Bedford School, re-founded and endowed in 1566, is situated on an estate of 40 acres near the town centre some 50 miles from London. Seven boarding houses are on site or close by; day boys and boarders are happily integrated; and pastoral supervision and care are undertaken by each pupil's Tutor, within the overall structure of day and boarding houses. There is a continuous curriculum from the Preparatory School into the Upper School, leading to GCSE and A/AS Level Examinations. There is a strong Oxbridge entry. Pupils entering at 13+ or earlier are carefully placed into an academic programme where all subjects are setted, allowing variation according to ability and aptitude. The Curriculum for all boys goes beyond National Curriculum arrangements.
Boys are encouraged to make the best use of their time by developing proficiency in Music, CDT, Art and Drama and by taking part in the major School Sports (Rugby Football, Rowing, Cricket, Hockey, Tennis, Soccer, Athletics) and many minor sports; and by means of a broad range of societies and activities, including Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, CCF and Community Service. There is a well-established Music School with two senior orchestras, chamber orchestra, choral society, chapel choir, concert band, dance band, and other groups. The School offers an extensive programme of concerts, plays and lectures. A Recreation Centre incorporates a theatre, a large sports hall, squash courts and a heated indoor swimming pool. The School offers the services of a professional psychotherapeutic counsellor.
Academic Scholarships and Exhibitions available range from 50% of fees to awards of รบ500 per annum; and Awards are offered also in Music, Art, Drama and Technology. Harpur Bursaries are available for Bedfordshire boys and Service Bursaries for sons of serving members of HM Armed Forces. For particulars please apply to the Registrar.
An integral part of Bedford School, the Study Centre provides preparation courses for overseas boys and girls from 11 to 17 wishing to enter Independent Schools in the United Kingdom. Courses consist of intensive English Language tuition, Science, Maths and Computing. The Study Centre opened in July 1996 and runs three ten-week courses and two three-week summer courses every year.
