Bedford School
Secular, Founded 1552
Updated July 2026
Languages
English
FrenchFounded in 1552, Bedford School is a prestigious independent boarding and day school for boys aged 7–18, located in Bedford. It provides a holistic education designed to equip pupils with the academic grades and personal skills necessary to thrive in a modern, challenging world.
Curriculum
Term structure
Teaching approach
The school aims to produce young men of integrity who are responsible citizens with a deep curiosity for the world. It emphasizes a holistic education that blends academic ambition with character development, leadership, and service. The school's approach is grounded in the belief that education should "lead out" the special potential in every child, fostering kindness, ambition, and a sense of purpose.
Programmes
The school is divided into three stages: the Prep School (ages 7–13), the Upper School (ages 13–16), and the Sixth Form (ages 16–18). The curriculum includes core subjects such as English, Mathematics, and Science, complemented by a "Future Skills" programme that integrates digital technology, entrepreneurial thinking, and leadership development. Pupils in the Prep School follow a curriculum that progresses from class-teacher-led learning in Years 3–4 to specialist-taught subjects and leadership opportunities in Years 7–8.
Outcomes
In 2025, 50% of all Sixth Form qualifications were graded A-A, and 85% were graded A-B. 88% of pupils progressed to Russell Group or Times Top 30 universities, including Oxbridge, as well as international universities and competitive degree apprenticeships.
Student support
Learning support
Academic support is provided through small-group subject tutoring in academic clinics, which are available to all pupils as needed. The school also offers a structured careers and higher education guidance programme, including UCAS support.
Frequently asked questions(5)
- How much is tuition at Bedford School?
- Annual tuition at Bedford School is £20K–£53.2K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
- What ages does Bedford School teach?
- Bedford School enrolls students aged 7 to 18.
- Is Bedford School a day or boarding school?
- Bedford School is a day and boarding school.
- Is Bedford School co-educational?
- Bedford School is a boys school.
- Where is Bedford School located?
- Bedford School is an international school in Bedford, United Kingdom.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
2026-2027| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Prep Junior (Years 3-5) - Day | 7–10 | £20K |
| Prep Junior (Years 3-5) - Flexi-boarding (2 nights per week) | 7–10 | £25.2K |
| Prep Junior (Years 3-5) - Flexi-boarding (3 nights per week) | 7–10 | £27.6K |
| Prep Junior (Years 3-5) - Flexi-boarding (4 nights per week) | 7–10 | £30.1K |
| Prep Junior (Years 3-5) - Weekly boarding | 7–10 | £32.4K |
| Prep Junior (Years 3-5) - Full Boarding | 7–10 | £36.3K |
| Prep Senior (Years 6-8) - Day | 10–13 | £26.3K |
| Prep Senior (Years 6-8) - Flexi-boarding (2 nights per week) | 10–13 | £29.5K |
| Prep Senior (Years 6-8) - Flexi-boarding (3 nights per week) | 10–13 | £31.2K |
| Prep Senior (Years 6-8) - Flexi-boarding (4 nights per week) | 10–13 | £32.8K |
| Prep Senior (Years 6-8) - Weekly boarding | 10–13 | £40.7K |
| Prep Senior (Years 6-8) - Full Boarding | 10–13 | £43.1K |
| Upper School & Sixth Form - Day | 13–18 | £30.9K |
| Upper School & Sixth Form - Flexi-boarding (2 nights per week) | 13–18 | £40.5K |
| Upper School & Sixth Form - Flexi-boarding (3 nights per week) | 13–18 | £43.7K |
| Upper School & Sixth Form - Flexi-boarding (4 nights per week) | 13–18 | £47.2K |
| Upper School & Sixth Form - Weekly boarding | 13–18 | £50.6K |
| Upper School & Sixth Form - Full Boarding | 13–18 | £53.2K |
Other fees(1)
| Meals· All meals are included in the fees. | — |
|---|
Admissions
Bedford School welcomes applications from families worldwide and maintains a partnership-based approach to the admissions process. The school provides an extensive network of 28 school buses for local pupils and is located 40 minutes from London St Pancras by train. Prospective families are encouraged to contact the admissions team to arrange visits or request a prospectus.
Calendar
The school operates on a three-term academic year (Autumn, Spring, and Summer). Each term includes scheduled Exeat weekends and half-term breaks. The academic year typically concludes in early July with Speech Day.
Facilities
About the campus
The school is situated on a 50-acre estate in the heart of Bedford, featuring modern classrooms, science laboratories, and art and design technology studios. Sports facilities include a Golf Performance Centre with two simulators, while the arts are supported by a purpose-built Quarry Theatre, a dedicated Music School with a recital hall, and a grade II listed chapel. The campus also houses an observatory and planetarium, a 9-hectare conservation reserve, and a dedicated Prep boarding house, Eagle House.
Co-curriculars
The school offers an extensive co-curricular programme featuring over 100 weekly clubs, societies, and activities. Sports are a central component, with three full afternoons of sport per week and dedicated programmes for rugby, cricket, hockey, rowing, and golf. Creative arts opportunities include orchestras, ensembles, theatre productions, and exhibitions.
- James HodgsonHead Master
James Hodgson is the current Head Master, having served the school for 12 years. He will be leaving the school at the end of the academic year.
Michael SloanHead Master DesignateMichael Sloan is the Head Master Designate and will succeed James Hodgson. He previously served as Head of King’s College, Taunton, and has a background as an infantry officer in the British Army and as a teacher at Emanuel School and Brighton College.