Bedford Modern School
School summary
A large independent day school in Bedford, Bedford Modern educates around 1,252 pupils across a broad 7-18 age range, with a sixth form of just over 300. The Independent Schools Inspectorate awarded its most recent inspection the top rating of "excellent", matched by an equally strong judgement for pupils' personal development, and all compliance standards were met. Notably, more than 16% of pupils receive SEN support, suggesting a school used to accommodating a range of learning needs. Under Head Mr David Payne, it offers a settled, co-educational environment without boarding.
Where every mark matters.
Places are limited and demand is high, so exam performance is what sets candidates apart. Passmate turns the months ahead into ten focused minutes a day on the exact topics this school tests.
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Inspection reports
- ISI rating
- excellent
- ISI personal development
- excellent
- Last inspected
- 9 September 2025
Teaching & academics
Teaching leads to GCSE and A-level, with the option of an Extended Project Qualification for those wanting to stretch their independent research skills. The sciences and mathematics are clearly central to sixth-form choices, with Chemistry, Biology and Maths joined by Economics and Psychology among the most popular A-levels. At GCSE, English Literature, Geography, Design & Technology and Religious Studies feature prominently, and modern languages span French, German and Spanish.
Languages
Popular GCSE subjects
Head · Mr David Payne
Sixth form
- Sixth-form pupils
- 304
Popular A-level subjects
Qualifications offered
School life & ethos
- Religious character
- None
- Boarding
- No
- SEN support
- 16.37%
- EHC plans
- 0.08%
Fees & bursaries
- Day fees (per year)
- £14,907 - £20,448
Schools nearby
Bedford Greenacre Independent School
Bedford, East of England
Bedford School
Bedford, East of England
Pilgrims Pre-Preparatory School
Bedford, East of England
Bedford Girls' School
Bedford, East of England
KWS School
Bedford, East of England
Esland Bedford School
Silsoe, East Midlands
Watch Passmate decide how to teach.
Answer as a child would. Left: what they see. Right: what it learns about them.
An ISI "excellent" rating across both academics and personal development marks Bedford Modern as a strong all-round choice for families seeking an established co-educational day school.
That’s where Passmate comes in. Tutoring is the most effective thing in a child’s preparation - a well-tutored child can outperform the vast majority of their peers. Passmate works alongside your tutor, not instead of them: it learns how your child thinks, finds the gaps, and shows the tutor exactly where to spend each session - so the limited time you have lands on what actually decides a place.
Works alongside your child’s tutor - not instead of them.
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Bedford Modern School 11+: frequently asked questions
Compiled from public data. Last checked 5 June 2026.