Bedford School

That they be good men.

The famous boarding school for boys is located in a park area in the centre of Bedford and has its own territory of 40 acres. Located 70 km north of London. The school was founded in 1552.

The educational philosophy of the school is based on two basic principles - the comprehensive development of the personality of students and the high quality of academic preparation. The school principal believes that quality education is based not only on academic knowledge: “We care about the results, but not only about them. We believe that education is more than grades. This is the perception of the world, the independence of thinking, moral values. This includes participation in team sports, and cultural development, and academic ambitions. This is the desire to learn. This is growing up in a caring society, where everyone: both children and adults, do their job enthusiastically.”

The school is attended by about 1100 students.

ARGUMENTS FOR THE SEPARATE EDUCATION OF BOYS

There are many arguments in favour of a separate training for boys:

• Boys by nature are more mobile and active, and for normal development they need a lot of movement, sports and outdoor games.
• Boys have slightly different criteria for success than girls (not obedience, but leadership, not “smoothing sharp edges,” but impudence, etc.).
• Boys need a competitive environment for self-expression and active development.

Boys from childhood learn to easily cope with "non-male work" and become self-sufficient and independent.

DIRECTOR (stand 2026)

James Hodgson, education - Wellington College. University of Durham (Durham University), University of Cambridge (University of Cambridge). Has a certificate with the right to teach in primary and secondary schools.

FAMOUS SCHOOL GRADUATES

• James Dennis, palaeontologist
• Francis Penros, architect, archaeologist and astronomer
• Charles Smith, professor of astronomy at the University of Edinburgh
• Charles Haycock, chemist, Royal Science Society medallist
• Moritz Craig, psychiatrist, pioneer in the treatment of mental disorders
• Sir Walter Langdon Brown, professor of physics at Cambridge University
• Guillermo Marconi, physicist, Nobel Prize winner
• Archer John Porter Martin, chemist, Nobel Prize winner
• Roy Limbert, theatre director and producer
• Thorin Thatcher, actor (film "Great Expectations", the series "Star Trek")
• John Wood, actor (films "Lady Jane", "Sabrina", the series "Napoleon")
• Andrew McCulloch, actor (films "Andrew McCallock", the series "Doctor Who")
• Michael Redford, director, screenwriter
• Simon Chandler, actor (the films “The King Says!”, “Perfumer: The Story of a Murderer,” the series “Purely English Killings”)
• David Lloyd Vitti, BBC radio announcer
• Frederick Barnaby, The Times correspondent
• Peter Chamberlain, architect
• Major George Campbell Willer, holder of the highest military order in the UK - Victoria Cross
• Captain Frederick Thornton Peters, holder of the highest military order in the UK - Victoria Cross
• General Henry Robert Bouremen Foot, holder of the highest military order in the UK - Victoria Cross
• Sir Walter Hillier, Diplomat
• Sir Pearson Dixon, Ambassador, UK Representative to the UN
• Sir George Clutton, Ambassador
• Sir Alan Ramsey, Diplomat, Ambassador
• Sir Reginald Butler, entrepreneur
• Sir Peter Parker, businessman, chairman of the board of directors, British Railways
• Derek Boam, businessman, chairman of the board of directors, Cadbury
• Richard Lindley, journalist
• Robert Hewison, theatre critic
• John Wheatrow, editor of The Times
• John Fowles, writer
• Frank Musker, composer
• Richard Kerr, musician
• Sir Richard Wells, politician
• Baron Michael Morris, politician
• Brooks Newmark, politician
• Harold Abrahams, athlete
• Stefan Tefes, hockey player, winner of the Olympic Games
• Patrick Wheatley, tennis player

KEY FACTORS

• The school offers a wide selection of subjects, which allows each child to make the perfect choice for him and to reveal his strengths.
• Training takes place in small classes.
• Excellent conditions for playing music, sports, visual arts.

EQUIPMENT

The school is well equipped. The school’s library is perhaps the best in the country. In addition to traditional printed books, it has a huge catalogue of electronic publications. In 2005, the School of Music opened, in the construction of which more than 3 million pounds were invested.

This ultra-modern building includes a hall with a capacity of 100 seats, 3 academic classrooms with modern sound recording equipment, 15 classes for playing music, 6 additional rooms for playing music, which can be used by students during the week.

The school has art studios, studios for sculpture, ceramics. The Bedford School has an excellent sports complex, a 25-meter pool, tennis courts, squash courts, a climbing wall, and an excellent leisure centre. The school has links with several sports clubs, the Athletic Club and the Rugby Club.

PROGRAM

Preparatory School (9-12 years)

The school adheres to the UK National Curriculum. A large number of objects are proposed that develop the child, expanding his knowledge and understanding of the world. Basic subjects: English, mathematics, sciences (biology, chemistry, physics).

High School (13-18 years old)

The School offers GCSE, A-Levels.

GCSE (General Secondary Certificate)

4 basic and 5-7 subjects of choice are studied.
What is the difference between IGCSE and GCSE programmes?

A-Level

A two-year university preparatory course. Pupils choose one subject from each block depending on their further academic goals, the chosen university and faculty.
Find out more about A-level program

BTEC

An alternative to the A-level program: a pre-university preparation course with maximum emphasis on developing practical skills, applying theoretical knowledge in real life. You can get a BTEC qualification in the following specialties: sports, entrepreneurship.
Find out more about BTEC program

ACCOMMODATION AND FOOD

Pupils of the preparatory school live in a purpose-built residence Eagle House. Spacious bright rooms for 4-8 people for a comfortable stay away from home. The residence has a large common room, a games room, a room with musical instruments, where students can practice in their free time. The residence has wireless internet. The manager works in the house, who monitors the order and looks after the students.

High school students live in one of 6 residences. Each house has its own manager, who creates a truly family atmosphere for the children. The residences have comfortable bedrooms, a games room, a common living room, and a kitchen where boys can prepare snacks and drinks for themselves. There is wireless internet

SPORT

The school has an excellent sports reputation. Games and physical education are essential elements of the curriculum. A huge number of sports activities to choose from are able to instil in boys an interest in sports from the earliest years.

Students can choose from: rugby, hockey, cricket, rowing, athletics, badminton, basketball, fencing, golf, sailing, squash, swimming, tennis, tennis, football, and a gym.

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES

Most students play one or more musical instruments. The school has its own orchestras, music groups, a choir, and a school theatre.

The art school is located in a historical building dating back to 1750, in 2003 the building was reconstructed. The audience of the school is an engraving workshop, a class for sculpture and ceramics, rooms for painting classes - boys have the opportunity to try themselves in any direction.

For students who are fond of theatre, Bedford School also has everything you need: a professionally equipped theatre with 280 seats, excellent teachers, the ability to take part in various theatre productions.

COST, 2026-2027

£12,105 - £17,744 per semester (depending on age).
There are 3 semesters in the school year.

Included in cost

• Teaching
• Accommodation and meals

Extra paid

• Registration fee - £150
• Acceptance deposit - £1,200
• Deposit for international students - £16,800
• Flights
• Transfers to / from the airport
• Visa
• Services of the company "Paradise"
• Guardianship (as required by British law)

Our services and fees