Bedford Free School
Free schoolsSecondaryAges 11–16Mixed
Cauldwell Street, Bedford, MK42 9AD
Principal · Mr Tom Wood
From Get Information About Schools (DfE), updated 14 September 2026. Report a correction
Key facts
Pupils536Capacity 500
OfstedStandards maintainedInspected 24 April 2025
TrustAdvantage Schools
Free school meals29.5%
Ofsted
Standards maintained
Ungraded inspection on 24 April 2025.
Last graded inspection, 15 January 2020:
- Overall effectivenessOutstanding
- Quality of educationOutstanding
- Behaviour and attitudesOutstanding
- Personal developmentOutstanding
- Leadership and managementOutstanding
- SafeguardingEffective
Ofsted management information, latest inspections as at 31 August 2026.
Year 7 applications close 31 October 2026
For September 2027. Apply through Bedford council, not the school. National offer day is 1 March 2027.
How to apply in BedfordNearby schools for the same ages
- Castle Newnham School0.7 mi
- Bedford Academy1.1 mi
- Goldington Academy1.3 mi
- Biddenham International School and Sports College1.3 mi
- Daubeney Academy1.5 mi