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Bedford School

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School Level

Prep and Senior

Boarding Age

7-18

Courses

GCSE, A-Level, and IB Diploma Program

Locations

-

Size

1108

Gender

Boys

Bedford School Overview

Bedford School is a boys’ school located in the heart of Bedford in the East of England, 90 mins away from London Heathrow Airport by car. As one of the top 24 public schools, the school offers GCSE, A-Level, IBDP and excels in the Arts, Science and Music. It is also one of the few boys’ schools that have preparatory school. An International division has been established in recent years to cater to the needs of overseas students.

Table of Contents

Academic Matters

Bedford School is renowned for its high-calibre teaching and commitment to both academic excellence and a rich extracurricular life. Students benefit from exceptional facilities, including an Observatory and Planetarium, a fully equipped Theatre, and an extensive Library. Exam results consistently exceed national averages across all levels.

Bedford School Courses And Programmes

Prep School (Years 3 - 8)
The Prep School curriculum is designed to help boys grow into independent, curious, and resilient learners. While grounded in the National Curriculum, it goes beyond it—blending traditional approaches with modern teaching methods. Boys are encouraged to take initiative, embrace challenges, and develop a lasting enthusiasm for learning.
In the Upper School, the curriculum prepares boys for GCSE and IGCSE exams and A-Level and BTEC qualifications in the Sixth Form. The curriculum is broad and traditional, designed to develop intellectual excellence and a lifelong love of learning. It also aims to develop skills such as critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving.

Bedford School Fees 2025/2026

Full boarding fess per annum (inclusive VAT): £51,732

Bedford School Application Deadline

Applications for boarding places should be submitted to the school by September in the year prior to the start of the academic year the student wishes to enter. For example, applications for entry in either September 2026 or January 2027 should be submitted before September 202.

Bedford School Boarding And Pastoral Care

Pastoral care is a central pillar of life at Bedford School, shaping an environment where boys feel safe, supported, and confident in themselves. The school prioritises each pupil’s wellbeing—emotionally, socially, and academically—ensuring that every boy is known as an individual and has access to consistent guidance throughout his time at Bedford.

The pastoral care system is rooted in the Tutor Group and House systems. Class Teachers and Form Tutors build strong relationships with the boys in their care, creating a stable and nurturing foundation. Each boy is also a member of one of four houses—Bunyan, Harpur, Howard, or Whitbread—where boys across year groups bond through music, sport, competitions, and community projects. This structure promotes a shared identity and a healthy sense of belonging.

Weekly boarders return on Sunday night or Monday morning, while full boarders enjoy a vibrant weekend programme of trips and events. House life includes a wide range of inter-house activities, such as paintballing, plays, quizzes, and traditional sports competitions, helping boys develop camaraderie, independence, and leadership.

The school is well-equipped to support pupils with a wide range of special educational needs, including autism spectrum conditions, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, and dysgraphia. Staff work closely with families to ensure personalised, effective learning support is in place for each boy who needs it.

Personal development is also woven into the curriculum. All boys take a weekly lesson focused on topics outlined by the PSHE Association, taught by their Head of Year or a specialist teacher. The programme encourages boys to explore key areas such as mental and physical health, digital safety, relationships, respect, personal identity, and citizenship. It reflects the school’s five core values: Kindness, Endeavour, Responsibility, Integrity, and Curiosity.

Physical and mental health are strongly supported through an on-site medical centre staffed by five nurses, with regular GP visits provided by the De Parys Group. A longstanding counselling service is available five days a week, offering a confidential space for boys to seek support. Parents can also be referred to external services if further help is needed.

Lastly, spiritual life plays an integral role in the wider pastoral framework. The school Chapel stands as a symbol of community and reflection, welcoming students of all faiths and none. A regular pattern of services—including Morning and Evening Prayer, Holy Communion, and Choral Evensong—offers students and staff opportunities for quiet reflection and collective worship. The Chaplain is available to provide pastoral support to any member of the school community.

Bedford School Extracurricular Activities

Bedford School encourages boys to take on a new activity each term, giving them the chance to explore fresh interests and build essential life skills such as leadership, teamwork, and self-discipline. Whether on the sports field or in the arts, boys are supported in pushing their boundaries and discovering new strengths.

Sport plays a major role in school life, helping boys develop motivation, resilience, and collaboration. The arts are equally valued—through Theatre, the Music School, and Art studios, boys can express their creativity and build confidence in their unique talents.

The school’s facilities are exceptional: an indoor 25-metre swimming pool, 28 tennis courts, four squash courts, a climbing wall, a state-of-the-art fitness suite, and pristine grass pitches provide a first-class environment for both sport and recreation.

Bedford School Reviews

Lovely venue & very helpful staff!
S.M.
A really good school. All the teachers are great and there are amazing facilities available.
D.C.
“Watched a few cricket matches here. Has lovely grounds. It is the best school!”
C.D.

Bedford School Contact Information

School fee

Year 6

£35,829

Year 7 - 8

£35,829

Year 9

£44,238

Year 10 - 11

£44,238

Year 12 - 13

£44,238

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2024 Exam Results (A - Levels)

A* - A

48%

A* - B

-

2024 Exam Results (IB)

Average Points

34.6

2024 Exam Results (GCSE)

A* - A

-

A* - B

-

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