SchoolScoresArnold Academy
Academy · Secondary, ages 9 to 13 · Mixed
Part of THE PYRAMID SCHOOLS TRUST
Hexton Road, Barton-le-Clay, Bedford, MK45 4JZ
01582 616400 · School website · Map and directions
Ofsted inspection
Ofsted rated this school Good at the inspection that started on 23 May 2023.
This inspection used Ofsted's older format with four grades: Outstanding, Good, Requires improvement and Inadequate. Newer inspections use report cards. What changed.
| Area | Grade |
|---|---|
| Quality of education | Good |
| Behaviour and attitudes | Good |
| Personal development | Good |
| Leadership and management | Good |
| Safeguarding | Effective |
Read the full Ofsted reports for this school
Source: Ofsted state-funded schools inspection data.
Results
Key stage 2 (SATs, age 11), 2024/25
179 pupils in this year group.
60% — 10 points above the Central Bedfordshire average, and 2 points below the England average.
| Measure | This school | Central Bedfordshire | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths | 60% | 50% | 62% |
| Reached the higher standard in reading, writing and maths | 7% | 3% | 8% |
| Met the expected standard in reading | 80% | 70% | 75% |
| Met the expected standard in writing | 72% | 61% | 72% |
| Met the expected standard in maths | 74% | 66% | 74% |
| Average reading scoreScaled score from 80 to 120; 100 is the expected standard. | 106 | 104 | 106 |
| Average maths scoreScaled score from 80 to 120; 100 is the expected standard. | 105 | 103 | 105 |
Source: DfE key stage 2 performance tables, 2024/25. England figures are for state-funded schools.
Admissions
Apply through the council where you live, even if the school is in a different council area. This school is in Central Bedfordshire. The national closing date for secondary applications is 31 October, and offers are sent on 1 March.
Pupils, staff and SEND
Specialist SEND provision: this school has resourced provision with 6 places for autism. These places are usually allocated through the council's SEND team.
| Pupils | This school | Central Bedfordshire | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eligible for free school meals in the last 6 years 18th highest of 20 state secondary schools in Bedford. Higher than 10% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 11.9% | 16.4%* | 28.9% |
| With an education, health and care plan 7th highest of 20 state secondary schools in Bedford. Higher than 72% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 4.0% | 4.7%* | 3.1% |
| Receiving special educational needs support 1st highest of 20 state secondary schools in Bedford. Higher than 84% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 19.2% | 11.9%* | 13.4% |
| English as an additional language 18th highest of 20 state secondary schools in Bedford. Higher than 15% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 3.6% | 7.8%* | 19.2% |
| Overall absence (sessions missed) 4th lowest of 19 state secondary schools in Bedford. Lower than 85% of 3,411 state secondary schools in England. | 6.0% | 7.5%* | 8.4% |
| Persistently absent (missed 10% or more) 3rd lowest of 19 state secondary schools in Bedford. Lower than 90% of 3,411 state secondary schools in England. | 13.3% | 20.1%* | 23.4% |
| Suspensions per 100 pupils 2nd lowest of 20 state secondary schools in Bedford. Lower than 92% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 2.4 | 15.6 | 21.2 |
| Pupils suspended at least once 3rd lowest of 20 state secondary schools in Bedford. Lower than 91% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 1.9% | 5.9% | 7.3% |
| Pupils permanently excluded0 pupils | 0.00% | 0.26% | 0.23% |
| Pupils per teacher 12th highest of 19 state secondary schools in Bedford. Higher than 41% of 3,442 state secondary schools in England. | 16.4 | 17.5 | 16.7 |
| Pupils per adult (teachers and support staff) Joint 17th highest of 20 state secondary schools in Bedford. Higher than 14% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 10.0 | 12.0 | 11.8 |
| Teachers who left during the year 16th highest of 20 state secondary schools in Bedford. Higher than 15% of 3,430 state secondary schools in England. | 7.7% | 13.1%* | 14.2%* |
Comparisons are with secondary schools. Scales run from lower (left) to higher (right) figures. For absence and suspensions lower is better, so their scales run green to red; blue scales describe the school's pupils and staff and aren't good or bad. * Calculated by SchoolScores from the council's or England's schools, weighted by pupils (or teachers, for turnover); other figures are published by DfE. Sources: DfE school census 2024/25; DfE pupil absence 2024/25; DfE suspensions and permanent exclusions 2024/25; DfE school workforce census 2025/26; DfE teacher turnover 2024/25.
SEND provision: Get Information about Schools (DfE).
Nearby secondary schools
- Cardinal Newman Catholic School A Specialist Science College 2.9 miles · Ofsted: Good (2013, before conversion), confirmed 2024 · 46% grade 5+ English and maths
- Harlington Upper School 2.9 miles · Ofsted: Good (2023) · 48% grade 5+ English and maths
Straight-line distance. Distance isn't the same as a catchment area.
Questions parents ask
What is Arnold Academy's Ofsted rating?
Arnold Academy was rated Good by Ofsted at its inspection in 23 May 2023.
Sources
- School details: Get Information about Schools (DfE), 26 September 2026. URN 136829.
- Inspections: Ofsted management information, data to 31 August 2026.
- Results: DfE school performance tables, Key stage 2 2024/25.
Spotted a mistake? Report it and we'll check it against the source.
Page updated 26 September 2026.