Biddenham International School and Sports College

  • Secondary
  • Local authority maintained
  • Ages 11 to 18
Ofsted: Good

Biddenham Turn, Bedford, MK40 4AZOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)

Biddenham International School and Sports College is a secondary school in Bedford for ages 11 to 18. It is one of the 84 schools in Bedford. It ranks 12th of 13 secondary schools in Bedford. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in March 2019.

Ofsted inspection

Inspected 26 March 2019, report published 30 April 2019

Overall effectiveness
Good
Leadership and management
Good
Sixth form provision
Good
Safeguarding
Met

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 26 November 2024

Being a pupil at Biddenham International School and Sports College is rewarding. Pupils see themselves as one united family. They are supported in building their knowledge well. There are high expectations for their achievement. Pupils meet these expectations in most subjects because they find lessons engaging and motivating. Pupils' behaviour and attitudes are positive. Pupils follow clear rules and show they understand the school's values of ready, respect and reward. If issues arise, they are dealt with quickly and effectively. Pupils attend well. They feel safe and listened to. There are many supportive spaces where they can make friends. Pupils are happy at school because of the highly inclusive and supportive environment. They value the many opportunities to develop their interests, such as participating in clubs like chess and 'Dungeons and Dragons'. They also go on exciting trips, for example visiting the National Space Centre or the Tower of London, which help broaden their horizons. Pupils get many opportunities for personal growth. They engage in community projects and take on leadership roles through opportunities such as the student forum. A particular highlight was the recent culture day, where all the cultures in the school were celebrated.

What the school should improve

  • Sometimes teachers do not check what pupils have learned well enough. Sometimes too much content is delivered without stopping to check how well pupils have understood it. This means that some pupils do not secure their understanding of what they are learning well enough or do not have enough opportunities to deepen their knowledge. The school should ensure that all teachers check how well pupils are learning and respond effectively to this, including where pupils have any gaps in their understanding.

Exam results

GCSE results (key stage 4), 2024/25

198 pupils in the year group

Attainment 8 score42.1

42.1, 4 below the England average of 46.1.

Grade 5 or above in English and maths35.9%

35.9%, 9.5 percentage points below the England average of 45.4%.

Grade 4 or above in English and maths56.6%

56.6%, 8.2 percentage points below the England average of 64.8%.

Pupils entering the EBacc15.7%

15.7%, 24.8 percentage points below the England average of 40.5%.

EBacc average point score3.28

3.28, 0.81 below the England average of 4.09.

A level results (key stage 5), 2024/25

77 students

Average point score per A level entry28.55

28.55, 6.45 below the England average of 35.00.

Average A level grade C, England average B-

Pupil numbers and mix

1,422 pupils on roll, with places for 1,500

Eligible for free school meals35.9%

35.9%, 9.4 percentage points above the England average of 26.5%.

English as an additional language48.1%

48.1%, 26.5 percentage points above the England average of 21.6%.

Special educational needs support6.8%

6.8%, 8 percentage points below the England average of 14.8%.

Education, health and care plan3.3%

3.3%, 2.7 percentage points below the England average of 6%.

Schools near Biddenham International School and Sports College

SchoolDistanceOfstedResults
Bedford Modern School1 mileNo Ofsted inspectionAttainment 8: 31.3
Bedford Free School1 mileOfsted: OutstandingAttainment 8: 46.5
Bedford School1 mileNo Ofsted inspectionAttainment 8: 14.6
Bedford Greenacre Independent School1 mileNo Ofsted inspectionAttainment 8: 44.9
Bedford Girls' School2 milesNo Ofsted inspectionAttainment 8: 14.2

School details

School type
Foundation school
Sector
Local authority maintained
Age range
11 to 18
Gender
Mixed
Sixth form
Yes
Headteacher
Mr David Bailey
Address
Biddenham Turn, Bedford, MK40 4AZ
Local authority
Bedford
URN
109690

School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Exam results for 2024/25 from the Department for Education. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.