How many schools are in Bedford?

Bedford has 85 open schools: 54 primary schools and 13 secondary schools across 6 areas. Data sourced from the Department for Education's Get Information About Schools (GIAS) register.

What areas are covered by Bedford school catchment zones?

Bedford administers catchment areas across 6 areas, including Bedford, Huntingdon, Kempston, Podington, Rushden and more. Each school's catchment boundary is set by the local authority and reviewed annually as part of the admissions process.

How do school catchment areas work in Bedford?

In Bedford, catchment areas define a geographical zone around each school. Children living within the catchment boundary are given priority in oversubscription criteria. The exact boundary, and the "last distance offered", changes each year based on application volumes. Official catchment maps and admissions policies are published by Bedford council each autumn.

Which schools in Bedford are oversubscribed?

Oversubscription varies by school and year in Bedford. Popular schools typically receive more applications than available places, meaning the "last distance offered" shrinks annually. To check demand for a specific school, consult the Bedford admissions authority's published offer data or the school's own admissions policy.

Bedford School Catchment Areas

Reviewed by the catchment.school editorial team · Last updated 15 March 2026

Bedford Borough is a unitary authority with 85 state schools – 54 primary and 13 secondary – across six areas centred on Bedford town and Kempston. The authority is notable for retaining one selective grammar school, and 38 of the 85 schools hold academy status. Seventeen schools apply religious criteria as part of their oversubscription policies.

Demand is moderate: 13 of the 79 schools with published capacity figures are at or above their admission number. The selective school attracts applicants from across the borough and beyond, so families considering this route should register early and check the test registration window with Bedford Council. Of the schools with a current Ofsted inspection, 35 are rated Good or Outstanding.

Catchment boundaries for community and voluntary-controlled schools are set by Bedford Borough Council and reviewed annually. Academy trusts set their own criteria independently, so policies can vary considerably across the authority. The council publishes a co-ordinated admissions scheme each year covering all state schools in the borough. Always verify your address is within the intended catchment before submitting a preference.

85 total 54 primary 13 secondary 6 areas

Based on the latest published capacity data, 13 of the 85 schools in Bedford are at or above their admission number, so catchment distance is decisive at those schools. Bedford has 1 selective school that admit by entrance test rather than distance. 17 schools apply faith-based criteria alongside catchment distance. Of the 38 Bedford schools with a current Ofsted rating, 35 are rated Good or Outstanding.