Is Mark Rutherford School a good school?

Ofsted inspected the school on 11 November 2025 under its report-card framework and graded four areas at Expected standard, two at Strong standard and one at Needs attention. Safeguarding was judged Met. On the FindGreatSchools composite score it is graded D, 11th of 14 secondary schools in Bedford. The profile sets out the figures behind both.

What are Mark Rutherford School's GCSE results?

In the 2026 GCSEs, pupils at Mark Rutherford School averaged an Attainment 8 score of 40.7 (England: 46.2). 28.3% of pupils achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths.

How do I apply for a place at Mark Rutherford School?

Applications for Year 7 places at Mark Rutherford School starting in September 2027 close on 31 October 2026. You apply through the council where you live, even for a school in another area, and offers are made on National Offer Day, 1 March 2027 (or the next working day).

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Mark Rutherford School

Wentworth Drive, Bedford, MK41 8PX

Local ranking11th of 14 secondary schools in Bedford

Ofsted: ExpectedUpdated

Secondary

Phase

1243

Capacity

11-18

Age range

Mixed

Gender

Latest data: 2026 GCSEs · 2025 A-levels · Ofsted inspection 11 November 2025. Figures last updated 15 October 2026.

Ofsted Report Card

Inspected 11 November 2025 under Ofsted's renewed framework

View on Ofsted

Safeguarding standards Met

Achievement: Expected standard
Curriculum & teaching: Expected standard
Attendance & behaviour: Strong standard
Personal development & wellbeing: Expected standard
Leadership & governance: Expected standard
Inclusion: Strong standard
Post-16 provision: Needs attention

Scale: Exceptional · Strong · Expected · Needs attention · Urgent improvement

Year:

GCSE Results

2025-26

Average Attainment 8: 40.7 nat46.2
Grade 5+ Eng & Maths: 28.3% nat46.3%
Grade 4+ Eng & Maths: 59.0% nat64.8%
Cohort Size: 212

Destinations

After GCSE 2024-25

Sustained education/employment: 91.0%
Continued in education: 86.0%
Apprenticeships: 3.0%
Employment: 3.0%
Not sustained: 5.0%

After A-Levels 2024-25

Sustained education/employment: 91.0%
Higher education: 60.0%
Apprenticeships: 3.0%
Employment: 24.0%
Not sustained: 5.0%

A-Level Results

2024-25

*Data not available for 2025-26 — showing latest available results

C-

Avg A-Level Grade

28.3

Avg Points/Entry

nat 35.0

29.5

Best 3 A-Levels

nat 35.8

A-Level Students

AAB+ with Facilitating: 11.6% nat17.5%
Applied General Avg Points: 31.7
16-18 Cohort: 130

Pupil Demographics

2024-25

Total Pupils: 1180
Boys: 584 (51%)
Girls: 566 (49%)
Capacity: 1243 (93% full)
SEND: 18.2%
FSM Eligible: 27.1%
EAL: 13.6%
SEN with EHC Plan: 3.6%
SEN Support: 14.6%
Pupil:Teacher Ratio: 16.0:1
Teachers (FTE): 73.7
Budget per Pupil: £8,234/yr

Attendance & Absence

2024-25

*Data not available for 2025-26 — showing latest available results

Overall Absence Rate: 9.1% nat6.2%
Persistent Absence: 28.7% nat15.8%

Persistent absence: pupils missing 10%+ of sessions.

School Information

Type: Academy converter
Phase: Secondary
Nursery: No Nursery Classes
Sixth Form: Has a sixth form
Boarders: No boarders
Admissions: Non-selective

Pupil Ethnicity

2024-25

White British: 60.9%
White Other: 11.5%
Black African: 5.4%
Mixed White & Black Caribbean: 5.0%
Asian Indian: 3.9%
Mixed Other: 2.6%
Mixed White & Asian: 2.3%
Black Caribbean: 1.9%

60.9%

White British

11.5%

White Other

5.4%

Black African

Historical Trends

GCSE Performance

Pupil Demographics

Attendance & Absence

Contact & Location

01234290200

mark.rutherford@mrus.co.uk

Visit website

Wentworth Drive

Bedford, East of England

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Administrative

URN: 139160
UKPRN: 10039997
Establishment No.: 4085
Trust: MARK RUTHERFORD SCHOOL TRUST

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