Bedford Academy vs Bedford Free School
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in East of England, England, 1.8 km apart, using official English 2025 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Bedford Academy
Bedford · Academy secondary · Ages 11–18
1,480 students
Bedford Free School
Bedford · Academy secondary · Ages 11–16
536 students
| Measure | Bedford Academy Bedford, East of England | Bedford Free School Bedford, East of England |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (England) | 37 Lower 50% | 49 Top 50% |
| Region rank | #316 of 460 | #241 of 460 |
| National rank | #2589 of 4,090 | #2006 of 4,090 |
| Sector | Academy | Academy |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | Ages 11–18 | Ages 11–16 |
| Students | 1,480 | 536 |
| Pupils on roll | 1,480 | 536 |
| Free school meals | 40.3% | 29.5% |
| Capacity filled | 98.7% | 107.2% |
| KS2 expected standard (RWM) | – | – |
| KS2 higher standard (RWM) | – | – |
| KS2 reading progress | – | – |
| KS2 writing progress | – | – |
| KS2 maths progress | – | – |
| Attainment 8 | 42.8 | 46.5 |
| Progress 8 | – | – |
| Grade 5+ English & maths | 37.8% | 36.7% |
| Grade 4+ English & maths | 57.6% | 62.2% |
| EBacc average points | 3.83 | 4.51 |
| A level points per entry | 33.4 | – |
| town | Bedford | Bedford |
| region | East of England | East of England |
| Website | bedfordacademy.co.uk/ | www.bedfordfreeschool.co.uk/ |
The verdict
- •Bedford Free School scores higher on the Success Index (England) (49.2 vs 37.2).
- •Bedford Academy is the larger school with 1,480 students compared with 536.
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 Bedford Academy better than Bedford Free School?
On the Success Index (England), Bedford Free School ranks higher (49.2 vs 37.2 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 Bedford Academy and Bedford Free School?
About 1.8 km in a straight line, between Bedford and Bedford in East of England.
Which has the better Pupils on roll?
Bedford Academy: 1,480. Bedford Free School: 536. Number of pupils in the latest school census.
How do Bedford Academy and Bedford Free School rank in East of England?
Bedford Academy is 316th of 460 and Bedford Free School is 241st of 460 among secondary schools in East of England on the 2025 Success Index (England).