Flitwick Lower School

  • Primary
  • Local authority maintained
  • Ages 2 to 9
Ofsted: Good

Temple Way, Flitwick, Bedford, MK45 1LUOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)

Flitwick Lower School is a primary school in Bedford for ages 2 to 9. It is one of the 134 schools in Central Bedfordshire. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in January 2013.

Ofsted inspection

Inspected 15 January 2013, report published 4 February 2013

Overall effectiveness
Good
Leadership and management
Good

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 25 April 2023

Pupils are happy and well cared for in the 'hive of learning' at Flitwick Lower School. Pupils like how staff take the time to get to know them. Pupils trust staff to keep them safe. Staff listen to and act on any concerns. Pupils experience very little bullying. Staff quickly intervene and put a stop to any unkindness. Pupils benefit from staff's high expectations of what they can achieve. Pupils like how staff involve them in their learning. For example, pupils vote for which book they would like their teacher to read, promoting positive attitudes towards books and reading. Such positive attitudes towards learning helps pupils learn well. Pupils respect and celebrate difference. They know that it is important to learn about the views of others, even if they differ from their own. Pupils are encouraged to take on responsibilities around school, such as being an office assistant, playground leader, worry buddy, sports leader, or member of the school council. Pupils are guided to stay physically healthy. They benefit from a programme that protects their mental health. This programme helps pupils learn how to build their own and others' self-confidence and resilience through teamwork opportunities in sports and project work.

What the school should improve

  • A few pupils who are still learning to read occasionally find blending the letter sounds challenging. Although they receive books containing the sounds they know and support is in place, this does not always resolve this issue as quickly as it should. Leaders should review their reading programme so that staff receive the training and resources needed to teach all pupils to read confidently and fluently, be it in lessons or through catch-up support.
  • Staff in the pre-school are sometimes unsure about how to realise leaders' curricular aims. Consequently, how staff plan and arrange activities, including the resources they use, can hinder children strengthening key skills ahead of the Reception Year. Leaders should provide the training and high-quality resources all pre-school staff need to realise leaders' expectations.

Pupil numbers and mix

336 pupils on roll, with places for 350

Eligible for free school meals8%

8%, 18.5 percentage points below the England average of 26.5%.

English as an additional language1.8%

1.8%, 19.8 percentage points below the England average of 21.6%.

Special educational needs support8.6%

8.6%, 6.2 percentage points below the England average of 14.8%.

Education, health and care plan2.1%

2.1%, 3.9 percentage points below the England average of 6%.

Schools near Flitwick Lower School

SchoolDistanceOfstedResults
Woodland Middle School Academy0.3 milesOfsted: Good39% met the expected standard
Templefield Lower School0.3 milesOfsted: GoodNot published
Kingsmoor Lower School0.5 milesOfsted judgements: Good to outstandingNot published
Westoning Lower School1 mileOfsted: GoodNot published
Greenfield CofE VC Lower School1 mileOfsted: GoodNot published

School details

School type
Community school
Sector
Local authority maintained
Age range
2 to 9
Gender
Mixed
Nursery classes
Yes
Headteacher
Mrs Joanna New
Address
Temple Way, Flitwick, Bedford, MK45 1LU
Local authority
Central Bedfordshire
URN
109452

School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.