The Firs Lower School
| Type | Primary / Academy converter |
| Age Range | 2-9 |
| Religion | Does not apply |
| Address | Station Road Ampthill Bedford Bedfordshire MK45 2QR |
| Reference Number | 137756 |
The Firs Lower School continues to perform well, maintaining its status as a good school since its last inspection. Pupils actively enjoy their schooling environment, feeling safe and supported by dedicated staff who promote well-being. The school offers a broad and balanced curriculum with high expectations, enabling pupils to become proficient learners. A notable strength is the richness of experiences provided to students, including educational trips and varied leadership roles that enhance their personal development. However, areas such as the outdoor learning opportunities in the pre-school and the depth of some foundation subjects require further improvement.
General Makeup
| Number of pupils | 349 |
| Boy/Girl ratio |
Boys: 52.15%
Girls: 47.85% |
| Percentage of students eligible for free school meals | 3.6% |
| Percentage of students where English is not their first language | 3.2% |
Class Sizes
| Average size of one teacher classes | 31.9 |
| Average size of Key Stage 1 classes taught by one teacher | 26.5 |
| Average size of Key Stage 2 classes taught by one teacher | 28.8 |
Year Groups
| Year | Boys | Girls | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 23 | 33 | 56 |
| 2 | 28 | 15 | 43 |
| 3 | 28 | 29 | 57 |
| 4 | 22 | 36 | 58 |
Ethnicities
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White, British | 84% |
| White, Other | 4.6% |
| Mixed, Other | 3.7% |
| White & Black (Caribbean) | 1.7% |
| Indian | 1.7% |
| White & Asian | 0.9% |
| African | 0.9% |
| Unclassified | 0.6% |
| Caribbean | 0.6% |
| Pakistani | 0.3% |
| Asian, Other | 0.3% |
| Overall Ofsted Rating | Good |
| Last Report Date | 08 Mar 2023 |
| Date | Report |
|---|---|
| 08 Mar 2023 | School inspection |
| 13 Sep 2017 | Short inspection |
| 07 Nov 2013 | Full inspection: |
| 14 Feb 2012 | Academy conversion letter |
| 26 Jan 2012 | Full inspection: |
| 30 Jun 2010 | Interim assessment |
| Previously as The Firs Lower School | |
| 30 Jun 2010 | Interim assessment |
| 15 Mar 2007 | Full inspection: |
| 15 Mar 2007 | Full inspection: |
| 03 Mar 2003 | Full inspection |
| 03 Mar 2003 | Full inspection |
Strengths
- Strong emphasis on pupil well-being and safety
- Engaging curriculum that fosters a love of reading
- Effective support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND)
- High-quality learning experiences in early years
- Pupils develop important values like tolerance and respect
- Strong relationships and collaboration between leaders and staff
Areas for Improvement
- Some foundation subjects lack depth and clear planning
- Outdoor learning opportunities in pre-school are not fully developed
2025 Admissions
| Number of Applications | Number of Offers | |
| First Preference | ||
| Second Preference | 59 | 8 |
| Third Preference | 18 | 1 |
| From another Local Authority | 16 | 6 |
Previous Years
Sample
Unlock| Name | Distance |
|
Alameda Middle School
Station Road, Ampthill, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK45 2QR |
0.14 miles |
|
Russell Lower School
Queens Road, Ampthill, Bedfordshire, MK45 2TD |
0.3 miles |
|
Templefield Lower School
Malham Close, Flitwick, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK45 1AJ |
1.54 miles |
|
Woodland Middle School Academy
Malham Close, Flitwick, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK45 1NP |
1.57 miles |
|
Kingsmoor Lower School
Kingsmoor Close, Flitwick, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK45 1EY |
1.65 miles |
|
Maulden Lower School
Church Road, Maulden, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK45 2AU |
1.73 miles |
|
Flitwick Lower School
Temple Way, Flitwick, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK45 1LU |
1.81 miles |
|
Greenfield CofE VC Lower School
Pulloxhill Road, Greenfield, Bedfordshire, MK45 5ES |
2.25 miles |
|
Houghton Conquest Lower School
High Street, Houghton Conquest, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK45 3LL |
2.68 miles |
|
Thomas Johnson Lower School
Hurst Grove, Lidlington, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK43 0SB |
2.89 miles |
|
Marston Vale Middle School
The Crescent, Stewartby, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK43 9NH |
2.92 miles |
|
Westoning Lower School
High Street, Westoning, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK45 5JH |
3.07 miles |
|
Marston Moreteyne VC School
Church Walk, Marston Moreteyne, Bedfordshire, MK43 0NE |
3.16 miles |
|
Broadmead Lower School
Park Crescent, Stewartby, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK43 9NN |
3.22 miles |
|
Silsoe CofE VC Lower School
Chestnut Avenue, Silsoe, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK45 4GP |
3.3 miles |
|
Ridgmont Lower School
High Street, Ridgmont, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK43 0TS |
3.57 miles |
|
St Mary's VA CofE Lower School
High Street, Clophill, Bedfordshire, MK45 4BE |
3.65 miles |
|
Harlington Lower School
Westoning Road, Harlington, Dunstable, Bedfordshire, LU5 6PD |
4.16 miles |
|
Willow Grove Primary School
Fisherswood Road, Wixams, Bedfordshire, MK45 3TE |
4.25 miles |
|
Eversholt Lower School
Church End, Eversholt, Milton Keynes, Bedfordshire, MK17 9DU |
4.34 miles |
| Name | Distance |
|
Redborne Upper School and Community College
Flitwick Road, Ampthill, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK45 2NU |
0.53 miles |
|
Kimberley 16 - 19 Stem College
Green Lane, Stewartby, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK43 9LY |
3.4 miles |
|
Esland Bedford School
Unit 54, Wrest Park, Silsoe, Bedfordshire, MK45 4HS |
4.07 miles |
|
Harlington Upper School
Goswell End Road, Harlington, Dunstable, Bedfordshire, LU5 6NX |
4.11 miles |
|
Wixams Academy
Green Lane, Wixams, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK42 6BA |
4.39 miles |