Bedford Free School vs Polam School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in East of England, England, 1.1 km apart, using official English 2025 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Bedford Free School
Bedford · Academy secondary · Ages 11–16
536 students
Polam School
Bedford · Independent primary · Ages 1–9
99 students
| Measure | Bedford Free School Bedford, East of England | Polam School Bedford, East of England |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (England) | 49 Top 50% | – Not rated |
| Region rank | #241 of 460 | – |
| National rank | #2006 of 4,090 | – |
| Sector | Academy | Independent |
| Type | Secondary | Primary |
| Year range | Ages 11–16 | Ages 1–9 |
| Students | 536 | 99 |
| Pupils on roll | 536 | 99 |
| Free school meals | 29.5% | – |
| Capacity filled | 107.2% | 47.8% |
| KS2 expected standard (RWM) | – | – |
| KS2 higher standard (RWM) | – | – |
| KS2 reading progress | – | – |
| KS2 writing progress | – | – |
| KS2 maths progress | – | – |
| Attainment 8 | 46.5 | – |
| Progress 8 | – | – |
| Grade 5+ English & maths | 36.7% | – |
| Grade 4+ English & maths | 62.2% | – |
| EBacc average points | 4.51 | – |
| A level points per entry | – | – |
| town | Bedford | Bedford |
| region | East of England | East of England |
| Website | www.bedfordfreeschool.co.uk/ | www.polamschool.co.uk |
The verdict
- •Bedford Free School is the larger school with 536 students compared with 99.
- •Bedford Free School is a academy school while Polam School is a independent 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.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Bedford Free School better than Polam School?
The two schools are very close on the Success Index (England). Differences in sector, size, programmes and distance from home will matter more than the score.
How far apart are Bedford Free School and Polam School?
About 1.1 km in a straight line, between Bedford and Bedford in East of England.
Which has the better Pupils on roll?
Bedford Free School: 536. Polam School: 99. Number of pupils in the latest school census.
How do Bedford Free School and Polam School rank in East of England?
Bedford Free School is 241st of 460 and Polam School is unranked among secondary schools in East of England on the 2025 Success Index (England).