Bedford School is a boarding and day school for boys aged 13–18 established in 1552. The school is located in the heart of Bedford, just 40 minutes to London by train.
'That they be good men'. Bedford School recognises that every single boy is different and is proud to observe that there is no one 'Bedford boy'. Instead, with both inspiration and support, they seek to nurture each boy's interests and encourage him to develop them as far as he can. They aim for balanced, outward-looking, forward-thinking, kind and sociable young men comfortable in their skins. When it is time to take the next step, each boy leaves as a good man, secure in his values, happy and ready to take his place in the world.
Number of Pupils. 694 boys aged between 13 to 18 years: 210 flexi, weekly and full boarders, 484 day boys.
Academic Success. Academic excellence is central to life at Bedford School. Consistent high exam results at GCSE and A-Level set the standard for academic achievement throughout the school. The curriculum extends learning well beyond the national requirements. Small class sizes, specialist teachers, regular lecture series and visiting speakers, and lunchtime and after-school academic clinics enhance boys' learning.
University and careers. Bedford's award-winning Careers and Higher Education team works with every boy to help him maximise his potential. In 2024, 75% of boys went on to Russell Group or Times Top 30 universities. Boys also earned places at international universities, including Berklee College of Music and Toronto University and, once again, secured prestigious golf scholarships in the US. Boys also gained degree apprenticeships with leading firms such as Mazars, Bellway and Christie's (Auctioneers).
Preparing for the future. With insights from governors and their experience as multinational business leaders and professionals, the school identified three key areas to help boys develop the skills they need to succeed in their careers:
1Digital Technology: As the world becomes more digital, it is vital for boys to be comfortable and safe with technology. For those with a strong interest, the school offers advanced opportunities.
2Entrepreneurship: In today's changing job market, entrepreneurial skills like problem-solving, teamwork and creativity are essential. Bedford fosters these skills and provides exciting opportunities for boys to develop an entrepreneurial mindset, preparing them for academia, corporate careers or starting businesses.
3Community Partnerships: Every boy at Bedford contributes to the local community through the school's Community Partnerships Programme. In the Lower Sixth, each boy gives back to a local organisation, complementing the school's charity work, including ongoing support for the men's health charity Movember, House charity fundraising events, Duke of Edinburgh and IB CAS.
Co-curricular. A wealth of opportunities exists for boys beyond the classroom. From academic societies to elite sport, from the purpose-built theatre providing a stage for budding actors and technicians to extensive ensemble and performance experiences for musicians, Bedford has activities for everyone, many with its sister school, Bedford Girls' School.
Sport for All. Sport is fundamental to life at Bedford, with every boy able to participate, compete, develop and benefit from all that sport offers. Indoor cricket nets and a golf simulator help to ensure that rain does not stop play, and activities abound across 34 different sports at all levels, from beginner to elite.
Specialist teachers alongside professional coaches and academic staff teach sport. Partnerships with first-class clubs such as Northampton Saints Rugby and Northamptonshire County Cricket Club across major sports add resource and expertise. Bedford boys regularly play at national level across many different sports and go on to secure professional contracts and represent their country after school.
Admissions. The majority of boys enter Bedford Prep School from the age of seven and the Upper School at 13 or 16 years of age. The Prep School has its own Headmaster and specialist staff. (See Bedford Preparatory School entry in IAPS section.) All boys are required to sit the school's entrance assessments. At 13+, boys are assessed in English, maths and underlying ability and potential via the Bedford School Aptitude Test (BSAT). A confidential reference is requested from the Head of the boy's current school, and each boy is interviewed by a senior member of staff.
At 16+, boys are assessed in underlying ability and have an interview with a senior staff member. The school requests a confidential reference from the Head of their current school, which asks for an indication of predicted GCSE grades. Boys wishing to apply for a 16+ academic scholarship sit two subject papers of their choice and are assessed on underlying ability. Boys also have a formal interview with the Head Master or another senior staff member.
Scholarships. The school offers a range of generous scholarships to boys joining the school at 13+ and 16+ who excel academically or show outstanding talent in Art, Computer Science, Drama, Music or Sport (cricket, hockey, rowing, rugby and golf). Boys who show ability in two of these areas and/or other strengths may be considered for an all-round exhibition. For more information, please visit www.bedfordschool.org.uk/scholarships. Bursaries. Means-tested bursaries worth up to 100% of school fees (day and boarding) are available to boys who would otherwise be unable to afford to come to Bedford. Families can apply for bursaries at Year 7 (11+), Year 9 (13+) and Year 12 (16+) entry points.
Fees per term (2024-2025). Day Boys: £9,743; Full Boarders: £16,774; Weekly Boarders: £15,931; Flexi Boarders: £12,772 (two nights per week) to £13,783 (three nights per week).
Charitable status. Bedford School is part of the Harpur Trust which is a Registered Charity, number 1066861.
Governors & Staff:
Chairman of Governors: Sir Clive Loader, KCB, OBE, ADC, FRAeS
Head Master: Mr J S Hodgson, BA
Vice Master: Mr S Baldock, MA, FRSB
Deputy Head (Academic): Mr L Rogers, BA, MBA
Deputy Head (Pastoral): Mrs R Mellor, BA
Assistant Head (Learning): Mr W Montgomery, BSc
Assistant Head (Teaching): Mr N Hopton, MA Med
Director of Finance and Operations and Clerk to the Governors: Mr A Macfarlane, BSc, MSc
Director of Marketing and Communications: Mrs J Dickson, BSc
Director of Bedford School Association: Mr H Maltby, BA
Director of Admissions: Mr R Midgley, BA Ed