Bedford
Cotton End Forest School
Dependable results for a comprehensive intake; the journey is the main thing to weigh.
What the data says
Published data, read plainly. It tells you what to check next; it does not guarantee a place or replace your local authority’s admissions guidance.
77% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths — well above the national average of around 61%.
- 77%
- Expected standard (R+W+M)
- 0%
- Higher standard (R+W+M)
- 2024/2025
- Academic year
KS2 progress scores (reading, writing, maths progress) are not yet surfaced in this summary. Check the performance table section below.
Admissions realism depends on your home postcode and the school's published allocation data. Enter your postcode on this page to get a more specific assessment, and always verify the latest policy on the school's official admissions page.
What to do next
- Verify the school's official admissions policy
- Book an open day or school visit
- Add this school to your shortlist and compare with backup options
Starting school in September 2027
- Primary (Reception): apply by 15 January 2027; offers on 16 April 2027.
National dates for England. You apply through the council where you live, even for a school in another council.
Applications and offers
National offer day figures that councils report to the Department for Education. These are counts only: they do not show how far away the last child offered a place lived.
Reception entry
| Year of entry | Places offered | Put it first | First choices offered | Applications (any preference) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 2026 | 51 | 48 | 47 (98%) | 109 |
| September 2025 | 59 | 67 | 59 (88%) | 104 |
| September 2024 | 60 | 64 | 60 (94%) | 114 |
| September 2023 | 48 | 48 | 48 (100%) | 84 |
| September 2022 | 60 | 68 | 57 (84%) | 119 |
Source: Department for Education: Primary and secondary school applications and offers, Academic year 2026/27, school-level data, published 18 June 2026. “–” means the figure was not published. The council’s own allocation figures are the official record: check Bedford’s admissions page for cut-off distances, the admission rules and this year’s dates.
KS2 results history
| Year | Pupils | Expected % | Higher % | Reading | Writing | Maths | Read score | Maths score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024/2025 | — | 77.0% | 0.0% | 93.0% | 77.0% | 83.0% | 107.0 | 106.0 |
| 2023/2024 | — | 59.0% | 0.0% | 68.0% | 59.0% | 77.0% | 102.0 | 103.0 |
| 2022/2023 | — | 41.0% | 0.0% | 48.0% | 59.0% | 70.0% | 101.0 | 102.0 |
Nearby and similar schools
Other primary schools in Bedford for local comparison.
School information
| URN | 109446 |
| Local authority | Bedford |
| Region | East of England |
| Phase | Primary |
| Type | Community school |
| Gender of entry | Mixed |
| Age range | 2-11 |
| Headteacher | Headteacher Karen Headland |
| Trust | — |
| Admissions | Not applicable |
| Religious character | Does not apply |
| Postcode | MK45 3AG |
| Pupils | 418 |
| FSM eligible | 17.0% |
Contact and identifiers
High Road, Cotton End, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK45 3AG
www.cottonendforestschool.co.uk/1234740100| DfE number | 2041 |
| UKPRN | 10068918 |
| Opened | — |
| GIAS updated | 13 Feb 2026 |
Data sources and freshness
| Official record updated | 13 Feb 2026 |
| Latest KS4 year | — |
| Latest KS2 year | 2024/2025 |
| Ofsted published | 29 Jun 2025 |
Latest Ofsted inspection
| Quality of education | Good |
| Behaviour and attitudes | Good |
| Personal development | Good |
| Leadership and management | Good |
| Safeguarding | Effective |
| Inspection type | Requires Improvement S5 Reinspection Visit 1 |
| Category of concern | — |
| Inspection date | 20 May 2025 |
| Publication date | 29 Jun 2025 |