Best 3 Secondary schools in Central Bedfordshire – comparison

Q: How are these comparisons built?

We align public datasets side-by-side. Headline Ofsted judgement and publication date are shown when available. Exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are available to Pro users; free users see rounded values.

Q: What if a school has a recent ungraded visit?

Ungraded Section 8 visits do not replace the last graded judgement. We continue to show the latest graded judgement until a new graded inspection is published.

Q: Why can’t I see exact numbers?

To keep the service sustainable, exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are Pro features. Everyone can still compare approximate values.

Q: How should I choose a school?

Start with the most recent graded Ofsted judgement, then consider distance and travel, roll versus capacity, and the admissions policy. Visit the school, ask about pastoral support and enrichment, and ensure it fits your child’s needs.

Q: What should I look for when comparing schools?

Compare headline Ofsted and publication dates for recency; check FSM% and local context; review capacity utilisation (under, near, or over capacity); and look at trust or local authority governance. Read the official Ofsted report for curriculum and safeguarding details.

Comparison of secondary schools: Redborne Upper School and Community College (Secondary) in Bedford; Harlington Upper School (Secondary) in Dunstable; Cedars Upper School (Secondary) in Leighton Buzzard — covering Ofsted outcomes, size, FSM%, governance, capacity & more.

At a glance

This page compares Redborne Upper School and Community College, Harlington Upper School and Cedars Upper School. They are secondary phase and academy converter type located around Bedford, Bedfordshire, Dunstable, Bedfordshire and Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire. The strongest headline Ofsted judgement here is 2 (Redborne Upper School and Community College), published Sep 2024. The most recent inspection on record is for Redborne Upper School and Community College (Sep 2024). average roll around ≈ 1,300, combined total ≈ 3,850, typical FSM 10–15%, range 10–15%–10–15%; spread across trusts such as THE PYRAMID SCHOOLS TRUST and Chiltern Learning Trust.

🔒 Export (Pro)

Attribute	Redborne Upper School and Community College MK45 2NU	Harlington Upper School LU5 6NX	Cedars Upper School LU7 2AE
Phase / Type	Secondary • Academy converter	Secondary • Academy converter	Secondary • Academy converter
Location	Bedford Bedfordshire MK45 2NU	Dunstable Bedfordshire LU5 6NX	Leighton Buzzard Bedfordshire LU7 2AE
Latest Ofsted	2 10 Sep 2024	2 14 Jan 2024	2 14 Jun 2023
Ofsted report	—	—	—
Pupils (roll)	≈ 1,600 🔒 Unlock exact pupils	≈ 1,200 🔒 Unlock exact pupils	≈ 1,050 🔒 Unlock exact pupils
FSM %	10–15% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %	10–15% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %	10–15% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %
Capacity	1418	1360	1350
Capacity utilisation	Over capacity 🔒 View exact %	Under capacity 🔒 View exact %	Under capacity 🔒 View exact %
Age range	—	—	—
Gender	Mixed	Mixed	Mixed
Admissions policy	Non-selective	Non-selective	Non-selective
Trust / Local authority	Central Bedfordshire (823)	THE PYRAMID SCHOOLS TRUST	Chiltern Learning Trust
Website	redbornecommunitycollege.com	www.harlington.org	www.cedarsupper.org.uk
Telephone	01525404462	01525755100	01525219300
SEN provision	None reported	None reported	None reported
Profile	View profile	View profile	View profile

Redborne Upper School and Community College

MK45 2NU

Phase / Type: Secondary • Academy converter
Location: Bedford
Bedfordshire
MK45 2NU
Ofsted: 2 10 Sep 2024
Pupils: ≈ 1,600 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 10–15% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: Central Bedfordshire (823)
Website: redbornecommunitycollege.com
Telephone: 01525404462

Harlington Upper School

LU5 6NX

Phase / Type: Secondary • Academy converter
Location: Dunstable
Bedfordshire
LU5 6NX
Ofsted: 2 14 Jan 2024
Pupils: ≈ 1,200 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 10–15% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: THE PYRAMID SCHOOLS TRUST
Website: www.harlington.org
Telephone: 01525755100

Cedars Upper School

LU7 2AE

Phase / Type: Secondary • Academy converter
Location: Leighton Buzzard
Bedfordshire
LU7 2AE
Ofsted: 2 14 Jun 2023
Pupils: ≈ 1,050 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 10–15% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: Chiltern Learning Trust
Website: www.cedarsupper.org.uk
Telephone: 01525219300

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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.