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 Courses And Programmes
Prep School (Years 3 - 8)
Upper School (Years 9 - 13)
Bedford School Fees 2025/2026
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
Bedford School Contact Information
- Official Website: https://www.bedfordschool.org.uk/
- Location: Bedford School, De Parys Avenue, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK40 2TUSat Nav Postcode: MK40 2TT
- Email address: info@bedfordschool.org.uk
- Phone: +44 (0)1234 362216