Bedford AcademyMile Road , Bedford

Bedford Academy is a secondary school in Bedford, serving pupils aged 11 to 18. The school is a academy sponsor led and operates as a mixed school. It follows a non-selective admissions policy. It does not have a designated religious character, which may suit families looking for a non-faith school. The school also offers a sixth form, allowing students to continue into post-16 education on site.

Bedford Academy currently has around 1375 pupils on roll, which is about 92% of its capacity. The gender split is relatively balanced, with approximately 49.9% boys and 50.1% girls. Around 37.2% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, which gives an indication of the socio-economic mix. Pupil backgrounds are varied across different backgrounds and needs.

Overall absence at the school is 7.7%. Persistent absence is recorded at 22.3%.

Pupil backgrounds are varied, with white british pupils forming the largest group at around 29.6%. other white pupils make up about 20.1% , followed by bangladeshi at 13.2%

At its latest Ofsted inspection, the school was rated Good. This suggests the school is performing well overall. Safeguarding was judged to be effective, which is a key consideration for many parents.

Around 89% of pupils move on to sustained destinations after Year 11. Most continue into education (79%) , including 39% who stay in school sixth forms and 38% progressing to further education , while 3% enter apprenticeships .