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OpenSecondaryOfsted: Strong standardURN 136552

Goldington Academy

Academy converter · Bedford · MK41 9BX

Ages 11–16 · 958 pupils · Bedford

School website

Ofsted

Strong standard

Attainment 8

54.1

Overall absence

6.4%

Ofsted

Latest published inspection outcomes — not a ranking.

Read full report

Headline

Strong standard

Inspection date

2026-05-12

  • AchievementStrong standard
  • Curriculum and teachingStrong standard
  • InclusionStrong standard
  • Attendance and behaviourStrong standard
  • Personal development and wellbeingStrong standard
  • Leadership and governanceStrong standard

Safeguarding standards: Met

Source: Ofsted monthly management information

Performance

Official school-level results. Figures are not rankings — suppressed values are omitted.

Key stage 4 (2023/24)

Progress 8+0.85
−20+2
Attainment 854.1
English & maths grade 5+64%
English & maths grade 4+81%
EBacc entry61%

EBacc APS: 5.0

Source: DfE school and college performance tables

Absence

Academic year 2023/24. Persistent absence means 10%+ of sessions missed. Lower figures are better.

Overall absence6.4%
Persistent absence (10%+)16.2%
Unauthorised1.8%
Authorised absence
4.6%
Severe absence (50%+)
1.4%
Enrolments in measure
937

Absence trend

2021/22

2022/23

2023/24

  • Overall
  • Persistent (10%+)

Source: DfE pupil absence in schools in England

Size & intake

From the GIAS school census (15 Jan 2026).

Capacity fill120%

958 pupils · 750 places

Pupils on roll
958
Boys / girls
489 / 469
School capacity
750
Capacity fill
958 / 750 (128%)
Free school meals
22.7%
FSM pupils
217
Gender
Mixed
School type
Academy converter

Age range

Ages 11–16

05111619

Provision

Official GIAS characteristics

1 / 6

  • Nursery
  • Sixth form
  • Boarding
  • Special school
  • Independent
  • Academy

School characteristics

Special classes
No Special Classes
Governance
Academy trust: GOLDINGTON ACADEMY TRUST
Academy trust
GOLDINGTON ACADEMY TRUST
Sponsor
Goldington Academy
Headteacher
Mr Francis Galbraith

Location

Address
Haylands Way
Postcode
MK41 9BX
Town
Bedford
County
Bedfordshire
Local authority
Bedford
District
Bedford
Constituency
Bedford
Urban/rural
Urban: Nearer to a major town or city

Local context

How this school sits among open establishments in its area, using official GIAS records. These are counts, not rankings.

Mixed academy converter (secondary), Ages 11–16, in Bedford, Bedford, 958 pupils on roll. Notable characteristics: academy. Free school meals: 22.7%.

Open schools in Bedford
104
Secondary schools in Bedford
14
Academies among open schools in Bedford
46% (48)
Open schools in MK41
19
Secondary in MK41
4
Open schools in Bedford LA
86
Secondary in Bedford LA
13

Nearby secondary schools

Open schools within about 3 miles, prioritising the same phase where possible. Distances are approximate from GIAS coordinates.

Compare with theseAll in BedfordNear MK41

  • Castle Newnham School

    Ofsted: School remains Good (Concerns) - S5 Next

    Academy converter · Secondary

    Bedford · MK41 9DT · Bedford

    Ages 11–16

    0.4 miles away

  • Mark Rutherford School

    Ofsted: Expected standard

    Academy converter · Secondary

    Bedford · MK41 8PX · Bedford

    Ages 11–18

    • Att845.4
    • P8-0.1
    • Absence9.1%

    1.1 miles away

  • Bedford Free School

    Ofsted: Outstanding

    Free schools · Secondary

    Bedford · MK42 9AD · Bedford

    Ages 11–16

    • Att852.7
    • P81.1
    • Absence6.5%

    1.3 miles away

  • St Thomas More Catholic School

    Ofsted: Good

    Academy converter · Secondary

    Bedford · MK41 7UL · Bedford

    Ages 11–18

    • Att844.6
    • P80.3
    • Absence8.4%

    1.5 miles away

  • Bedford Academy

    Ofsted: Good

    Academy sponsor led · Secondary

    Bedford · MK42 9TR · Bedford

    Ages 11–18

    • Att843.4
    • P80.4
    • Absence7.7%

    1.8 miles away

  • Daubeney Academy

    Ofsted: Not judged

    Academy converter · Secondary

    Bedford · MK42 7PS · Bedford

    Ages 11–16

    • Att835.6
    • P80.0
    • Absence9.2%

    2.7 miles away

Contact

Headteacher
Mr Francis Galbraith
Telephone
01234261516
Website
http://www.goldington.beds.sch.uk

Official links