<![CDATA[Bedfordshire Schools Trust News Feed - Latest News]]> https://www.bestacademies.org.uk%2Fnews%2F%3Fpid%3D74%26amp%3Bnid%3D3 Juniper Education Content Management System (CMS) Version: 4.5 (junipereducation.org) Thu, 20 Aug 2026 17:35:51 GMT Thu, 20 Aug 2026 17:35:51 GMT <![CDATA[ Celebrating GCSE Success across BEST ]]> https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=140 Samuel Whitbread Academy, Etonbury Academy, Castle Newnham Academy and Pix Brook Academy welcomed their year 11 cohorts back to school to receive the results and look ahead to their next steps!

]]> Thu, 20 Aug 2026 17:35:51 GMT https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=140 <![CDATA[ Sixth Form Success for BEST ]]> https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=139 Sixth Form students and staff at Samuel Whitbread Academy and Etonbury Academy are proudly celebrating their achievements today after receiving a strong set of A-Level and BTEC results!

]]> Thu, 13 Aug 2026 16:23:52 GMT https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=139 <![CDATA[ BEST appoints Chief Financial Officer ]]> https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=138 We are delighted to announce the appointment of Stephen Walker as our new Chief Financial Officer.

]]> Thu, 9 Jul 2026 18:00:36 GMT https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=138 <![CDATA[ FREE Mindfulness Courses for Parents ]]> https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=137 Did you know that all parents and carers of our students are offered FREE mindfulness training?

]]> Tue, 19 May 2026 18:13:24 GMT https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=137 <![CDATA[ A Decade of Growth Celebrated with Silver Birch Trees in Every School ]]> https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=136 ⭐Celebrating 10 Years of BEST⭐

]]> Mon, 18 May 2026 20:05:06 GMT https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=136 <![CDATA[ Castle Newnham School Celebrates Positive OFSTED ]]> https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/cnsofsted2026 Castle Newnham School in Bedford is celebrating a complete set of strong and positive outcomes following a recent Ofsted Inspection.

]]> Mon, 18 May 2026 10:22:00 GMT https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/cnsofsted2026 <![CDATA[ Mission, Vision & Values Day ]]> https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=135 ⭐Celebrating 10 Years of BEST⭐

]]> Mon, 18 May 2026 20:15:11 GMT https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=135 <![CDATA[ Celebrating 10 Years of BEST ]]> https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/celebrating-10-years Today marks a special milestone for the BEST community!

]]> Mon, 4 May 2026 15:46:59 GMT https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/celebrating-10-years <![CDATA[ Warm welcome to our new Operations Manager ]]> https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=132 Haley Sparrow brings a strong track record in school business management, along with valuable experience and insight from her time at one of our BEST extended Secondary Schools, Etonbury Academy.  

]]> Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:32:57 GMT https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=132 <![CDATA[ BEST Welcomes New Principal for Castle Newnham School in Bedford ]]> https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=131 The Governors at Castle Newnham School and the Directors of Bedfordshire Schools Trust (BEST) are delighted to confirm the appointment of Mrs Donna Neely-Hayes as Principal, with effect from April 2026.

]]> Tue, 14 Apr 2026 12:59:08 GMT https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=131 <![CDATA[ Confirmation of CBC investment into Langford Village Academy ]]> https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=130 The funding from Central Bedfordshire Council will ensure a permanent increase of the Pupil Admission Number from 30 to 45 places per year.

]]> Fri, 20 Mar 2026 08:22:25 GMT https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=130 <![CDATA[ Celebration Opening of Wellbeing Garden ]]> https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=129 Members of the Trust and School community gathered yesterday for the official launch at Campton Academy

]]> Thu, 12 Mar 2026 19:07:35 GMT https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=129 <![CDATA[ Model United Nations Day ]]> https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=128 Samuel Whitbread Academy, of the Bedfordshire Schools Trust (BEST), was proud to recently host and take part in a Model United Nations Day, welcoming students from several schools across the surrounding area.

]]> Fri, 6 Feb 2026 12:29:58 GMT https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=128 <![CDATA[ FREE Mindfulness Course for Parents ]]> https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=127 As part of BEST’s mission to grow mindfulness and its impact across the school community, we are offering free training for the parents and carers of our students.

]]> Thu, 5 Feb 2026 16:00:48 GMT https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=127 <![CDATA[ Castle Newnham All-through and Admissions Consultation ]]> https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=126 Formal Consultation on the proposal to become an All-Through school and changes to Admission Arrangements. ]]> Tue, 6 Jan 2026 14:34:28 GMT https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=126 <![CDATA[ Etonbury Academy rated Good in all areas by Ofsted ]]> https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=125 Etonbury Academy has been rated Good in all areas by Ofsted following a two-day inspection in April 2025.

]]> Thu, 5 Feb 2026 14:38:59 GMT https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=125 <![CDATA[ Double national sporting success for Samuel Whitbread ]]> https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=124 Samuel Whitbread Academy is celebrating not one but TWO national sporting successes on the same day.

]]> Thu, 5 Feb 2026 14:41:36 GMT https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=124 <![CDATA[ Robert Bloomfield Academy rated Outstanding in all areas by Ofsted ]]> https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=123 Robert Bloomfield Academy has once again been rated Outstanding in all areas in its latest Ofsted inspection. ]]> Thu, 5 Feb 2026 14:41:18 GMT https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=123 <![CDATA[ St Christophers Academy rated Good in all areas by Ofsted ]]> https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=122 St Christophers Academy has been rated Good in all areas in its latest Ofsted inspection. ]]> Thu, 23 Oct 2025 16:24:54 GMT https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=122 <![CDATA[ Wellbeing in the spotlight at BEST Talking Heads seminar ]]> https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=121 Our commitment to prioritising the wellbeing of all at BEST was the focus of our latest Talking Heads session on Wednesday. ]]> Mon, 19 May 2025 16:56:45 GMT https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=121 <![CDATA[ BEST appoints new Chief Operating Officer ]]> https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=120 We are pleased to announce that Mark Liddiard has been appointed as Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Bedfordshire Schools Trust. ]]> Mon, 19 May 2025 16:55:56 GMT https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=120 <![CDATA[ New Campton Principal ready to celebrate school's 150th anniversary ]]> https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=119 The new Principal of Campton Academy is looking forward to the future – but to begin with will be taking a step back in time. ]]> Mon, 17 Mar 2025 09:34:27 GMT https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=119 <![CDATA[ Announcement: Campton Academy ]]> https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=118 We would like to formally announce that Sarah Fraher, Principal of Campton Academy, will be stepping down from the role at February half-term. ]]> Mon, 24 Feb 2025 12:00:52 GMT https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=118 <![CDATA[ New Principal appointment at Pix Brook Academy ]]> https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=117 We are delighted to announce the appointment of a new Principal at Pix Brook Academy. ]]> Mon, 17 Mar 2025 09:34:50 GMT https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=117 <![CDATA[ Etonbury Academy tops the Government’s performance tables for second year ]]> https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=116 Etonbury Academy is celebrating securing the highest GCSE results in the area for the second successive year. ]]> Wed, 5 Mar 2025 10:01:26 GMT https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=116 <![CDATA[ BEST Admissions Consultation – September 2026 ]]> https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=115 NOTICE: The arrangements detailed below were part of an initial consultation and have since been amended by order of the Schools Adjudicator. Please refer to the legal/trust policies page of this website for the final, legally binding 2026 Admissions Policy.
 
 
We have launched a consultation on the BEST Admission Arrangements for September 2026.
]]> Wed, 3 Jun 2026 14:44:47 GMT https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=115 <![CDATA[ A BEST Success Story – BEST and Partnership Education ]]> https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=114 The latest in our series of success stories from across the Bedfordshire Schools Trust focuses on our long-standing relationship with our ICT provider, Partnership Education. ]]> Fri, 10 Jan 2025 11:40:12 GMT https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=114 <![CDATA[ New Pendleton partnership will maintain sporting provision for whole community ]]> https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=113 The Bedfordshire Schools Trust (BEST) and InspireAll Leisure & Family Support Services are forging ahead with a new partnership which will continue to provide first-class sporting facilities for the community. ]]> Fri, 10 Jan 2025 11:41:11 GMT https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=113 <![CDATA[ BEST Christmas Card Competition 2024 winners ]]> https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=112 The winning entries in this year's BEST Christmas Card Competition have been chosen.

]]> Fri, 10 Jan 2025 11:40:42 GMT https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=112 <![CDATA[ FEATURED VACANCY: Principal – Pix Brook Academy ]]> https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=111 We have announced today that Steve Adams, the first Principal of Pix Brook Academy, will be retiring at the end of this academic year.

]]> Fri, 6 Dec 2024 08:59:31 GMT https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=111 <![CDATA[ Announcement: Pix Brook Academy ]]> https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=110 We would like to announce that Steve Adams, the first Principal of Pix Brook Academy, will be retiring at the end of this academic year. ]]> Tue, 17 Dec 2024 11:09:59 GMT https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=110 <![CDATA[ BEST receives share of £15m fund for energy efficiency plans ]]> https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=109 BEST has been awarded a share of a £15m Government fund to help improve energy efficiency.

]]> Wed, 16 Oct 2024 15:03:23 GMT https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=109 <![CDATA[ Ex-pupil comes to Lawnside's aid – over 35 years later! ]]> https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=108 When Lawnside Academy needed a new boiler installing, Gareth Boness knew it was a job he wanted to help on. ]]> Thu, 5 Sep 2024 17:00:22 GMT https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=108 <![CDATA[ Castle Newnham joins BEST ]]> https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=107 The 2024/25 academic year marks the start of a new chapter after Castle Newnham officially joined the Bedfordshire Schools Trust. ]]> Tue, 17 Dec 2024 11:10:27 GMT https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=107 <![CDATA[ Results Day 2024: GCSE results up at Samuel Whitbread Academy ]]> https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=106 Year 11 students at Samuel Whitbread Academy in Clifton are today (Thursday 22 August) celebrating another great set of GCSE and BTEC Level 2 results.

]]> Fri, 15 Nov 2024 16:13:04 GMT https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=106 <![CDATA[ Results Day 2024: Hard work pays off as Etonbury Academy students celebrate GCSE results ]]> https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=105 Year 11 students at Etonbury Academy are celebrating today (Thursday 22 August) after collecting their GCSE and BTEC Level 2 results. ]]> Fri, 15 Nov 2024 16:14:27 GMT https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=105 <![CDATA[ Results Day 2024: A Level and BTEC grades 'among best ever' at Samuel Whitbread Academy ]]> https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=104 Year 13 students at Samuel Whitbread Academy in Clifton are today (Thursday 15 August) celebrating some of the school’s best ever A Level and BTEC results. ]]> Fri, 15 Nov 2024 12:56:07 GMT https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=104 <![CDATA[ A BEST Success Story – Gravenhurst Academy: Outstanding Ofsted Report ]]> https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=102 The latest in our series of success stories from across the Bedfordshire Schools Trust focuses on Gravenhurst Academy’s Outstanding Ofsted report. ]]> Mon, 2 Sep 2024 15:34:17 GMT https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=102 <![CDATA[ Ex-England netball captain Pamela Cookey inspires BEST pupils ]]> https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=103 A former captain of the England netball team provided a day packed full of inspiration and coaching to pupils at two BEST schools. ]]> Thu, 15 Aug 2024 13:23:47 GMT https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=103 <![CDATA[ BEST Nursery (Arlesey) rated Good by Ofsted ]]> https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=101 BEST Nursery (Arlesey) has been rated Good in all areas in its latest Ofsted inspection. ]]> Thu, 22 Aug 2024 15:29:16 GMT https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=101 <![CDATA[ Langford Village Academy receives Good Ofsted grading ]]> https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=100 Langford Village Academy has been rated Good in all areas in its latest Ofsted inspection. ]]> Thu, 18 Jul 2024 15:29:39 GMT https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=100 <![CDATA[ A BEST Success Story – Etonbury Academy's Sixth Form: The First Year ]]> https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=99 The latest in our series of success stories from across the Bedfordshire Schools Trust focuses on the first year of Etonbury Academy. ]]> Thu, 18 Jul 2024 15:28:56 GMT https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=99 <![CDATA[ Castle Newnham School given approval to join BEST ]]> https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=98 The Bedfordshire Schools Trust (BEST) is delighted to announce Castle Newnham School has been given the go-ahead to join our trust by the Department for Education. ]]> Mon, 2 Sep 2024 15:34:44 GMT https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=98 <![CDATA[ Gravenhurst Academy rated Outstanding again by Ofsted ]]> https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=97 Gravenhurst Academy has been rated Outstanding again in its latest Ofsted inspection. ]]> Mon, 24 Jun 2024 09:55:59 GMT https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=97 <![CDATA[ BEST Nursery (Langford) receives Good Ofsted rating ]]> https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=96 BEST Nursery (Langford) has been rated Good in all areas in its latest Ofsted inspection. ]]> Thu, 6 Jun 2024 17:03:25 GMT https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=96 <![CDATA[ Etonbury students are Bedfordshire’s best debaters! ]]> https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=95 Etonbury Academy has been crowned the best debating team in Bedfordshire after a sterling performance at the Houses of Parliament. ]]> Wed, 8 May 2024 15:35:29 GMT https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=95 <![CDATA[ Pix Brook Academy is Good with Outstanding features in first Ofsted report ]]> https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=94 Pix Brook Academy has been rated Good overall, with Outstanding features, in its first Ofsted inspection. ]]> Thu, 6 Jun 2024 17:02:54 GMT https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=94 <![CDATA[ DfE Regional Director visits BEST ]]> https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=93 The Department for Education’s Regional Director for the East of England has visited BEST to find out more about the successes of our trust and our schools. ]]> Tue, 2 Apr 2024 09:33:43 GMT https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=93 <![CDATA[ Sixth Form Admission Arrangements Consultation - Samuel Whitbread Academy ]]> https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=92 Consultation on the Sixth Form Admission Arrangements for Samuel Whitbread Academy (for September 2025).

]]> Mon, 4 Mar 2024 09:58:28 GMT https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=92 <![CDATA[ Castle Newnham School announces intention to join BEST ]]> https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=91 The growth of BEST looks set to continue after Castle Newnham School announced its intention to join our trust. ]]> Wed, 27 Mar 2024 16:25:14 GMT https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/news/?pid=74&nid=3&storyid=91