Best 3 Secondary schools in Bedfordshire – comparison
Comparison of secondary schools: Denbigh High School (Secondary) in Luton; Challney High School for Boys (Secondary) in Luton; Bedford Free School (Secondary) in Bedford — covering Ofsted outcomes, size, FSM%, governance, capacity & more.
At a glance
This page compares Denbigh High School, Challney High School for Boys and Bedford Free School. They are secondary phase and academy converter and free schools type located around Luton, Bedfordshire and Bedford, Bedfordshire. The strongest headline Ofsted judgement here is 1 (Denbigh High School), published Jan 2024. The most recent inspection on record is for Denbigh High School (Jan 2024). average roll around ≈ 950, combined total ≈ 2,850, typical FSM 25–30%, range 25–30%–30–35%; spread across trusts such as Chiltern Learning Trust and Advantage Schools.
| Attribute |
Denbigh High School
LU3 1HE
|
Challney High School for Boys
LU4 9TJ
|
Bedford Free School
MK42 9AD
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Phase / Type | Secondary • Academy converter | Secondary • Academy converter | Secondary • Free schools |
| Location |
Luton Bedfordshire LU3 1HE |
Luton Bedfordshire LU4 9TJ |
Bedford Bedfordshire MK42 9AD |
| Latest Ofsted | 1 25 Jan 2024 | 1 15 Jan 2024 | 1 23 Mar 2020 |
| Ofsted report | — | — | — |
| Pupils (roll) | ≈ 1,100 🔒 Unlock exact pupils | ≈ 1,200 🔒 Unlock exact pupils | ≈ 550 🔒 Unlock exact pupils |
| FSM % | 30–35% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM % | 25–30% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM % | 25–30% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM % |
| Capacity | 1120 | 1212 | 500 |
| Capacity utilisation | Near capacity 🔒 View exact % | Near capacity 🔒 View exact % | Near capacity 🔒 View exact % |
| Age range | — | — | — |
| Gender | Mixed | Boys | Mixed |
| Admissions policy | Non-selective | Non-selective | Non-selective |
| Trust / Local authority | Chiltern Learning Trust | Chiltern Learning Trust | Advantage Schools |
| Website | www.denbighhigh.co.uk | www.challneyboys.co.uk | www.bedfordfreeschool.co.uk |
| Telephone | 01582736611 | 01582599921 | 01234332299 |
| SEN provision | None reported | None reported | None reported |
| Profile | View profile | View profile | View profile |
Denbigh High School
LU3 1HE
- Phase / Type
- Secondary • Academy converter
- Location
- Luton
Bedfordshire
LU3 1HE - Ofsted
- 1 25 Jan 2024
- Pupils
- ≈ 1,100 🔒 Exact value
- FSM %
- 30–35% 🔒 Exact %
- Trust / LA
- Chiltern Learning Trust
- Website
- www.denbighhigh.co.uk
- Telephone
- 01582736611
Challney High School for Boys
LU4 9TJ
- Phase / Type
- Secondary • Academy converter
- Location
- Luton
Bedfordshire
LU4 9TJ - Ofsted
- 1 15 Jan 2024
- Pupils
- ≈ 1,200 🔒 Exact value
- FSM %
- 25–30% 🔒 Exact %
- Trust / LA
- Chiltern Learning Trust
- Website
- www.challneyboys.co.uk
- Telephone
- 01582599921
Bedford Free School
MK42 9AD
- Phase / Type
- Secondary • Free schools
- Location
- Bedford
Bedfordshire
MK42 9AD - Ofsted
- 1 23 Mar 2020
- Pupils
- ≈ 550 🔒 Exact value
- FSM %
- 25–30% 🔒 Exact %
- Trust / LA
- Advantage Schools
- Website
- www.bedfordfreeschool.co.uk
- Telephone
- 01234332299
Map of compared schools
How are these comparisons built?
We line up public school data side-by-side. Ofsted “headline” judgement is shown with the publication date
when available. Exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are available to Pro users; everyone sees rounded values.
What if a school has a recent ungraded visit?
Ungraded visits (Section 8) check whether the previous graded judgement still stands, but do not replace it.
We keep the latest graded judgement as the headline until a new graded inspection is published.
Why can’t I see exact numbers?
To keep the service sustainable, we show approximate pupils and bucketed FSM% to free users.
Upgrade to AllSchools Pro to unlock precise figures and exports.
How should I choose a school?
Start with the most recent graded Ofsted judgement, then check whether it aligns with your child’s needs.
Look at distance and travel, typical class sizes (roll vs capacity), and the school’s
admissions policy. Speak to the school, arrange a visit, and ask about pastoral support and enrichment.
What should I look for when comparing schools?
Compare headline Ofsted and publication dates for recency; check FSM% and local context;
scan capacity utilisation (under, near, or over capacity); and review trust/local authority
for governance. If available, read the official Ofsted report for curriculum and safeguarding detail.