Bedford Academy vs Cotton End Forest School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in East of England, England, 3.5 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
Cotton End Forest School
Bedford · Local authority primary · Ages 2–11
435 students
| Measure | Bedford Academy Bedford, East of England | Cotton End Forest School Bedford, East of England |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (England) | 37 Lower 50% | 56 Top 50% |
| Region rank | #316 of 460 | #796 of 1,872 |
| National rank | #2589 of 4,090 | #6643 of 15,697 |
| Sector | Academy | Local authority |
| Type | Secondary | Primary |
| Year range | Ages 11–18 | Ages 2–11 |
| Students | 1,480 | 435 |
| Pupils on roll | 1,480 | 435 |
| Free school meals | 40.3% | 17.7% |
| Capacity filled | 98.7% | 69% |
| KS2 expected standard (RWM) | – | 77% |
| KS2 higher standard (RWM) | – | 0% |
| KS2 reading progress | – | – |
| KS2 writing progress | – | – |
| KS2 maths progress | – | – |
| Attainment 8 | 42.8 | – |
| Progress 8 | – | – |
| Grade 5+ English & maths | 37.8% | – |
| Grade 4+ English & maths | 57.6% | – |
| EBacc average points | 3.83 | – |
| A level points per entry | 33.4 | – |
| town | Bedford | Bedford |
| region | East of England | East of England |
| Website | bedfordacademy.co.uk/ | www.cottonendforestschool.co.uk/ |
The verdict
- •Cotton End Forest School scores higher on the Success Index (England) (56.2 vs 37.2).
- •Bedford Academy is the larger school with 1,480 students compared with 435.
- •Bedford Academy is a academy school while Cotton End Forest School is a local authority school, so fees and admission rules differ.
The Success Index (England) summarises published results and context from official data. It does not measure teaching quality or fit. Methodology.
Free academic assessment
Torn between two schools? Start with your child.
Whichever you choose, a free Success Tutoring assessment shows exactly where your child is in English and Maths and how to get ahead before the next school year.
- Personalised learning plan mapped to the Australian Curriculum
- English & Maths from Kindergarten to Year 12
- Flexible memberships, no lock-in contracts
- Centres across NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, SA and ACT
Frequently asked questions
Is Bedford Academy better than Cotton End Forest School?
On the Success Index (England), Cotton End Forest School ranks higher (56.2 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 Cotton End Forest School?
About 3.5 km in a straight line, between Bedford and Bedford in East of England.
Which has the better Pupils on roll?
Bedford Academy: 1,480. Cotton End Forest School: 435. Number of pupils in the latest school census.
How do Bedford Academy and Cotton End Forest School rank in East of England?
Bedford Academy is 316th of 460 and Cotton End Forest School is 796th of 1,872 among secondary schools in East of England on the 2025 Success Index (England).