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catchment.school

Samuel Whitbread Academy Catchment Area

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

Samuel Whitbread Academy is a academy converter secondary school in Shefford, Central Bedfordshire , serving pupils aged 13–18, with 1660 pupils, and a capacity of 1650 places. The school is currently at or above capacity, making catchment area proximity important for admissions.

13–18

Age range

1,660

Pupils

1,650

Capacity

101%

Fill rate

Good

Ofsted 2017

Samuel Whitbread Academy Catchment Area Information

As an academy, Samuel Whitbread Academy sets its own admissions criteria, agreed with Central Bedfordshire. The catchment area boundary is defined in the school's annual admissions policy, which may differ from the LA's general school admissions arrangements.

Currently oversubscribed: 1660 pupils enrolled against a capacity of 1650 places. Living within the catchment area is especially important for this school.

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The official admissions policy — including the catchment boundary map — is published by Central Bedfordshire before each admissions cycle. Always verify your address with the council before submitting an application, as boundaries can change year to year.

Find Central Bedfordshire catchment area documents →

Samuel Whitbread Academy — School Information

Full address
Shefford Road, Clifton, Shefford, SG17 5QS
Local authority
Central Bedfordshire
School type
Academy converter
Phase of education
Secondary
Age range
13–18 years
Admissions policy
Non-selective
Free school meals
12.4% of pupils
DfE URN
137948

Frequently Asked Questions — Samuel Whitbread Academy

Is Samuel Whitbread Academy oversubscribed?

Yes — Samuel Whitbread Academy currently has 1660 pupils enrolled against a capacity of 1650 places. Catchment area proximity is an important admissions criterion when applying.

What is the admissions policy for Samuel Whitbread Academy?

Admission to Samuel Whitbread Academy is managed by Central Bedfordshire. When oversubscribed, places go to looked-after children first, then siblings, then catchment area distance. Always verify the current policy with the council before applying.

What age range does Samuel Whitbread Academy cover?

Samuel Whitbread Academy is a secondary school in Shefford, Central Bedfordshire, serving pupils aged 13–18. For the latest information, visit the school's website or the DfE Get Information About Schools service.

What is the Ofsted rating for Samuel Whitbread Academy?

Samuel Whitbread Academy was rated Good by Ofsted in 2017. Full inspection reports are available at reports.ofsted.gov.uk.