Bedford School
School summary
A large boys' school taking pupils from age 7 through to the sixth form, Bedford School combines a Church of England foundation with both day and boarding provision. The Independent Schools Inspectorate awarded its highest grade of "excellent" for both education and personal development, and the school's generous staffing is reflected in a pupil-to-teacher ratio of around nine to one. With 696 pupils, a sizeable sixth form of 266 and a range of qualifications including GCSE, A-level and the IB, it offers a broad and well-resourced education. Around 22% of pupils receive some form of SEN support, suggesting individual needs are actively identified.
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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Latest results
GCSE grade 9-7
65%
National average 23%
A-level A*-A
46%
National average 28%
A-level A*-B
78%
National average 55%
Inspection reports
- ISI rating
- excellent
- ISI personal development
- excellent
- Last inspected
- 17 October 2023
Teaching & academics
Results sit at the stronger end of the spectrum, with 65% of GCSE grades at 9-7 and 46% of A-level entries at A*-A, rising to 78% at A*-B. The sixth-form curriculum leans towards the sciences and quantitative subjects, with Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Economics all popular alongside Geography, History and Computer Science. The choice of GCSE, A-level, IB and EPQ gives able pupils several routes to stretch themselves.
Languages
GCSE subjects
Head master · Mr James Hodgson
Sixth form
- Sixth-form pupils
- 266
A-level subjects
Qualifications offered
Beyond the classroom
Sport has a clear identity here, built around rugby, cricket, rowing and golf, the last of which is unusual enough to carry its own scholarship. The breadth of scholarships beyond academics, covering art, drama, golf and computer science, points to a school that recognises talent in a range of fields.
Main sports
School life & ethos
- Religious character
- C of E
- Boarding
- Yes
- SEN support
- 22.43%
- EHC plans
- 0%
Mobile phone policy
All digital devices must be used responsibly and in line with the acceptable use policy. It is forbidden for pupils to store or send inappropriate or offensive material. Mobile phones must not be used on the school site between 8am and 4.15pm. Mobile phones may be used discreetly outside these times, and by sixth form pupils in sixth form-only spaces in houses during breaks. Pupils are not permitted to have headphones in their ears when on the school site. The school reserves the right to confiscate a digital device if known or suspected to be used inappropriately.
Fees & bursaries
- Day fees (per year)
- £30,048
- Boarding fees (per year)
- £49,131 - £51,732
Schools nearby
Bedford Girls' School
Bedford, East of England
Bedford Modern School
Bedford, East of England
Bedford Greenacre Independent School
Bedford, East of England
KWS School
Bedford, East of England
Esland Bedford School
Silsoe, East Midlands
OneSchool Global UK - Biggleswade Campus
Biggleswade, East of England
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A well-staffed, broad-curriculum boys' school for families seeking day or boarding, with strong results and an unusually wide scholarship range. Fees run up to roughly £30,000 for day pupils and £51,700 for boarders.
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Bedford School 11+: frequently asked questions
Compiled from public data. Last checked 5 June 2026.