Bedford Academy will offer a record number of academic and vocational courses this autumn after applications to study at the school hit another all-time high.
1400 students will study at the school this autumn, compared to just over 1100 four years ago. The sixth-form has more than doubled in that time and now has 210 students.
As a result, the school is expanding the number of A-level and BTEC courses it offers sixth-form students, with 23 available from this September. Students will be able to choose from a wide range of A-levels, including Spanish, Food and Nutrition and Criminology, and a diverse mix of BTECs, including Health and Social Care, Creative Media Production, Drama and Dance.
The school, which moved into its purpose-built, state-of-the-art facilities in November 2012, is now recruiting for six new roles, including a Food Studies teacher, a Deputy Special Educational Needs Coordinator and a Humanities teacher.
More than £500,000 will be invested in the school’s facilities with a new social space for students and a new staff room expected to open in September. In the coming months, local community groups will be able to book space at the school’s new facilities.
Chris Deller, Headteacher of Bedford Academy, which is part of HEART Academies Trust, said:
“This is a very exciting time for our school and we’re delighted that so many local students want to come and study with us. Our growth reflects our excellent community ethos and our belief that we can help every one of our students to thrive. We are developing into an extremely vibrant school with a great balance of pastoral support, academic pathway options and high-quality teaching and learning”
David Morris, Chief Executive of HEART Academies Trust, said:
“Bedford Academy encourages all its students to recognise their achievements and build on them so that they can achieve their full potential. Its growth is testament to this, and to its focus on personalised learning.
“I’m so proud that the school is expanding its A-level and BTEC courses for sixth-formers. This, coupled with the extra investment in facilities and social spaces, will ensure Bedford Academy’s students – and the wider community – will reap the rewards of the school’s continued success.”
