Pulford CofE VA Lower School
| Type | Primary / Voluntary aided school |
| Age Range | 2-9 |
| Religion | Church of England |
| Address | Pulford Road Leighton Buzzard Bedfordshire LU7 1AB |
| Reference Number | 109619 |
Pulford CofE VA Lower School has transitioned from an outstanding grade in its last inspection 13 years ago to being rated good in this recent inspection. The school is noted for its supportive and inclusive environment, where pupils thrive academically and personally, encouraged by dedicated staff and strong community values. The curriculum is well-structured and pupils are generally making good progress, especially in key areas such as phonics and early reading. However, there are identified shortfalls in some subjects where teachers do not consistently utilize prior knowledge and vocabulary effectively, affecting pupil progress in those areas.
General Makeup
| Number of pupils | 264 |
| Boy/Girl ratio |
Boys: 46.21%
Girls: 53.79% |
| Percentage of students eligible for free school meals | 4.3% |
| Percentage of students where English is not their first language | 23.9% |
Class Sizes
| Average size of one teacher classes | 28.1 |
| Average size of Key Stage 1 classes taught by one teacher | 27.2 |
| Average size of Key Stage 2 classes taught by one teacher | 29 |
Year Groups
| Year | Boys | Girls | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 17 | 28 | 45 |
| 2 | 22 | 23 | 45 |
| 3 | 18 | 24 | 42 |
| 4 | 24 | 21 | 45 |
Ethnicities
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White, British | 73.9% |
| African | 5.3% |
| White & Asian | 3.4% |
| Indian | 3.4% |
| White, Other | 3% |
| White & Black (Caribbean) | 2.3% |
| White & Black (African) | 2.3% |
| Caribbean | 2.3% |
| Unclassified | 0.8% |
| Mixed, Other | 0.8% |
| Chinese | 0.4% |
| Pakistani | 0.4% |
| Asian, Other | 0.4% |
| Overall Ofsted Rating | Good |
| > Quality of education | Good |
| > Behaviour & Attitude | Good |
| > Personal Development | Good |
| > Leadership & Management | Good |
| > Early Years Provision | Good |
| Last Report Date | 07 Nov 2023 |
| Date | Report |
|---|---|
| 07 Nov 2023 | School inspection: |
| 30 Nov 2010 | Full inspection: |
| 16 Jan 2007 | Full inspection: |
| 02 Jul 2002 | Full inspection |
Strengths
- Strong values of faith, hope, and love that create a supportive school community.
- Pupils are engaged and work hard to meet high expectations.
- Excellent outdoor learning opportunities that foster resilience and creativity.
- Well-trained staff who effectively support pupils with special educational needs.
- A carefully chosen phonics scheme that supports early reading development.
- A calm and respectful atmosphere that encourages positive behaviour.
- Active involvement of governors who are familiar with the school's workings.
Areas for Improvement
- Inconsistency in using precise knowledge and vocabulary in some subjects.
2025 Admissions
| Number of Applications | Number of Offers | |
| First Preference | ||
| Second Preference | 28 | 0 |
| Third Preference | 18 | 0 |
| From another Local Authority | 2 | 0 |
Previous Years
Sample
Unlock| Name | Distance |
|
Leighton Middle School
Church Square, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, LU7 1EX |
0.13 miles |
|
The Mary Bassett Lower School
Bassett Road, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, LU7 1AR |
0.28 miles |
|
Clipstone Brook Lower School
Brooklands Drive, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, LU7 3PG |
0.59 miles |
|
Linslade School
Mentmore Road, Linslade, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, LU7 2PA |
0.63 miles |
|
The Rushmere Park Academy
East Street, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, LU7 1EW |
0.71 miles |
|
Linslade Lower School
Leopold Road, Linslade, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, LU7 2QU |
0.73 miles |
|
Brooklands Middle School
Brooklands Drive, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, LU7 3PF |
0.75 miles |
|
Leedon Lower School
Highfield Road, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, LU7 3LZ |
0.86 miles |
|
Southcott Lower School
Bideford Green, Linslade, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, LU7 2UA |
0.96 miles |
|
Gilbert Inglefield Academy
Vandyke Road, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, LU7 3FU |
1.09 miles |
|
Beaudesert Lower School
Appenine Way, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, LU7 3DX |
1.29 miles |
|
Greenleas School
Derwent Road, Linslade, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, LU7 2AB |
1.29 miles |
|
Dovery Academy
Heath Road, Dovery Academy, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, LU7 3AG |
1.29 miles |
|
Heathwood Lower School
Heath Road, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, LU7 3AU |
1.47 miles |
|
St Leonards CE Academy
Thrift Road, Heath and Reach, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, LU7 0AX |
2.24 miles |
|
Overstone Combined School
Church Street, Wing, Buckinghamshire, LU7 0NY |
2.89 miles |
|
Stanbridge Lower School
Tilsworth Road, Stanbridge, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, LU7 9HY |
2.95 miles |
|
Hockliffe Lower School
Woburn Road, Hockliffe, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, LU7 9LL |
3.56 miles |
|
High Ash Church of England Primary School
Pound Hill, Great Brickhill, Buckinghamshire, Buckinghamshire, MK17 9AS |
3.66 miles |
|
Eaton Bray Academy
School Lane, Eaton Bray, Dunstable, Bedfordshire, LU6 2DT |
4.24 miles |
| Name | Distance |
|
Benjamin College
Benjamin UK, Coach House, White House Court, Hockliffe Street, Leighton Buzzard, LU7 1FD |
0.38 miles |
|
Cedars Upper School
Mentmore Road, Linslade, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, LU7 2AE |
0.65 miles |
|
Vandyke Upper School
Vandyke Road, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, LU7 3DY |
1.21 miles |
|
Oak Bank School
Sandy Lane, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, LU7 3BE |
1.55 miles |
|
The Cottesloe School
Church Street, Wing, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, LU7 0NY |
2.89 miles |
|
Macintyre School
Leighton Road, Wingrave, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP22 4PA |
4.67 miles |