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Achieving at Bedford School
A nationally respected boarding and day school for boys aged 7–18 years, Bedford School offers diversity, excellence and breadth of opportunity. We aim to inspire our students to become lifelong learners who have inquiring minds and a fundamental curiosity, are critical thinkers, and enjoy personal growth and the challenge of intellectual development.

Innovation in a traditional setting
Founded in 1552, Bedford School now has a population of 1,116 students, of whom 274 are boarders. The School is set in parkland on a beautiful and  extensive estate in the centre of Bedford, a market town just 50 miles north of London.

With easy access to Cambridge (25 miles) and Oxford (40 miles), Bedford is ideally located for British and international students alike. Fundamental  traditions combine with innovative educational thinking to provide a challenging environment within a strong community. The iconic main School  building houses the majority of the classrooms, complemented by an impressive library and modern music school. An observatory and planetarium,  video-conferencing suite, state-of-the-art seminar room, interactive whiteboards, and extensive computing facilities are just some of the many  resources that provide first-class facilities for the boys.

Academic excellence
Academic excellence is our primary objective at Bedford School, standards are high and the atmosphere in the classroom is demanding and progressive. Our exam results are strong, with the curriculum structured to provide breadth, balance and extend learning well beyond national requirements.

The School’s success is demonstrated by consistently strong examination performance at GCSE, A-level and the IB Diploma. In 2010, 70.3% of GCSE  results were A* or A grades, whilst 75% of A-level results were A or B grades.

Always at the forefront of innovation, in 2003 Bedford School introduced  the International Baccalaureate (IB) alongside A-levels as a sixth-form option. Last year one of our IB candidates again achieved the maximum points  score of 45 out of 45, and a further 94% of IB results were at the equivalent of A or B grade at A-level.

Sporting tradition
In line with our enviable sporting tradition, we aim to inspire a lifelong interest in sport, promoting teamwork, wellbeing, fitness and, most of all, enjoyment.

The School’s sporting resources are outstanding – a floodlit twin Astroturf complex, indoor swimming pool, tennis and squash courts, a climbing wall, playing fields, and recreation centre combine to provide first-class facilities from which many international players have emerged.


Music and creative arts
Bedford School has a long-established reputation for excellence in music, drama and the arts. With its state-of-the-art music school, Bedford has one of the largest music departments in the country and a high proportion of students learn to play one or more instruments. In fact many parents choose Bedford School in preference to a specialist music school to provide excellent teaching within a strong academic environment.  Drama and theatre  studies have become increasingly popular, and our 250-seat theatre has consistently seen School productions staged to a professional standard. The  first-rate art studios are available to everyone to explore sculpture, photography, fine art and design.

Strong community
Life at Bedford School is very full and, from their earliest years, boys are encouraged to take full advantage of the endless opportunities open to them. The Preparatory School and Upper School operate independently on the same campus but join together to provide continuity through from 7 to 18  years of age.

There is an easy mix of day boys, weekly and full boarders, all of whom enjoy outstanding facilities and a full social life. Single-sex education, co-educational activities – the best of both worlds

Boys learn in different ways to girls, and every detail at Bedford School is geared towards their particular needs. Our resources are superb, and, in  small classes, the boys are inspired to develop a thirst for knowledge, to question and ultimately develop the skills that will see them through university  and beyond.

Whilst recognising the many benefits of a single-sex education, we also realise the value of social interaction between girls and boys. Boys are encouraged to participate with girls from Bedford High School for Girls across a wide range of extracurricular activities.

Achievement extends beyond  the classroom. We offer a huge range of extracurricular activities and, whilst we expect hard work, we also enjoy ourselves. At Bedford, diversity does not mean dilution, and, across the academic, cultural and sporting curriculum, boys thrive.

For information on Bedford School’s International Study Centre (BSSC), please see the profile for Bedford School International.

Innovation and tradition combine to provide a first-class education for boys.

Bedford School; News and Developments

News of of upgrades to our facilities over the last couple of years.

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Record-breaking IB results at Bedford School

Thirty-six of Bedford School’s Upper Sixth students are celebrating after receiving their International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma results. The results achieved represent the best average points score in the School’s history; with the average points score per student at 38 (out of a possible 45).

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