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Compare Bedford Academy and Bedford Free School and St Thomas More Catholic School

Comparison of secondary schools: Bedford Academy (Secondary) in Bedford; Bedford Free School (Secondary) in Bedford; St Thomas More Catholic School (Secondary) in Bedford — covering Ofsted outcomes, size, FSM%, governance, capacity & more.

At a glance

This page compares Bedford Academy, Bedford Free School and St Thomas More Catholic School. They are secondary phase and academy sponsor led, free schools and academy converter type located around Bedford, Bedfordshire. The strongest headline Ofsted judgement here is 1 (Bedford Free School), published Mar 2020. The lowest is 2 (Bedford Academy), published May 2023. The most recent inspection on record is for St Thomas More Catholic School (Nov 2023). average roll around ≈ 950, combined total ≈ 2,850, typical FSM 25–30%, range 20–25%–35–40%; spread across trusts such as Heart Academies Trust, Advantage Schools and OUR LADY IMMACULATE CATHOLIC ACADEMIES TRUST LTD.

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Bedford Academy
MK42 9TR
Phase / Type
Secondary • Academy sponsor led
Location
Bedford
Bedfordshire
MK42 9TR
Ofsted
2 16 May 2023
Pupils
≈ 1,400 🔒 Exact value
FSM %
35–40% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA
Heart Academies Trust
Website
bedfordacademy.co.uk
Telephone
01234301500
Bedford Free School
MK42 9AD
Phase / Type
Secondary • Free schools
Location
Bedford
Bedfordshire
MK42 9AD
Ofsted
1 23 Mar 2020
Pupils
≈ 550 🔒 Exact value
FSM %
25–30% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA
Advantage Schools
Website
www.bedfordfreeschool.co.uk
Telephone
01234332299
St Thomas More Catholic School
MK41 7UL
Phase / Type
Secondary • Academy converter
Location
Bedford
Bedfordshire
MK41 7UL
Ofsted
2 8 Nov 2023
Pupils
≈ 950 🔒 Exact value
FSM %
20–25% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA
OUR LADY IMMACULATE CATHOLIC ACADEMIES TRUST LTD
Website
www.st-thomasmore.org.uk
Telephone
01234400222
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Map of compared schools

How are these comparisons built?
We line up public school data side-by-side. Ofsted “headline” judgement is shown with the publication date when available. Exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are available to Pro users; everyone sees rounded values.
What if a school has a recent ungraded visit?
Ungraded visits (Section 8) check whether the previous graded judgement still stands, but do not replace it. We keep the latest graded judgement as the headline until a new graded inspection is published.
Why can’t I see exact numbers?
To keep the service sustainable, we show approximate pupils and bucketed FSM% to free users. Upgrade to AllSchools Pro to unlock precise figures and exports.
How should I choose a school?
Start with the most recent graded Ofsted judgement, then check whether it aligns with your child’s needs. Look at distance and travel, typical class sizes (roll vs capacity), and the school’s admissions policy. Speak to the school, arrange a visit, and ask about pastoral support and enrichment.
What should I look for when comparing schools?
Compare headline Ofsted and publication dates for recency; check FSM% and local context; scan capacity utilisation (under, near, or over capacity); and review trust/local authority for governance. If available, read the official Ofsted report for curriculum and safeguarding detail.
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