Bedford Free School vs The Open Academy
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in East of England, England, 134 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
The Open Academy
Norwich · Academy secondary · Ages 11–19
529 students
| Measure | Bedford Free School Bedford, East of England | The Open Academy Norwich, East of England |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (England) | 49 Top 50% | 20 Lower 50% |
| Region rank | #241 of 460 | #420 of 460 |
| National rank | #2006 of 4,090 | #3512 of 4,090 |
| Sector | Academy | Academy |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | Ages 11–16 | Ages 11–19 |
| Students | 536 | 529 |
| Pupils on roll | 536 | 529 |
| Free school meals | 29.5% | 39.9% |
| Capacity filled | 107.2% | 70.5% |
| KS2 expected standard (RWM) | – | – |
| KS2 higher standard (RWM) | – | – |
| KS2 reading progress | – | – |
| KS2 writing progress | – | – |
| KS2 maths progress | – | – |
| Attainment 8 | 46.5 | 36.7 |
| Progress 8 | – | – |
| Grade 5+ English & maths | 36.7% | 34.6% |
| Grade 4+ English & maths | 62.2% | 51% |
| EBacc average points | 4.51 | 3.16 |
| A level points per entry | – | 17.2 |
| town | Bedford | Norwich |
| region | East of England | East of England |
| Website | www.bedfordfreeschool.co.uk/ | www.open-academy.org.uk/ |
The verdict
- •Bedford Free School scores higher on the Success Index (England) (49.2 vs 20.4).
- •Bedford Free School is the larger school with 536 students compared with 529.
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 The Open Academy?
On the Success Index (England), Bedford Free School ranks higher (49.2 vs 20.4 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 Free School and The Open Academy?
About 134 km in a straight line, between Bedford and Norwich in East of England.
Which has the better Pupils on roll?
Bedford Free School: 536. The Open Academy: 529. Number of pupils in the latest school census.
How do Bedford Free School and The Open Academy rank in East of England?
Bedford Free School is 241st of 460 and The Open Academy is 420th of 460 among secondary schools in East of England on the 2025 Success Index (England).