
Harlington Upper School
Dunstable · Academy secondary · Ages 13–18
1,156 students
| Measure | Arnold Academy Bedford, East of England | Harlington Upper School Dunstable, East of England |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (England) | 55 Top 50% | 65 Top 50% |
| Region rank | #212 of 460 | #162 of 460 |
| National rank | #1696 of 4,090 | #1257 of 4,090 |
| Sector | Academy | Academy |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | Ages 9–13 | Ages 13–18 |
| Students | 704 | 1,156 |
| Pupils on roll | 704 | 1,156 |
| Free school meals | 14.2% | 13.1% |
| Capacity filled | 97.8% | 85% |
| KS2 expected standard (RWM) | 60% | – |
| KS2 higher standard (RWM) | 7% | – |
| KS2 reading progress | – | – |
| KS2 writing progress | – | – |
| KS2 maths progress | – | – |
| Attainment 8 | – | 47.8 |
| Progress 8 | – | – |
| Grade 5+ English & maths | – | 48.4% |
| Grade 4+ English & maths | – | 75.6% |
| EBacc average points | – | 4.22 |
| A level points per entry | – | 31.4 |
| town | Bedford | Dunstable |
| region | East of England | East of England |
| Website | www.arnoldacademy.org.uk | www.harlington.org |
The verdict
- •Harlington Upper School scores higher on the Success Index (England) (64.7 vs 55.3).
- •Harlington Upper School is the larger school with 1,156 students compared with 704.
The Success Index (England) summarises published results and context from official data. It does not measure teaching quality or fit. Methodology.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Arnold Academy better than Harlington Upper School?
On the Success Index (England), Harlington Upper School ranks higher (64.7 vs 55.3 out of 100). The index is built from published results and context data, not from teaching quality or fit, so visit both schools before deciding.
How far apart are Arnold Academy and Harlington Upper School?
About 4.6 km in a straight line, between Bedford and Dunstable in East of England.
Which has the better Pupils on roll?
Arnold Academy: 704. Harlington Upper School: 1,156. Number of pupils in the latest school census.
How do Arnold Academy and Harlington Upper School rank in East of England?
Arnold Academy is 212th of 460 and Harlington Upper School is 162nd of 460 among secondary schools in East of England on the 2025 Success Index (England).