Kimberley 16 - 19 Stem College

Kimberley College has been rated as 'Good' across all inspected areas, showcasing a strong performance in providing high-quality education for students aged 16 to 19. The college, which specializes in STEM subjects, benefits from an inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated and students feel respected and safe. Most students demonstrate good behavior and have high aspirations, with a significant number progressing to higher education or apprenticeships. The college prepares students well for their future through effective career guidance and tailored support for all learners, including those with special educational needs.

Strengths

• Students enjoy a respectful and inclusive atmosphere.
• High proportion of students progress to university or apprenticeships.
• Qualified teachers use their expertise to enhance student understanding.
• Effective support for students with special educational needs.
• Tailored career development programs prepare students for future opportunities.
• Students participate in enriching extracurricular activities.

Areas for Improvement

• Inconsistent quality of education in a few subjects such as A-level chemistry and geography.
• Low attendance in tutorial sessions and some subjects.
• Lack of employer involvement in the design of vocational curricula.
• Insufficient student understanding of local radicalization risks.

In 2024–25, 0.0% of pupils at Kimberley 16 - 19 Stem College were suspended at least once (nationally 7.3%). No pupils were permanently excluded.

Pupils suspended at least once

Source: Department for Education, Suspensions and permanent exclusions in England. Each year is the one the school year ends in (2025 is 2024/25). A pupil can be suspended more than once, so suspensions per 100 pupils can be higher than the share of pupils suspended. Very small numbers are hidden by the DfE. Exclusion figures dropped in 2020 and 2021 because of school closures.

In 2024–25 Kimberley 16 - 19 Stem College had 37.6 pupils for each teacher (the national figure for secondary schools was 16.7). Of its teachers in 2024–25, 33.2% were no longer at the school a year later (nationally 14.1%).

Pupils per teacher

Teachers who left the school within a year

Source: Department for Education, School workforce in England. Each year is the one the school year ends in (2025 is 2024/25). Pupils per teacher counts full-time-equivalent pupils and teachers. Turnover is the share of a year's teachers (full-time equivalent) who were not at the school the following year, whether they moved to another school or left state-funded teaching. Turnover and sickness figures run one year behind the ratios. Sick leave is the share of teachers who took at least one day in the year, so it swings widely at small schools, where a few teachers can make it 0% or 100%. The national figures are for all state schools of the same type.

In 2025–26, 4.7% of pupils at Kimberley 16 - 19 Stem College were on SEN support (nationally 14.1%) and 0.4% had an education, health and care (EHC) plan (nationally 3.5%).

Pupils by main type of need

Source: Department for Education, Special educational needs in England (the 2025–26 school census). SEN support is extra help in school without an EHC plan. National figures are for all state-funded secondary schools. Counts are as published, with small numbers not hidden.

In 2024–25 Kimberley 16 - 19 Stem College received £5,944 and spent £6,569 for each of its 696 pupils. It ended the year with reserves of £76,000 (£109 per pupil).

Across all 2 schools of Wootton Academy Trust, income was £7,109 and spending £7,402 per pupil.

Income per pupil

Spending per pupil

Source: Department for Education, Financial Benchmarking and Insights Tool. Each year is the one the financial year ends in (2024 is 2023–24). Academy figures include a share of the trust's central services, shared out by pupil numbers, and are rounded to the nearest £1,000. Premises costs were defined differently from 2024, so compare them across that gap with care.

• Primary Schools
• Secondary Schools

All schools in Bedford · Bedford local authority: places and applications

Kimberley 16 - 19 Stem College is part of Wootton Academy Trust, which runs 2 schools. The nearest others:

• Wootton Academy Bedford

What is Kimberley 16 - 19 Stem College's Ofsted rating?

The latest Ofsted rating for Kimberley 16 - 19 Stem College is Good, from an inspection in June 2023.

When was Kimberley 16 - 19 Stem College last inspected by Ofsted?

Kimberley 16 - 19 Stem College was last inspected in June 2023.

How many pupils does Kimberley 16 - 19 Stem College have?

Kimberley 16 - 19 Stem College has 749 pupils on roll.

What age range does Kimberley 16 - 19 Stem College cover?

Kimberley 16 - 19 Stem College for pupils aged 16 to 19.

Where is Kimberley 16 - 19 Stem College?

Kimberley 16 - 19 Stem College is at Green Lane, Stewartby, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK43 9LY.