Harlington Upper School Review 2026: A Large Community School with Central Bedfordshire Roots

Set in the village of Harlington, just a short walk from the railway station connecting Bedford to London, Harlington Upper School is a significant presence in the Central Bedfordshire educational landscape. As an upper school, it operates within a three tier system, welcoming students at Year 9 from local middle schools and guiding them through to Year 13. The school serves a wide catchment area including the villages of Harlington, Toddington, and Flitwick, accommodating over 1,300 students on a sprawling, green campus.

Under the leadership of Head Teacher Mrs Helen Harris, who has been in post since September 2020, the school has maintained a consistent reputation as a solid community choice. The 2024 results reflect this stability, with the school sitting in line with the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile) for GCSE outcomes. It remains a popular local destination, often operating at or near its capacity, particularly in the lower entry years.

The campus at Goswell End Road is extensive, featuring several generations of school architecture connected by well trodden paths. Mature trees and large playing fields provide a sense of space that is often missing in more urban institutions. Inside, the atmosphere is typically that of a large, busy community secondary; hallways are lively during transitions, but a sense of purpose generally prevails in the classrooms.

The school is part of the Pyramid Schools Trust, a partnership that includes local middle and lower schools. This structure is central to the school identity, ensuring that when students arrive in Year 9, they often do so alongside peers they have known since early childhood. This long term community bond creates a supportive social fabric.

Official assessments point to a culture where students feel safe and respected. The latest inspection, conducted by Ofsted in October 2023, confirmed that Harlington Upper School continues to be a Good school. Formal observations confirm that pupils are polite, considerate, and generally engage well with their teachers, contributing to a calm and productive learning environment.

The school ranks 2,380th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking) and ranks 2nd among 6 secondary schools in Dunstable. This performance sits within the national typical band, meaning it reflects solid performance in line with the middle 35% of England schools. In 2024, the average Attainment 8 score was 44.4, while 10.9% of students achieved Grade 5 or above in the English Baccalaureate (EBacc).

At A level, Harlington Upper School ranks 1,832nd in England and 1st in the Dunstable area (FindMySchool ranking). This positions the sixth form in the national lower band, though it remains a primary choice for local leavers. In the 2024 cohort, 5.25% of entries achieved an A* grade, and 34.93% hit the A* to B bracket. While these figures sit below the England averages of 23.6% for A* to A and 47.2% for A* to B, the school provides a broad entry sixth form that serves a wide range of academic abilities.

The curriculum at Harlington is designed to bridge the transition from middle school quickly, moving students into GCSE pathways by the end of Year 9. Teachers have secure subject knowledge, which is particularly evident in the core subjects of English and Mathematics. The school makes effective use of assessment data to identify students who may be falling behind, providing targeted interventions where necessary.

In the sixth form, the offer is diverse, encompassing a wide range of A level subjects alongside vocational options. This breadth allows students to tailor their education to their specific career goals. Classroom practice often involves a mix of direct instruction and collaborative project work, encouraging students to take increasing responsibility for their own learning as they progress through the school.

Where Students Go Next

For the 2023/24 cohort, DfE leavers destination data shows that 51% of students progressed to university. This is a significant pathway for the school, supported by a structured UCAS application process and careers guidance. A notable 25% of students moved directly into employment, reflecting the school strong ties with local businesses and the practical focus of its vocational curriculum.

Apprenticeships are also a popular route, with 7% of the cohort securing placements in 2024. Academic ambition is present within the student body; in the most recent measurement period, two students applied to Cambridge, with one student successfully securing an offer and subsequent acceptance.

As a state school, Harlington Upper School follows the admissions criteria set by Central Bedfordshire Council. The primary entry point is Year 9 (age 13), which is unique compared to the standard Year 7 entry in two tier systems.

In the latest admissions cycle, the school was oversubscribed, receiving 284 applications for 202 offers. This resulted in a subscription proportion of 1.41, indicating that for every 10 places available, approximately 14 students applied. Parents should use the FindMySchool Map Search to check their precise distance from the school gates to understand their likelihood of securing a place.

For the sixth form, entry is based on GCSE performance. Students typically require a minimum of five GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, including English and Mathematics, with specific grade requirements for certain A level subjects.

Pastoral care is organised through a traditional house system, which helps to make the large school feel more manageable. Each student is part of a tutor group that meets daily, providing a consistent point of contact for both students and parents. The school prioritises mental health and wellbeing, with a dedicated pastoral team that includes non teaching staff who are available throughout the school day.

Behaviour is managed through a clear system of rewards and sanctions. The 2023 Ofsted report noted that the school has high expectations for student conduct and that bullying is rare and dealt with effectively when it occurs. This creates an environment where students feel comfortable to be themselves and can focus on their studies.

Extracurricular life at Harlington is varied, with a strong emphasis on the performing arts and sport. The school has a well regarded music department, featuring the Harlington Jazz Band and various choir ensembles that perform regularly in the local community.

STEM Excellence

STEM is a significant pillar of the school beyond the classroom offering. The school hosts an annual Science Week and participates in the Faraday Challenge, where students work on engineering briefs. The robotics club and coding society are popular choices for students interested in technology, utilizing the school computer suites to develop software and hardware projects.

Sporting facilities are a major asset, including a large sports hall, floodlit tennis courts, and expansive grass pitches. The school fields competitive teams in football, netball, rugby, and athletics, often participating in Central Bedfordshire district competitions.

The school day typically begins at 8:40am and concludes at 3:15pm. While the school does not provide a formal breakfast club for all, the canteen is open before school for students to gather. As a secondary school, traditional wraparound care is not offered, but many extracurricular clubs run until 4:30pm.

The school is well served by public transport. Harlington railway station is a five minute walk away, making the school accessible for students living further along the Thameslink line. There is also a dedicated network of school buses serving the surrounding villages. Parking on Goswell End Road is limited during drop off and pick up times, so the school encourages walking or cycling where possible.

Fees & Financial Aid

Harlington Upper School is a state funded academy. This means there are no tuition fees for students attending the school between the ages of 13 and 18. Families are generally expected to cover the costs of school uniforms, physical education kits, and basic stationery.

The school provides support through the Pupil Premium for eligible students, which can assist with the costs of school trips, music lessons, and other enrichment activities. For sixth form students, the 16 to 19 Bursary Fund is available to help those from lower income households with costs related to their studies, such as transport or books.

• Three tier transition: Entering a school at Year 9 is a significant shift for students used to two tier systems. While the school manages this transition well, it does mean a shorter lead in time to GCSEs compared to schools starting at Year 7.
• Large campus size: The scale of the site and the number of students can be daunting for some. While the house system helps, students who prefer a small, intimate environment might find the bustle of a 1,300 capacity school overwhelming.
• A level performance gap: While the school is the top ranked secondary in Dunstable for A levels, its results currently sit below the England average. Families aiming for elite university entry should look closely at subject specific performance and the support available for competitive applications.
• Oversubscription: With a subscription proportion of 1.41, the school is popular. Families moving into the area mid year may find it difficult to secure a place outside of the normal entry points.

Harlington Upper School is a solid, dependable choice that sits at the heart of its community. It provides a balanced education where academic pursuit is matched by a broad range of extracurricular opportunities. Best suited to local families who value the continuity of the three tier system and want a school that offers a wide social circle and diverse curriculum paths. Families interested in this option can use the Saved Schools feature on FindMySchool to manage their shortlist.