Lark Rise Academy

  • Primary
  • Academy
  • Ages 3 to 11
Ofsted judgements: Outstanding

Cartmel Drive, Dunstable, LU6 3PTOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)

Lark Rise Academy is a primary school in Dunstable for ages 3 to 11. It is one of the 134 schools in Central Bedfordshire. It ranks 1st of 19 primary schools in Dunstable. Its latest Ofsted inspection, in March 2025, graded each key judgement and gave no overall Ofsted rating.

Ofsted inspection

Inspected 11 March 2025, report published 28 April 2025

This inspection graded each key judgement and gave no overall effectiveness grade.

Quality of education
Outstanding
Behaviour and attitudes
Outstanding
Personal development
Outstanding
Leadership and management
Outstanding
Early years provision
Outstanding
Safeguarding
Met

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 11 March 2025

Pupils are charming, compassionate and confident because of the guidance they receive at home and in school. Having adults around them who encourage personal responsibility means pupils try their best and support their peers. A wealth of well-being support is in place, including trained therapists and planned check-ins with trusted staff. The pupil 'safety squad' also shows the same determination as staff in reporting concerns. With staff and peers looking out for them, pupils remain happy and safe. Pupils achieve highly. They build strong foundations in key skills, helping them tackle complex tasks. For example, many achieve top marks in the Year 4 multiplication tables check, allowing them to confidently solve multi-step word problems. Pupils also enjoy sharing their knowledge. Reception-age children recall what plants need to grow, while Year 6 pupils explain a Newton meter's purpose. Their knowledge shows the impact of high expectations and a well-planned curriculum. The school helps pupils develop self-esteem by giving them the confidence to try new things, overcome challenges and take pride in their achievements. Starting in the early years, a strong focus on routines and clear instructions helps children follow expectations. Across the school, well-structured lessons, where guidance is clear and needs are met, create calm and purposeful learning environments.

Exam results

SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25

40 pupils took the tests

Expected standard in reading, writing and maths88%

88%, 26 percentage points above the England average of 62%.

Higher standard in reading, writing and maths10%

10%, 2 percentage points above the England average of 8%.

Reading, average scaled score109

109, 3 above the England average of 106.

Maths, average scaled score110

110, 5 above the England average of 105.

Grammar, punctuation and spelling, average scaled score110

110, 5 above the England average of 105.

Pupil numbers and mix

351 pupils on roll, with places for 360

Eligible for free school meals7.1%

7.1%, 19.4 percentage points below the England average of 26.5%.

English as an additional language17.1%

17.1%, 4.5 percentage points below the England average of 21.6%.

Special educational needs support8%

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

Education, health and care plan2.6%

2.6%, 3.4 percentage points below the England average of 6%.

Schools near Lark Rise Academy

SchoolDistanceOfstedResults
Ardley Hill Academy0.4 milesOfsted: Good60% met the expected standard
Watling Lower School0.5 milesOfsted: GoodNot published
Dunstable Icknield Lower School0.6 milesOfsted: Requires improvementNot published
Ashton St Peter's VA C of E School0.7 milesReport card: Expected standard to strong standard45% met the expected standard
Lancot School0.9 milesOfsted: Good64% met the expected standard

School details

School type
Academy converter
Sector
Academy
Trust
CHILTERN LEARNING TRUST
Age range
3 to 11
Gender
Mixed
Nursery classes
Yes
Headteacher
Mrs Romina Lang
Address
Cartmel Drive, Dunstable, LU6 3PT
Local authority
Central Bedfordshire
URN
136345

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.