Bedford Primary

What Bedford Primary does

Bedford Primary is a state-funded primary school located on Quarry Road in Bootle, Merseyside (L20 9LJ), serving children from Reception (age 4) through Year 6 (age 11). It operates under Southport Learning Trust, a Company Limited by Guarantee (Reg No: 7790934) registered at Mornington Road, Southport, PR9 0TT. The school delivers the full English National Curriculum alongside specialist programmes in phonics (Read Write Inc with Ruth Miskin consultant support), mathematics (Times Tables Rock Stars, Numbots), Spanish from Year 3 (Language Angels), music (Charanga with Liverpool Cathedral Singing Project), PE (Get Set 4 PE, Daily Mile), computing (Teach Computing with BBC micro:bit), and a bespoke PSHE curriculum co-developed with Edge Hill University and Social Signature. It runs an in-house pastoral and emotional literacy framework — the bespoke Emotion Works 7-cog model — and operates the Bedford Worry Box anonymised reporting portal.

The institution's commercial/operational layer comprises wraparound services delivered through the Arbor parent portal: the Bedford Bistro school meals service (averaging 330 meals per day, Food Hygiene Rating 5), a Breakfast Club from 7:30am to 8:50am (£2.50/child, part-subsidised by the DfE-funded Magic Breakfast programme), and after-school childcare until 4:30pm Monday–Thursday (£5/child). It also offers a portfolio of after-school clubs and adult learning courses. Growth footprint is single-site with a defined local-authority catchment area; strategic emphasis is on enrichment, SEND/SEMH provision, and external validation (Silver Artsmark award from Arts Council England, September 2023). The school is supported by a dense ecosystem of community, university, and clinical partnerships (Liverpool Anglican Cathedral, Everton in the Community, Mental Health Support Team Sefton, Hope's Therapy Dogs, OSSME, play therapists, Sefton SENDIASS, RPJ3 catering consultants). Headcount on staff is not comprehensively disclosed; governance is via the parent multi-academy trust.

Revenue is primarily derived from Department for Education / Sefton MBC per-pupil funding, supplemented by parent-paid wraparound services. The Bedford Bugle newsletter, Arbor app communications, school website, and community partnership channels constitute the parent engagement surface. The entity is a Company Limited by Guarantee (charitable trust structure), with no external shareholders, no equity funding rounds, no M&A activity, and no proprietary technology product offerings to market.

Name

Bedford Primary

Legal name

Southport Learning Trust, trading as Bedford Primary School

Website

https://bedfordprimary.co.uk

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Bedford Primary is a state-funded primary school in Bootle, Merseyside, operated by Southport Learning Trust, educating children aged 4–11 via the English National Curriculum and wraparound childcare, meals, and enrichment services.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Primary Education

NAICS

Elementary and Secondary Schools (6111)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Child Day Care Services (8351)

akta.pro primary industry

Public Elementary Schools (EDAJAAAB)

Keywords

• State-funded primary education
• National curriculum schooling
• Wraparound childcare services
• School meals catering
• Special educational needs support

Headquarters

HQ city

Bootle

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Government Funding (DFE): Core educational services funded through Department for Education and Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council local authority funding.
2. School Meals: Paid meals service at £2.00 per day. Universal Infant Free School Meals provided for Reception to Year 2. Average 330 meals served daily.
3. After-School Childcare: After-school childcare until 4:30pm Monday-Thursday at £5 per child, payable via Arbor app. Tax-free childcare payments and vouchers accepted.
4. Breakfast Club: Morning childcare from 7:30am until 8:50am at £2.50 per child per day. Part-subsidised by DfE funded Magic Breakfast programme.
5. Extended School Services: Various paid clubs and courses offered as part of extended school provision.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Bedford Primary is a state-funded primary school serving children aged 4-11 (Reception through Year 6) in Bootle, Merseyside, delivering the UK National Curriculum across core and foundation subjects. It supplements classroom learning with paid wraparound services including the Bedford Bistro school meals service, a daily Breakfast Club, After School Clubs, and the Bedford Worry Box pastoral support system, alongside specialist SEND and social-emotional provision.

Product overview

Bedford Primary School operates as a traditional primary education institution offering a comprehensive curriculum from Reception through Year 6. The school's core educational offerings include the national curriculum subjects (Maths, English, Science, Computing, History, Geography, Art, Music, Design & Technology, PE, Spanish, Religious Education, PSHE) supplemented by specialized programmes. The technology ecosystem includes the Arbor parent portal for family communication and payments, Times Tables Rock Stars and Numbots for maths practice, Read Write Inc Phonics for early reading, Language Angels for Spanish instruction, Charanga for music education, Get Set 4 PE for physical education planning, and LYFTA for immersive global learning experiences. Additional services include the Bedford Bistro school meals service, Breakfast Club, After School Clubs, and the Bedford Worry Box pastoral support system. The school follows a bespoke PSHE curriculum incorporating the Emotion Works emotional literacy programme.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Primary Education (Reception to Year 6) State-funded primary education for children aged 4-11 delivered across Reception, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, following the UK National Curriculum in core and foundation subjects. Enrolment is via the Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council admissions process and is open to families within the school's catchment area.
• Bedford Bistro School Meals In-house school meals service providing daily lunches to pupils with three rotating weekly menus designed with children and compliant with nutritional guidelines. Universal Infant Free School Meals cover Reception to Year 2; paid meals are £2.00 per day for Years 3-6. A 50p packed lunch token allows children bringing packed lunches to buy salads, snacks, drinks and fresh fruit.
• Breakfast Club Wraparound morning childcare and breakfast provision running from 7:30am until 8:50am, offering activities, games and a healthy breakfast for primary-aged pupils. Bookings are taken in advance at £2.50 per child per day via the Arbor system, with places part-subsidised by Magic Breakfast.
• After School Clubs After-school childcare and enrichment clubs available until 4:30pm Monday to Thursday, offering sporting activities, creative pursuits and additional learning opportunities. Pricing is £5 per child per session, payable via the Arbor app, with tax-free childcare payments and childcare vouchers accepted.
• Bedford Worry Box Online pastoral reporting system allowing pupils to submit worries confidentially. Messages are reviewed by designated pastoral staff who support children directly and liaise with teachers as needed. Provided as a safeguarding and wellbeing service to all pupils.

Quantifiable outcome

• 330 meals served daily at Bedford Bistro
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration26 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

24 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Southport Learning TrustcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMulti-academy trust that Bedford Primary is part of. Southport Learning Trust provides governance, support services, and operational oversight. Registered address: Mornington Road, Southport, PR9 0TT. Company Reg No: 7790934.
• Ruth Miskin Training (Read Write Inc)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPhonics programme developed by Ruth Miskin. School works with dedicated consultant from Ruth Miskin's team to ensure staff development and programme fidelity. Children in Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 participate in daily discrete phonic sessions following Read Write Inc Phonics scheme.
• Edge Hill UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Future Aspirations PSHE curriculum. Bedford pupils explore career paths with input from the university, with each year group focusing on certain areas to develop understanding of jobs and career opportunities.
• LYFTAminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerImmersive learning platform providing cinematic experiences connecting pupils to authentic human stories and global communities. Worked closely with Bedford to provide Storyworlds exploring communities across the globe.
• Social SignaturecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for Community and Inclusion PSHE strand. Bedford pupils develop deeper understanding of their local community and positive impact they can have, including celebrating refugee week and Black History Month using Little People, Big Dreams books.
• Mental Health Support Team (Sefton)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerExternal professional providing support for children experiencing low mood, worry, anxiety, avoidance, and sleep difficulties. Provides 1:1 sessions and school groups. Works with parents and carers. Mr Briscoe is the school's mental health lead.
• Hope's Therapy DogsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMulti award-winning therapy dog interventions for SEMH needs. Provides 1:1 sessions with skilled practitioners. Ethically-led organisation strengthening emotional and mental health in schools.
• OSSMEminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerExternal professional service provider supporting children's social, emotional, and mental wellbeing.
• Everton in the CommunityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFootball club's charitable foundation providing enrichment activities for Bedford pupils.
• Play TherapistsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerExternal play therapy professionals working with children who need additional social and emotional support.
• Liverpool Anglican CathedralcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrong links with cathedral outreach education programmes. All children access programmes and perform in the cathedral. Children can audition for chorister programme; successful pupils join the cathedral's chorister programme.
• South Sefton Sports PartnershipminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember of sports partnership providing training opportunities and CPD for PE teaching staff alongside Get Set 4 PE platform.
• Times Tables Rock Stars / NumbotscoreTechnology or IntegrationMaths learning platforms subscribed to by the school. Times Tables Rock Stars for multiplication practice; Numbots for number bonds and counting strategies. Usernames and passwords are the same for both platforms.
• Language AngelscoreTechnology or IntegrationSpanish curriculum programme providing powerpoints, games, and worksheets. Children can access from home via website or app with school credentials (username: la2023spanish, password: la2023spanish).
• CharangacoreTechnology or IntegrationMusic scheme used as core of music curriculum alongside Friday Afternoon project and Liverpool Cathedral Schools Singing Project.
• ASE (Association for Science Education) - PLAN Primary SciencecoreTechnology or IntegrationPlanning and assessment resources used to ensure effective delivery of National Curriculum science. Teachers use PLAN resources to build on previous learning.
• Get Set 4 PEcoreTechnology or IntegrationScheme of work used to ensure consistency and progression in PE from Years 1 to 6. Provides effective planning, teaching support, and CPD for staff.
• Steph O'Donnell (D&T Consultant)minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerFreelance specialist D&T teacher providing workshops, raising profile of D&T, and quality staff training. Children make models including working torches, hydraulic heads, zoo enclosures, 4-wheeled vehicles, and puppets.
• Design and Technology AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSchool subscribes to D&T Association for support, guidance, and resources including Projects on a Page resources.
• Daily Mile FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFoundation supporting the Daily Mile initiative. School has fully embraced Daily Mile over past years to ensure children are physically active for at least 30 minutes each day.
• RPJ3 Catering ConsultantsminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerExternal catering consultants supporting the Bedford Bistro school meals service with three weekly rotating menus.
• Magic BreakfastminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDfE funded programme part-subsidising Breakfast Club resources. Magic Breakfast provides support to ensure children receive healthy breakfast.
• The Sleep CharityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSleep charity providing resources and helpline (03303 530 541, 7pm-9pm Sunday-Thursday) for families dealing with children's sleep issues.
• Sefton SENDIASSminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInformation, advice and support service for Special Educational Needs and disabilities. Provides telephone and email advice, information packs, and casework for children and families aged 0-25.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Reach Academy Feltham: Small UK primary serving a similar state-funded community-cohort role with extended school day, wraparound care, and an emphasis on enrichment and pastoral support — directly comparable to Bedford Primary's Reception–Year 6 model with breakfast/after-school provision.
• Big Life Schools: Multi-academy trust running primary schools with strong pastoral and SEMH focus, including Bridgewater School — comparable to Bedford Primary's emotional literacy and SEND emphasis within a similar trust-size context.
• Goresbrook School: Multi-phase academy primary offering a full extended curriculum with enrichment focus; comparable to Bedford Primary's broad curriculum and wraparound care offering within a similar multi-academy trust structure.
• Litherland Moss Primary School: Neighbouring Sefton-area primary school offering broadly comparable state-funded primary education and wraparound services to families in the same local authority catchment.

Broad incumbents

• Reach2 Academy Trust: Multi-academy trust operating primary schools across England with extended curriculum and wraparound care; directly comparable in MAT structure to Southport Learning Trust.
• Harris Federation Primary Academies: Large multi-academy trust running many primary academies across England with extended school days, enrichment, and SEND support; comparable to Bedford Primary's operating model but at much greater scale.
• ARK Schools (Ark Primary Academies): Large MAT operating multiple primary academies with extended curriculum, wraparound care, and SEND provision; relevant comparable for Bedford Primary's multi-academy trust structure and curriculum partnerships.

Regional players

• King's Leadership Academy Hawthornes: North West England state primary with extended curriculum and pastoral provision, serving a comparable demographic with similar enrichment-driven model; relevant as a regional comparison point.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/bedford-primary

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Bedford Primary