Bedford School
Bedford, Bedford, East of England · MK40 2TU
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.
696
Pupils
excellent
ISI
£30,048
Day fees / yr
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Open in Google Maps ↗Overview & data
- Gender
- Boys
- Type
- independent (fee-paying) school
- Age range
- 7-18
- Pupils
- 696
- Pupil:teacher ratio
- 9
- Location
- Bedford, Bedford, East of England
- Website
- www.bedfordschool.org.uk
- Telephone
- 01234 362200
Entrance & admissions
- Entry age
- 11
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Headteacher
Head master Mr James Hodgson
Latest results
Attainment 8
14.6
National average 46.9
GCSE grade 5+ (English & Maths)
0%
National average 47%
GCSE grade 9-7
65%
A-level A*-A
46%
A-level A*-B
78%
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.
Sixth form
- Sixth-form pupils
- 266
Popular A-level subjects
Qualifications offered
Learning support & SEN
- SEN support
- 22.43%
- EHC plans
- 0%
Arts & extracurricular
Scholarships
Languages
Popular GCSE subjects
Sport
Main sports
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.
Ethos & heritage
- Religious character
- C of E
- Boarding
- Yes
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.
Money matters
- Day fees (per year)
- £30,048
- Boarding fees (per year)
- £49,131 - £51,732
Inspection reports
- ISI rating
- excellent
- ISI personal development
- excellent
- Last inspected
- 17 October 2023
The last word
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.
The Passmate verdict
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Bedford School 11+: frequently asked questions
Where is Bedford School located?
Bedford School is located at De Parys Avenue, Bedford, MK40 2TU.
What type of school is Bedford School?
Bedford School is an independent (fee-paying) school in East of England.
How many pupils attend Bedford School?
Bedford School has approximately 696 pupils on roll.
What is Bedford School's inspection rating?
Bedford School is inspected by the ISI and was judged "excellent" at its inspection on 17 October 2023.
Compiled from public data. Last checked June 2026.