Houstone School
Parkside Drive, Houghton Regis, Dunstable, LU5 5PXOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
Houstone School is a secondary school in Dunstable for ages 11 to 16. It is one of the 134 schools in Central Bedfordshire. It ranks 1st of 5 secondary schools in Dunstable. Its latest Ofsted inspection, in May 2025, graded each key judgement and gave no overall Ofsted rating.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 20 May 2025, report published 26 June 2025
This inspection graded each key judgement and gave no overall effectiveness grade.
- Quality of education
- Good
- Behaviour and attitudes
- Good
- Personal development
- Good
- Leadership and management
- Good
- Safeguarding
- Met
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 20 May 2025
The school is a calm, safe place for pupils to study and work hard. Pupils live up to the school's high expectations of behaviour and achievement. Pupils behave well and many have good attitudes to their studies. Lessons proceed without interruption, so pupils have opportunity to really concentrate on their learning. Pupils, particularly those that joined part way through their education, see the positive difference the school is making to their lives. Pupils are respectful to staff and each other. Serious incidents are rare and dealt with appropriately. Pupils value the school's clear rewards for behaving well and the chances they receive to 'get back on track'. Many pupils value the range of effective additional help and support that is available for those that need it. Pupils are proud of the new leadership roles and the chance to make a difference in the school community. Pupils enjoy the growing number of clubs, trips and other experiences complementing school life. The 'electives' programme is a key part of the school as it gives pupils the opportunity to do something different. From boxing and cooking to chess and art, there is a lot on offer. The improving careers curriculum prepares pupils well for their next steps beyond the school.
What the school should improve
- Some staff are developing their understanding of the most effective ways to help pupils. Sometimes, these staff do not identify if pupils need further help, guidance or support quickly enough. In these cases, pupils do not learn as well as they could. The school should ensure staff spot where pupils need further help to be successful with their learning in a timely and effective way.
Exam results
GCSE results (key stage 4), 2024/25
70 pupils in the year group
Pupil numbers and mix
765 pupils on roll, with places for 900
Schools near Houstone School
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Chalk Hills Academy | 1 mile | Ofsted: Good | Attainment 8: 45.7 |
| Lealands High School | 1 mile | Ofsted: Good | Attainment 8: 44.3 |
| King's House Moorlands | 2 miles | Ofsted: Good | Not published |
| Al Hikmah Boys School | 2 miles | Ofsted: Good | Not published |
| All Saints Academy Dunstable | 2 miles | Ofsted judgements: Requires improvement to outstanding | Attainment 8: 36.9 |
School details
- School type
- Free schools
- Sector
- Free school
- Trust
- ADVANTAGE SCHOOLS
- Age range
- 11 to 16
- Gender
- Mixed
- Sixth form
- No
- Headteacher
- Ms Elizabeth English
- Phone
- 01582377771
- Address
- Parkside Drive, Houghton Regis, Dunstable, LU5 5PX
- Local authority
- Central Bedfordshire
- URN
- 149107
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.