Elstow School
Abbey Fields, Elstow, Bedford, MK42 9GPOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
Elstow School is a primary school in Bedford for ages 4 to 11. It is one of the 84 schools in Bedford. It ranks 8th of 52 primary schools in Bedford. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in November 2016.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 2 November 2016, report published 13 December 2016
- Overall effectiveness
- Good
- Leadership and management
- Good
- Early years provision
- Outstanding
- Safeguarding
- Met
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 25 February 2025
Very high expectations of behaviour underpin everything at Elstow. Pupils successfully follow the consistent and well-established routines of the school day. They always display commendable behaviour. Pupils are proud of their school. They show great empathy and respect towards each other. They listen carefully and value their classmates' contributions to discussions. Bullying is very rare. Most pupils never experience it. When it does occur, the school addresses it promptly. It does not happen again. Pupils are very happy and feel safe in school. They know that if they do have any worries, the staff will help them. Pupils learn an ambitious curriculum in all subjects. In lessons, they carefully follow every instruction. They work hard and always try their best. Pupils achieve well because the school consistently sets the very highest expectations. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) successfully build their knowledge and skills over time. There is a wide range of afterschool clubs, including crochet and choir. These help to develop pupils' talents and interests. A range of educational visits extend and enhance the curriculum. For example, pupils in Year 5 travel to London to visit a modern art museum.
What the school should improve
- On rare occasions, there is some variation in the consistency of checks on pupils' learning, which may mean that opportunities for practise and rehearsal are not always fully maximised. The school should enhance and strengthen professional development to further support staff in confidently and consistently implementing the school's ambitious curriculum.
Exam results
SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25
61 pupils took the tests
Pupil numbers and mix
413 pupils on roll, with places for 420
Schools near Elstow School
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shackleton Primary School | 0.8 miles | Report card: Needs attention to expected standard | 54% met the expected standard |
| King's Oak Primary School | 0.9 miles | Report card: Expected standard to strong standard | 61% met the expected standard |
| Springfield Primary School | 0.9 miles | Ofsted: Good | 51% met the expected standard |
| Camestone School | 1 mile | Ofsted: Good | 48% met the expected standard |
| Cauldwell School | 1 mile | Report card: Needs attention to strong standard | 74% met the expected standard |
School details
- School type
- Academy converter
- Sector
- Academy
- Trust
- ADVANTAGE SCHOOLS
- Age range
- 4 to 11
- Gender
- Mixed
- Nursery classes
- No
- Headteacher
- Mrs Sarah Ciantar
- Phone
- 01234302300
- Address
- Abbey Fields, Elstow, Bedford, MK42 9GP
- Local authority
- Bedford
- URN
- 144039
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.