Bedford School

Bedford School is an independent day and boarding school for boys aged 7 to 18 located in the town of Bedford. The school is part of The Harpur Trust, a charity which has been providing education and supporting the community since 1566.

Bedford School was founded in 1552, introduced boarding in 1811 and moved to its current campus in 1891. The school's mission is 'to teach boys to think intelligently, act wisely and be fully engaged in a challenging and changing world. In order to deliver this, we concentrate our efforts in three main areas: developing the young man within, realising his academic potential and providing sustainability over time.'

Recent developments include the £6m Quarry Theatre, a £3m upgrade to the Science Building, a new music school and numerous other enhancements. A third of pupils currently receive a scholarship and/or financial assistance with fees.

Inspection reports

Inspections provide parents with detailed information from which to assess key aspects of a school. Find out more about why inspections matter.

The school was last inspected in June 2019. Read the inspection reports on the school's website.

The school is part of The Harpur Trust, a registered charity managed by a board of governors. Read more on the Charity Commission website.

What makes Bedford School different?

Attain asked the school, what makes Bedford School different – and why should parents consider it?

At Bedford School we recognise that every single boy is different, and are indeed proud to observe that there is no one 'Bedford boy’.

Instead, with both inspiration and support, we seek to nurture each boy's individual interests and encourage him to develop them as far as he can take them; but we, like parents, are devoted to ensuring he loves his childhood because he only gets it once.

Bedford School aims for balanced, outward-looking, forward-thinking, kind and sociable young men who are comfortable in their own 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.