Kempston Academy Review 2026: A Community Hub Focused on Growth and Opportunity

Kempston Academy occupies a spacious campus on Hill Rise in Kempston, serving a diverse student body of approximately 824 pupils and students. Since joining the Chiltern Learning Trust in 2022, the academy has undergone a significant transformation, moving away from its previous identity as Challenger Academy to embrace its new motto, "A place to GROW." This focus on growth is central to the school's mission, aiming to provide a supportive and ambitious environment for every learner.

The academy was most recently inspected by Ofsted in October 2024, maintaining its status as a Good school. Inspectors highlighted the ambitious and well thought out curriculum as a key strength, alongside the school's commitment to personal development and inclusive practice. While academic attainment currently sits below England averages, the academy is recognised for its strong pastoral support and the breadth of opportunities it provides for students to succeed in both academic and vocational pathways.

The atmosphere at Kempston Academy is one of calm, orderly progress and mutual respect. The school operates with clear routines and high expectations for behaviour, which students understand and value. This structured environment provides a safe foundation for learning, allowing students to focus on their academic and personal goals.

Mr Paul House has led the school as Headteacher during this pivotal period of growth, supported by a dedicated senior leadership team. Under his direction, the academy has fostered a culture where excellence, aspiration, and strong relationships are at the heart of daily life. The school's values of attaining ambitious goals, demonstrating respect and responsibility, taking opportunities, and working together are evident in the positive interactions between staff and students.

As part of the Chiltern Learning Trust, the academy benefits from a collaborative network of schools, sharing best practices and resources to enhance the educational experience. This partnership has brought stability and a renewed sense of purpose to the Kempston community, ensuring that the school remains a vibrant and evolving place to learn.

At GCSE, Kempston Academy is working steadily to improve outcomes for all students. In the most recent results published in 2024, the school achieved an average Attainment 8 score of 37.3. While this is lower than the England average, the school's Progress 8 score of -0.09 indicates that students are making progress broadly in line with their peers nationally from their various starting points. This score places the academy in line with approximately 35% of schools in England (FindMySchool ranking).

Approximately 32.2% of students achieved a grade 5 or above in both English and mathematics GCSEs, compared to the England average of 45.9%. These figures reflect an inclusive intake and a curriculum that values a wide range of subjects, with 5.6% of students achieving the English Baccalaureate (Ebacc) at grade 5 or above.

In the Sixth Form, the academy offers a variety of A-level and vocational courses. The latest data shows an average point score of 9.09 for academic qualifications, with students performing particularly well in vocational subjects such as sociology and business studies. The academy ranks 2,616th in England and 13th in Bedford for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), with a clear focus on supporting students to reach their preferred destinations.

The curriculum at Kempston Academy is described by inspectors as ambitious and carefully sequenced. In the secondary phase, there is a strong emphasis on core literacy and numeracy, with the academy prioritising opportunities for pupils to read regularly. Teachers use their subject expertise to design lessons that build on prior knowledge, helping students to master complex concepts over time.

A notable feature of the academy's offering is the successful integration of vocational learning. Subjects such as health and social care, business studies, and Spanish are popular, providing students with a diverse range of skills and qualifications. The school also hosts specialized resourced provision for students with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, ensuring that every student receives the tailored support they require to flourish.

The Chiltern Learning Trust's influence is felt through a structured approach to teaching and assessment, often referred to as the "Chiltern Way." This involves regular monitoring of student progress and the use of evidence based strategies to ensure that teaching remains effective and engaging.

Kempston Academy is dedicated to ensuring that its students are well prepared for the next stage of their lives. In the 2024 leavers' cohort, 40% of students progressed to university, while 21% moved directly into employment. A smaller percentage of students pursued apprenticeships or further education at local colleges.

The school's careers programme is comprehensive, providing students with the guidance they need to make informed choices about their futures. From Year 7 through to the Sixth Form, students have access to career advice, work experience opportunities, and interactions with local employers. This focus on leaver destinations ensures that students see a clear link between their current studies and their long term aspirations.

Admissions for Year 7 entry at Kempston Academy are coordinated by the Bedford Borough Council School Admissions Service. The academy serves the Kempston and west Bedford areas, and it is a popular choice for local families. For the September 2026 intake, applications must be submitted via the council's online system by the national closing date of 31 October 2025.

In the most recent intake period, the school received 168 applications for 143 offers, indicating its status as an oversubscribed school with a subscription proportion of 1.17. Families interested in applying should consult the council's "Starting School" and "School Transfer" booklets for detailed information on admission criteria and catchment areas. Prospective parents and students are also encouraged to tour the facilities during open days or by appointment to experience the school's environment first hand.

Fees & Financial Aid

Kempston Academy is a state funded academy, which means there are no tuition fees for students to attend. As a part of the Chiltern Learning Trust, the school receives its funding directly from the government, ensuring that high quality education remains accessible to all members of the community regardless of their financial background.

For students in the Sixth Form, there may be opportunities to apply for the 16 to 19 Bursary Fund. This government scheme provides financial support to students who face financial barriers to continuing their education, such as those from low income households or those who are in care. The fund can help with costs such as transport, books, equipment, and school trips. Families are encouraged to contact the school's finance office or Sixth Form team for details on eligibility and how to apply.

Pastoral care is a cornerstone of the Kempston Academy experience, with the school priding itself on high levels of individual support. The academy uses a year group structure where Heads of Year and tutors play a vital role in monitoring the wellbeing and progress of every student. This system ensures that students have a consistent point of contact for any concerns or challenges they may face.

The school's approach to behaviour and attitudes is positive and proactive, focusing on strong relationships and clear expectations. There is a robust safeguarding culture, and students report that they feel safe and well cared for. The academy also offers specialized support for students with SEMH needs through its resourced provision, which has a capacity for 20 pupils and provides a haven for those requiring more intensive assistance.

Extracurricular activities at Kempston Academy provide students with numerous opportunities to grow and take on new challenges. Physical education is highly valued, with the academy offering clubs and competitive teams in sports such as football, netball, and athletics. The school's facilities, including its sports halls and playing fields, are used extensively for after school fixtures and clubs.

The performing arts are also well represented, with clubs for dance, drama, and music. Students have the opportunity to participate in school productions and showcases, helping to build their confidence and creative skills. Other notable offerings include the Reading Lead programme and various subject specific societies that encourage students to explore their interests in greater depth. Participation in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is also encouraged, providing students with valuable experiences in teamwork and resilience.

Kempston Academy is located on Hill Rise in Kempston, easily accessible from Bedford town centre and the surrounding villages. The school day typically begins at 8:30am and ends at 3:00pm, with a range of after school clubs and study sessions available for students. While the academy does not provide formal breakfast or after school care in the traditional primary sense, its library and certain learning zones are often open for supervised study.

The academy is well served by local bus routes, and many students choose to walk or cycle to school. The school site is part of a larger educational campus, providing a sense of community and shared purpose within the local area.

• Academic Improvement: While current results are below the England average, the school's trajectory under the Chiltern Learning Trust is positive. Families should consider the academy's commitment to continuous improvement and its recent Good Ofsted rating.
• Vocational Strengths: The academy offers an excellent range of vocational qualifications, which may suit students who prefer practical and applied learning alongside traditional GCSEs.
• Secondary Transfer: For families in Bedford Borough, the application deadline of 31 October is critical. Late applications can significantly reduce the chances of securing a place at this increasingly popular school.

Kempston Academy is a school on the move, offering a supportive and ambitious environment that truly lives up to its motto of being "a place to grow." It is best suited to students who will benefit from a structured, caring community that values both academic achievement and personal development. With its Good Ofsted rating and the backing of a strong multi academy trust, the academy provides a solid foundation for students in the Kempston area to reach their full potential.