Best 3 Secondary schools in Leighton Buzzard – 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: Cedars Upper School (Secondary) in Leighton Buzzard; Vandyke Upper School (Secondary) in Leighton Buzzard — covering Ofsted outcomes, size, FSM%, governance, capacity & more.

At a glance

This page compares Cedars Upper School and Vandyke Upper School. They are secondary phase and academy converter type located around Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire. The strongest headline Ofsted judgement here is 2 (Cedars Upper School), published Jun 2023. The most recent inspection on record is for Cedars Upper School (Jun 2023). average roll around ≈ 1,300, combined total ≈ 2,550, typical FSM 10–15%, range 10–15%–10–15%; all within the Chiltern Learning Trust trust.

🔒 Export (Pro)

Attribute	Cedars Upper School LU7 2AE	Vandyke Upper School LU7 3DY
Phase / Type	Secondary • Academy converter	Secondary • Academy converter
Location	Leighton Buzzard Bedfordshire LU7 2AE	Leighton Buzzard Bedfordshire LU7 3DY
Latest Ofsted	2 14 Jun 2023	2 16 Apr 2015
Ofsted report	—	—
Pupils (roll)	≈ 1,050 🔒 Unlock exact pupils	≈ 1,500 🔒 Unlock exact pupils
FSM %	10–15% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %	10–15% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %
Capacity	1350	1440
Capacity utilisation	Under capacity 🔒 View exact %	Near capacity 🔒 View exact %
Age range	—	—
Gender	Mixed	Mixed
Admissions policy	Non-selective	Non-selective
Trust / Local authority	Chiltern Learning Trust	Central Bedfordshire (823)
Website	www.cedarsupper.org.uk	www.vandyke.beds.sch.uk
Telephone	01525219300	01525636700
SEN provision	None reported	None reported
Profile	View profile	View profile

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

Vandyke Upper School

LU7 3DY

Phase / Type: Secondary • Academy converter
Location: Leighton Buzzard
Bedfordshire
LU7 3DY
Ofsted: 2 16 Apr 2015
Pupils: ≈ 1,500 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 10–15% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: Central Bedfordshire (823)
Website: www.vandyke.beds.sch.uk
Telephone: 01525636700

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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.