Schools and Colleges
Bedford Borough Council predominantly operates a three tier
system of education however, there are some areas within the
Borough where a 2 tier scheme is in operation. Children normally
begin their primary education at a lower/primary
school which serves the area where they live i.e. the school
serving the local catchment area. Children are normally admitted to
lower/primary school at the start of or
during the Reception year, that is the school year in which they
become 5. Many schools also have nursery units or nursery classes
for younger children.
Children normally transfer at 9+ (the end of Year 4) to the
middle school serving the local catchment area and then at 13+ (end of Year 8) to the
catchment area upper school. However,
there are some areas where some children will transfer at 11+ (end
of year 6) to a secondary school. All upper
schools have a 6th form and pupils may remain at the school
up to the age of 18 or 19 years.
At present there is information for school based staff on
the Secure Area for schools
(login required) site.
The Council also provides buy-back services to Academies and
Free schools. To assist you with your enquiry about these
services, please follow the link to the brochure of services on
offer then e-mail AcademyServices@bedford.gov.uk
or phone 01234 228175 and you will be given the contact details of
the service you require.