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Schools
The Extended Schools Cluster is based around 10 schools in Bedford.
The cluster is a network of schools which provides support to each other and the community.
The cluster is a network of schools which provides support to each other and the community.
Involving the Community
Other organisations, such as churches and community groups work together with the local schools to provide support and services to the community.
Schools
Bedford's Extended Schools Cluster consists of 10 schools which spans the education system from lower schools to upper schools.
Mark Rutherford Upper
Mark Rutherford is a larger than average upper school (1,141) on the northern edge of Bedford. It serves the areas of Putnoe, Brickhill, Newnham, Goldington, Castle and DeParys with some outlying villages.
Since December 2007 there has been a period of sustained and rapid improvement across all aspects of school life. In March 2008 the school made a successful application to become a specialist school for the Arts from September 2008. The improvements made can be evidence through raised standards, which are now above the national average, student, parent and staff surveys, staff turnover, attendance and exclusion data, SIP and LA consultant's reports, as well as anecdotally via feedback from parents, students, members of the local community and staff.
Mark Rutherford has a strong tradition of excellence in the arts and performing arts. Its annual productions in the autumn term are always of a very high standard, as are the many music, dance and drama events that are scheduled throughout the year.
Students also excel in sport with three teams reaching the last 32 of national competitions and several individuals performing at county, regional and national levels.
In June 2009 the school became a foundation school and a member of the North East Bedford Learning Trust, (NEBLET), with seven other schools. The same eight schools plus two others make up the local extended schools cluster and work closely together to meet the needs of the community and meet the extended schools core offer.
Since December 2007 there has been a period of sustained and rapid improvement across all aspects of school life. In March 2008 the school made a successful application to become a specialist school for the Arts from September 2008. The improvements made can be evidence through raised standards, which are now above the national average, student, parent and staff surveys, staff turnover, attendance and exclusion data, SIP and LA consultant's reports, as well as anecdotally via feedback from parents, students, members of the local community and staff.
Mark Rutherford has a strong tradition of excellence in the arts and performing arts. Its annual productions in the autumn term are always of a very high standard, as are the many music, dance and drama events that are scheduled throughout the year.
Students also excel in sport with three teams reaching the last 32 of national competitions and several individuals performing at county, regional and national levels.
In June 2009 the school became a foundation school and a member of the North East Bedford Learning Trust, (NEBLET), with seven other schools. The same eight schools plus two others make up the local extended schools cluster and work closely together to meet the needs of the community and meet the extended schools core offer.
Goldington Middle
Goldington is a larger than average Middle School situated North East of the town centre, with 675 pupils on roll.
In April 2007 our school received an Outstanding grade from Ofsted and we have continued our commitment to raising standards and providing excellence and enjoyment for all pupils.
At Goldington, our pupils are encouraged to participate in the vast number of extra curricular clubs and activities that take place before school, at lunchtime or after school. Our staff provide a dedicated timetable to enrich pupils’ learning. Some of our extra curricular clubs include: Breakfast club, Latin club, a variety of sports clubs for boys and girls including running, girls and boys football, gym, dance, indoor rounders, basketball, badminton, rugby, athletics, Active Zone at lunchtimes run by Year 8, Art club, Christian club, Muslim prayer group, Choir, Samba group, Drama club, Capioera, Band, Flute group, String Group and Homework club. Music, drama and sporting events are always well supported and provide an excellent insight into how talented our pupils are and how hard they work to achieve their goals. We also hold a Sportsmark Gold and Artsmark Gold award for the quality of our provision together with the National Healthy Schools Award.
In addition to the above activities the school also hosts the Spice Holiday Club which operates throughout the school holidays periods including half-term breaks. Furthermore, a number of community groups also use the schools facilities during weekends and evenings including Goldington Evangelical Church and Youth Club, Muslim School, Keep Fit, Yoga, Taekwando, 5-a-side football, Gymnastics and Orchestras.
In June 2009 the school became a foundation school and a member of the North East Bedford Learning Trust, (NEBLT), with seven other schools. The same eight schools plus two others make up the local extended schools cluster and work closely together to meet the needs of the community and meet the extended schools core offer.
In April 2007 our school received an Outstanding grade from Ofsted and we have continued our commitment to raising standards and providing excellence and enjoyment for all pupils.
At Goldington, our pupils are encouraged to participate in the vast number of extra curricular clubs and activities that take place before school, at lunchtime or after school. Our staff provide a dedicated timetable to enrich pupils’ learning. Some of our extra curricular clubs include: Breakfast club, Latin club, a variety of sports clubs for boys and girls including running, girls and boys football, gym, dance, indoor rounders, basketball, badminton, rugby, athletics, Active Zone at lunchtimes run by Year 8, Art club, Christian club, Muslim prayer group, Choir, Samba group, Drama club, Capioera, Band, Flute group, String Group and Homework club. Music, drama and sporting events are always well supported and provide an excellent insight into how talented our pupils are and how hard they work to achieve their goals. We also hold a Sportsmark Gold and Artsmark Gold award for the quality of our provision together with the National Healthy Schools Award.
In addition to the above activities the school also hosts the Spice Holiday Club which operates throughout the school holidays periods including half-term breaks. Furthermore, a number of community groups also use the schools facilities during weekends and evenings including Goldington Evangelical Church and Youth Club, Muslim School, Keep Fit, Yoga, Taekwando, 5-a-side football, Gymnastics and Orchestras.
In June 2009 the school became a foundation school and a member of the North East Bedford Learning Trust, (NEBLT), with seven other schools. The same eight schools plus two others make up the local extended schools cluster and work closely together to meet the needs of the community and meet the extended schools core offer.
Newnham Middle
Newnham is a popular and oversubscribed Middle School with a strong reputation as a successful, caring school. Our aim at Newnham is to help children develop into high achieving, confident young people who enjoy learning and understand how to make the most of their talents.
Staff at Newnham have high expectations of the children they teach and data shows that our pupils make good progress in their four years with us. We are committed to raising standards even further. Our recent Ofsted report stated that Newnham had “good capacity to improve further”.
Newnham has an excellent reputation for strong pastoral care. As a result, our pupils feel safe, enjoy school and are ready to accept learning challenges. In addition, our vibrant programme of extra-curricular activities encourages our children to play an active role in the school. Our clubs cover a wide range of sports, musical and visual arts activities. Newnham has experienced considerable sporting success, with year 7 and 8 boys performing well in the East Anglian heats of the English schools’ cross country championship, our year 5 boys winning the district six-a-side football competition and our year 6 mixed golf team being county champions for the past two years. We also have an excellent reputation for our high standards in performing arts. Our musical concerts and gym and dance displays are well attended of a high standard.
In June 2009 the school became a foundation school and a member of the North East Bedford Learning Trust, (NEBLET), with seven other schools. The same eight schools plus two others make up the local extended schools cluster and work closely together to meet the needs of the community and meet the extended schools core offer.
Staff at Newnham have high expectations of the children they teach and data shows that our pupils make good progress in their four years with us. We are committed to raising standards even further. Our recent Ofsted report stated that Newnham had “good capacity to improve further”.
Newnham has an excellent reputation for strong pastoral care. As a result, our pupils feel safe, enjoy school and are ready to accept learning challenges. In addition, our vibrant programme of extra-curricular activities encourages our children to play an active role in the school. Our clubs cover a wide range of sports, musical and visual arts activities. Newnham has experienced considerable sporting success, with year 7 and 8 boys performing well in the East Anglian heats of the English schools’ cross country championship, our year 5 boys winning the district six-a-side football competition and our year 6 mixed golf team being county champions for the past two years. We also have an excellent reputation for our high standards in performing arts. Our musical concerts and gym and dance displays are well attended of a high standard.
In June 2009 the school became a foundation school and a member of the North East Bedford Learning Trust, (NEBLET), with seven other schools. The same eight schools plus two others make up the local extended schools cluster and work closely together to meet the needs of the community and meet the extended schools core offer.
Woodside Middle
Woodside Middle is a smaller than average middle school (250), serving the north-east side of Bedford. An integral part of our school is the Autism Provision which can cater for 6 pupils.
Learning and teaching within the classroom continue to have top priority, but we are also especially well regarded for the care and consideration given to our pupils, whatever their circumstances. This is supported by our commitment to having smaller than average class sizes, allowing for personalised learning.
Staff run a wide variety of clubs, alongside outside agencies who are actively encouraged to assist in this. Coupled with this is our involvement in community activities which includes visits by the Street ranger, Community Support Officer and the Extended Services Coordinator. The most recent initiative is a cookery class for both pupil and parent.
There is especially effective liaison within our community, including a Nationally supported project between our year 5 children and a group of year 4 pupils. Most of our pupils move on to Mark Rutherford Upper, who we have a very strong relationship with.
Learning and teaching within the classroom continue to have top priority, but we are also especially well regarded for the care and consideration given to our pupils, whatever their circumstances. This is supported by our commitment to having smaller than average class sizes, allowing for personalised learning.
Staff run a wide variety of clubs, alongside outside agencies who are actively encouraged to assist in this. Coupled with this is our involvement in community activities which includes visits by the Street ranger, Community Support Officer and the Extended Services Coordinator. The most recent initiative is a cookery class for both pupil and parent.
There is especially effective liaison within our community, including a Nationally supported project between our year 5 children and a group of year 4 pupils. Most of our pupils move on to Mark Rutherford Upper, who we have a very strong relationship with.
Castle Lower
Castle Lower School is a larger than average sized Lower school (380) on the fringes of Bedford town centre. It serves Castle ward, which has a community with relatively advantaged social circumstances.
Since September 2006 there has been a period of sustained and rapid improvement across all aspects of school life and in March 2007 the school had a very successful OfSTED Inspection and was given an ‘Outstanding’ grading. The school has gained accreditation as a Healthy school, achieved the Active Mark for its provision in Physical activity and in June 2009 was accredited with the ‘Value Mark’ which recognises the school’s good work in developing children’s understanding of how to be good citizens.
Castle has well established ‘Extended Services’ and offers before and after school facilities for children aged from 4 to 9, as well as a very wide range of extra curricular activities, which run at lunchtimes and after school.
In June 2009 the school became a foundation school and a member of the North East Bedford Learning Trust, (NEBLET), with seven other schools. The same eight schools plus two others make up the local extended schools cluster and work closely together to meet the needs of the community and meet the extended schools core offer.
Since September 2006 there has been a period of sustained and rapid improvement across all aspects of school life and in March 2007 the school had a very successful OfSTED Inspection and was given an ‘Outstanding’ grading. The school has gained accreditation as a Healthy school, achieved the Active Mark for its provision in Physical activity and in June 2009 was accredited with the ‘Value Mark’ which recognises the school’s good work in developing children’s understanding of how to be good citizens.
Castle has well established ‘Extended Services’ and offers before and after school facilities for children aged from 4 to 9, as well as a very wide range of extra curricular activities, which run at lunchtimes and after school.
In June 2009 the school became a foundation school and a member of the North East Bedford Learning Trust, (NEBLET), with seven other schools. The same eight schools plus two others make up the local extended schools cluster and work closely together to meet the needs of the community and meet the extended schools core offer.
Goldington Green Lower
Goldington Green is a larger than average lower school (420) on the northern edge of Bedford. It serves the areas of Putnoe, Newnham, Goldington, with some outlying areas.
Since October 2007 there has been a period of sustained and rapid improvement across all aspects of school life. The improvements made can be evidence through raised standards, pupil, parent and staff surveys, SIP and LA consultant's reports, as well as anecdotally via feedback from parents, pupils, members of the local community and staff.
Goldington Green’s contribution to community cohesion in our diverse community can be seen through the way in which staff and pupils work together and value the relationships formed with organisations in the area.
Goldington Green has a strong multicultural ethos evidenced through the extensive range of events and activities held within the school throughout the year.
Goldington Green’s ethos is also one in which all of the arts are valued and celebrated. Music, dance and drama feature in our many productions and we enter the Bedford Festival of Music, Dance and Drama every year with many successes.
Sporting activities are equally valued and children regularly participate in Multi- Skills Festivals, football matches and gymnastic competitions.
In April 2009 the school became a foundation school and a member of the North East Bedford Learning Trust, (NEBLET), with seven other schools. The same eight schools plus two others make up the local extended schools cluster and work closely together to meet the needs of the community and meet the extended schools core offer.
Since October 2007 there has been a period of sustained and rapid improvement across all aspects of school life. The improvements made can be evidence through raised standards, pupil, parent and staff surveys, SIP and LA consultant's reports, as well as anecdotally via feedback from parents, pupils, members of the local community and staff.
Goldington Green’s contribution to community cohesion in our diverse community can be seen through the way in which staff and pupils work together and value the relationships formed with organisations in the area.
Goldington Green has a strong multicultural ethos evidenced through the extensive range of events and activities held within the school throughout the year.
Goldington Green’s ethos is also one in which all of the arts are valued and celebrated. Music, dance and drama feature in our many productions and we enter the Bedford Festival of Music, Dance and Drama every year with many successes.
Sporting activities are equally valued and children regularly participate in Multi- Skills Festivals, football matches and gymnastic competitions.
In April 2009 the school became a foundation school and a member of the North East Bedford Learning Trust, (NEBLET), with seven other schools. The same eight schools plus two others make up the local extended schools cluster and work closely together to meet the needs of the community and meet the extended schools core offer.
Hazeldene Lower
Hazeldene Lower School is a large lower school on the eastern side of Bedford. Our vision statement is “Enjoying Learning and Achieving Together”. The OFSTED Report in June 2008 highlighted that children make good progress, are particularly well motivated, enjoy school and are well behaved. Staff provide children with good care, guidance and support, which enables them to thrive socially, emotionally and academically.
The school encourages children to be self-motivated, confident and caring individuals who are able to make a positive contribution to the community and achieve to the best of their ability. The Inspection team noted that “pupils of different cultural backgrounds get along together very well, which expands their understanding and respect for each other’s heritages”. The school has continued to work hard over the last year to introduce an international dimension to the curriculum and has been successful in its application for the International School Award.
Hazeldene Lower School has a tradition of providing a rich and varied curriculum with an emphasis on learning through first hand experience including educational visits to a wide range of places of interest and working with visiting artists. Hazeldene provides a broad range of extra curricular opportunities such as French, gym, football, contemporary dance and street dance. The OFSTED Report noted that “the curriculum enables pupils to develop successfully into mature and responsible citizens who make an outstanding contribution to the school and wider community”.
In June 2009 the school became a foundation school and an active member of the North East Bedford Learning Trust (NEBLT), with seven other schools. The school also works closely with the same eight schools plus two others that make up the local extended schools cluster. This network of schools meets regularly to address issues and priorities arising from the extended schools core offer.
The school encourages children to be self-motivated, confident and caring individuals who are able to make a positive contribution to the community and achieve to the best of their ability. The Inspection team noted that “pupils of different cultural backgrounds get along together very well, which expands their understanding and respect for each other’s heritages”. The school has continued to work hard over the last year to introduce an international dimension to the curriculum and has been successful in its application for the International School Award.
Hazeldene Lower School has a tradition of providing a rich and varied curriculum with an emphasis on learning through first hand experience including educational visits to a wide range of places of interest and working with visiting artists. Hazeldene provides a broad range of extra curricular opportunities such as French, gym, football, contemporary dance and street dance. The OFSTED Report noted that “the curriculum enables pupils to develop successfully into mature and responsible citizens who make an outstanding contribution to the school and wider community”.
In June 2009 the school became a foundation school and an active member of the North East Bedford Learning Trust (NEBLT), with seven other schools. The school also works closely with the same eight schools plus two others that make up the local extended schools cluster. This network of schools meets regularly to address issues and priorities arising from the extended schools core offer.
The Hills Lower
The Hills Lower School has 300 pupils and is situated in Putnoe, Bedford. The catchment area is surrounding Putnoe although there are a number of children who attend from out of catchment.
The Hills Lower School was judged by Ofsted as particularly successful in 1997 and outstanding in 2001and 2007. Pupils have made outstanding progress in the Foundation Stage resulting in excellent attainment. At the end of year 2 and year 4 results show attainment is exceptional.
Staff are enthusiastic and committed to high standards of learning and teaching for the children in our care who are also happy and healthy. The curriculum continues to be rich and exciting and children are being challenged to show what they can do and to learn to love learning.
We set our own challenging targets and work tirelessly to build on success. National accreditation has been gained through rigorous external audits and we have received the following awards:
Investors in People, Basic Skills Agency Chartermark, Sport England Activemark Gold, Arts Council Artsmark Gold, Eco-silver award, National Healthy Schools Standard, NACE Challenge award, Inclusion Quality mark.
The Hills’ contribution to community cohesion in our diverse community can be seen through the way in which staff and pupils work together and value the relationships formed with organisations in the area.
The Hills has a strong multicultural ethos evidenced through the extensive range of events and activities held within the school throughout the year.
Music, art, dance and drama are very valued and are a part of every week at The Hills with special highlights during year group Performances. The performances take place at Christmas in school and at Easter for Key stage 2 at Bedford School theatre.
Sporting activities are equally valued and children regularly participate in Multi- Skills Festivals, football matches and gymnastic displays. The children in years 2, 3 and 4 go swimming once a week.
In April 2009 the school became a foundation school and a member of the North East Bedford Learning Trust, (NEBLET), with seven other schools. The same eight schools plus two others make up the local extended schools cluster and work closely together to meet the needs of the community and meet the extended schools core offer.
The Hills Lower School was judged by Ofsted as particularly successful in 1997 and outstanding in 2001and 2007. Pupils have made outstanding progress in the Foundation Stage resulting in excellent attainment. At the end of year 2 and year 4 results show attainment is exceptional.
Staff are enthusiastic and committed to high standards of learning and teaching for the children in our care who are also happy and healthy. The curriculum continues to be rich and exciting and children are being challenged to show what they can do and to learn to love learning.
We set our own challenging targets and work tirelessly to build on success. National accreditation has been gained through rigorous external audits and we have received the following awards:
Investors in People, Basic Skills Agency Chartermark, Sport England Activemark Gold, Arts Council Artsmark Gold, Eco-silver award, National Healthy Schools Standard, NACE Challenge award, Inclusion Quality mark.
The Hills’ contribution to community cohesion in our diverse community can be seen through the way in which staff and pupils work together and value the relationships formed with organisations in the area.
The Hills has a strong multicultural ethos evidenced through the extensive range of events and activities held within the school throughout the year.
Music, art, dance and drama are very valued and are a part of every week at The Hills with special highlights during year group Performances. The performances take place at Christmas in school and at Easter for Key stage 2 at Bedford School theatre.
Sporting activities are equally valued and children regularly participate in Multi- Skills Festivals, football matches and gymnastic displays. The children in years 2, 3 and 4 go swimming once a week.
In April 2009 the school became a foundation school and a member of the North East Bedford Learning Trust, (NEBLET), with seven other schools. The same eight schools plus two others make up the local extended schools cluster and work closely together to meet the needs of the community and meet the extended schools core offer.
Putnoe Lower
Putnoe is a large lower school (270) that is situated on the northern edge of Bedford. It serves the Goldington Ward but also takes many children from the surrounding area.
Since September 2005 there has been a period of sustained and rapid improvement across all aspects of school life and standards are now above the national average. The school has been awarded several important awards for its achievement. It received the National Healthy Schools Award in June 2007, Eco Schools Silver Award in September 2007, Basic Skills Award in 2007, International Schools Award in September 2009, Investors in People Status accredited in January 2008 and recommended for ‘Champion Investors’ status.
The ethos of Putnoe is a particular strength and the nationally accredited work we do in our Nurture Group very much supports this (Marjorie Boxall Quality Mark).
Putnoe has a strong tradition of excellence in the arts and performing arts that is delivered through a very broad and balanced curriculum, this being evidenced in our Artsmark Gold Award June 2007. In March 2008 the school was identified as being one of three schools in the Eastern region to be nominated for the DCSF Teaching Awards for Sustainable Schools and were very proud to be awarded a distinction in this category.
In June 2009 the school became a foundation school and a member of the North East Bedford Learning Trust, (NEBLET), with seven other schools. The same eight schools plus two others make up the local extended schools cluster and work closely together to meet the needs of the community and those of the extended core offer.
Since September 2005 there has been a period of sustained and rapid improvement across all aspects of school life and standards are now above the national average. The school has been awarded several important awards for its achievement. It received the National Healthy Schools Award in June 2007, Eco Schools Silver Award in September 2007, Basic Skills Award in 2007, International Schools Award in September 2009, Investors in People Status accredited in January 2008 and recommended for ‘Champion Investors’ status.
The ethos of Putnoe is a particular strength and the nationally accredited work we do in our Nurture Group very much supports this (Marjorie Boxall Quality Mark).
Putnoe has a strong tradition of excellence in the arts and performing arts that is delivered through a very broad and balanced curriculum, this being evidenced in our Artsmark Gold Award June 2007. In March 2008 the school was identified as being one of three schools in the Eastern region to be nominated for the DCSF Teaching Awards for Sustainable Schools and were very proud to be awarded a distinction in this category.
In June 2009 the school became a foundation school and a member of the North East Bedford Learning Trust, (NEBLET), with seven other schools. The same eight schools plus two others make up the local extended schools cluster and work closely together to meet the needs of the community and those of the extended core offer.
St John Rigby Lower
St John Rigby is a Catholic Lower School situated to the North East of Bedford town centre. We are a two form entry lower school with 300 children on roll.
In June 2007 the school received an Outstanding grade in its Ofsted inspection, and the school has continued to build on this success in many areas.
As a Christian Community our school life is based upon the Gospels and the teaching of the Catholic Church. We pride ourselves in the care that we offer our children, and equal opportunity is given to all pupils to develop their talents to the full. Many clubs are available for the children to join, both within the school day and out of schools hours – including sports, dance, drama and music.
St John Rigby has pupils from a rich and diverse community, and we are proud to care and learn together, celebrating and sharing our many cultures.
We have an enriched and creative curriculum to excite and engage our children, which is built on strong foundation stones of skill and knowledge. In this way we aim for each child to fulfil their true potential – academically, spiritually, socially and physically.
In June 2007 the school received an Outstanding grade in its Ofsted inspection, and the school has continued to build on this success in many areas.
As a Christian Community our school life is based upon the Gospels and the teaching of the Catholic Church. We pride ourselves in the care that we offer our children, and equal opportunity is given to all pupils to develop their talents to the full. Many clubs are available for the children to join, both within the school day and out of schools hours – including sports, dance, drama and music.
St John Rigby has pupils from a rich and diverse community, and we are proud to care and learn together, celebrating and sharing our many cultures.
We have an enriched and creative curriculum to excite and engage our children, which is built on strong foundation stones of skill and knowledge. In this way we aim for each child to fulfil their true potential – academically, spiritually, socially and physically.