Kempston Academy
Hill Rise, Kempston, Bedford, MK42 7EBOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
Kempston Academy is a secondary school in Bedford for ages 11 to 18. It is one of the 84 schools in Bedford. It ranks 13th of 13 secondary schools in Bedford. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in September 2018.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 12 September 2018, report published 11 October 2018
- Overall effectiveness
- Good
- Leadership and management
- Good
- Sixth form provision
- Good
- Safeguarding
- Met
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 15 October 2024
There is an increasing sense of pride across the school community. The school's 'GROW' principles, including the focus on excellence and strong relationships, raise pupils' aspirations. Standards are getting better across most subjects. Final year sixth-form students get the specialist support that they need to complete their studies. The school supports pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) to build their confidence so that they can access the full curriculum. High expectations are realised in pupils' improved behaviour and in their work. The few pupils who struggle to behave well are supported to improve. The school's inclusive culture is friendly and welcoming. Pupils feel safe in school. They are taught how to stay safe in the community. New pupils, including those who join later in the year, or arrive from different countries, settle in quickly. The school prioritises reading. Pupils' suggestions for new books are acted on. Those who need extra help with reading are supported to catch up. The school's careers education programme ensures that pupils, including students in Year 13, get the guidance they need to make informed next-step choices. Consequently, they are well prepared to move on to the next stage in education, employment and/or training.
What the school should improve
- Occasionally, pupils have gaps in their knowledge that are not always addressed quickly, including for a few pupils with SEND. This is because activities are not consistently matched well to the content some pupils need to learn to catch up. The school and the trust should ensure that staff are routinely consistent in using assessment information to target in-class interventions precisely.
- A few pupils do not attend school as often as they should. This means that they miss important personal development opportunities, as well as their academic studies. The school should build on the effective relationships established with families to address any remaining barriers, so that attendance for all pupil groups continues to improve.
Exam results
GCSE results (key stage 4), 2024/25
166 pupils in the year group
Pupil numbers and mix
773 pupils on roll, with places for 982
Schools near Kempston Academy
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daubeney Academy | 1 mile | Ofsted judgements: Good to outstanding | Attainment 8: 38.5 |
| Wootton Academy | 2 miles | Ofsted judgements: Good | Attainment 8: 44.3 |
| Biddenham International School and Sports College | 2 miles | Ofsted: Good | Attainment 8: 42.1 |
| Wixams Academy | 2 miles | Report card: Needs attention to expected standard | Attainment 8: 47.5 |
| Bedford Free School | 2 miles | Ofsted: Outstanding | Attainment 8: 46.5 |
School details
- School type
- Academy sponsor led
- Sector
- Academy
- Trust
- CHILTERN LEARNING TRUST
- Age range
- 11 to 18
- Gender
- Mixed
- Sixth form
- Yes
- Headteacher
- Mr Paul House
- Phone
- 01234290900
- Address
- Hill Rise, Kempston, Bedford, MK42 7EB
- Local authority
- Bedford
- URN
- 142387
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.