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Bedford Free School

Bedford Free School is a Secondary school in Bedford, Bedford. Use our free interactive catchment tool to check whether any property falls within this school's catchment area.

🗺️ Check Bedford Free School Catchment

Enter any postcode or address to see if it falls within this school's catchment area. Free — no registration required.

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Ages 11-16Age range
SecondarySchool phase
105%Capacity used (525 of 500 pupils)
28.40%Free school meals eligible
OutstandingOfsted rating

⚠️ Important: Catchment Measuring Points Vary

School catchment distances are not always measured from the school's postcode or map pin. Some schools measure from the school gates, others from the main entrance, a specific published measuring point, or the centre of the school building. Always check Bedford Free School's published admissions policy or contact Bedford Council directly to confirm the exact measuring point before relying on any distance calculation.

School Details

School nameBedford Free School
URN138228
AddressCauldwell Street, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK42 9AD
Telephone01234332299
HeadteacherTom Wood (Principal)
School typeFree schools
PhaseSecondary
Age rangeAges 11-16
GenderMixed
Admissions policyNon-selective
Local authorityBedford
RegionEast of England
Approx. coordinates52.132002, -0.465207 (indicative only — see warning above)

Admissions Information

📌 How places are allocated at this school

This is an academy or free school and sets its own admissions policy independently of the local authority. While many academies use straight-line distance, some use different criteria. Always check the school's published admissions policy.

Key Information for Parents

📍 How to use our catchment tool

Click "Open Catchment Tool" above, add this school by searching for its name or postcode, enter the catchment distance from the school's admissions policy, then check any address to see if it falls inside or outside catchment.

📄 Find the admissions policy

The official admissions policy for Bedford Free School will be published on the school's website or on the Bedford Council website. Search for "Bedford Free School admissions policy" to find the current year's document.

📋 Ofsted Inspection

Visit the Ofsted reports website to find the latest inspection report and rating for this school.

📋 Ofsted Rating: Outstanding

Latest Ofsted inspection rated this school as Outstanding. Inspection date: 15/01/2020. Quality of education: Outstanding. Behaviour and attitudes: Outstanding. Leadership: Outstanding. Read the full Ofsted report.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check if my address is in the catchment area for Bedford Free School?

Use our free catchment tool above. Enter the school's name or postcode to plot it on the map, add the catchment radius from the school's admissions policy, then use "Check Address" to test any postcode or address. Always verify the exact measuring point with Bedford Council or the school directly.

Where can I find the official catchment distance for Bedford Free School?

The school's admissions policy document contains the oversubscription criteria and published catchment distances. For community schools, Bedford Council publishes annual admissions statistics including the furthest distance offered at each school. For academies and faith schools, check the school's own website.

Is the catchment area for Bedford Free School the same every year?

No — catchment distances change year on year depending on how many children apply and how many places are available. Always use the most recent admissions data from the school or local authority.

What is the URN for Bedford Free School?

The Unique Reference Number (URN) for Bedford Free School is 138228. Use this to look up the school on the Get Information About Schools service or find Ofsted reports.

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