Bedford Modern School

Bedford Modern School is an unpretentious, tolerant community that combines a 250-year-old tradition with a modern, innovative outlook. Its educational approach is guided by four core aims: to inspire curiosity and a love of learning, to engage the community, to encourage student wellbeing and resilience, and to cultivate an excellent learning environment. The school prioritizes inclusivity and the development of students as individuals who recognize their responsibility to others.

The school provides a comprehensive curriculum for students from the Junior School through to the Sixth Form. The academic offering includes a broad range of subjects across faculties such as Art, Design and Information Technology, English, Humanities, Languages and Classics, Mathematics, Music, Performance Arts, Politics, Philosophy and Economics (PPE), and Science. Students are supported by specialized staff in areas including academic extension, careers guidance, and project qualifications.

The school focuses on high academic attainment alongside the development of emotional intelligence, resilience, and self-awareness. Students participate in the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), which encourages independent research and critical thinking skills that are highly valued by universities and employers. The school aims to prepare students to adapt and flourish in a modern, rapidly changing world.

The school provides academic support to ensure all students reach their potential, offering both one-to-one and small group sessions to develop independent learning strategies. A dedicated team is qualified to identify Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD) and coordinate reasonable adjustments for examinations in line with JCQ regulations. Support is available to students throughout the school, irrespective of need or ability, and is assessed on an individual basis.

The school guides families through an admissions process that includes entrance assessments for prospective students. Families may register online and are required to pay a non-refundable registration fee of £150, followed by an acceptance deposit of £500, with an additional deposit of £3,500 for students residing overseas.

The school operates on a termly basis, with the academic year typically spanning from the Autumn to the Summer term. The calendar includes a variety of events such as parents' evenings, external music exams, and a wide range of sporting fixtures, including cricket, aquathlon, and other competitive activities.

The campus features a range of modern, versatile spaces including a blue-floor gym for fitness classes, a professional-standard astro turf for hockey, and a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) for tennis and netball. Other facilities include a swimming pool, the King Room and Refectory for corporate and community events, and the Howard Hall and Christopher Fry Hall, which are used for performances, gymnastics, and presentations.

The co-curricular programme is designed to challenge students and foster participation, enjoyment, and achievement. Offerings include performance arts, music, rowing, the Combined Cadet Force (CCF), and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Additionally, the school provides opportunities for outdoor and adventurous education, outreach projects, and various school trips.