The Role of the Bedford School Association

BEDFORD SCHOOL

Our Governors and Trustees

We are privileged to have a dedicated board of governors with a wealth of knowledge and experience, who voluntarily give up their time to help set the school's strategic vision and offer support and guidance to our leadership team. The Bedford School Foundation and Trust are managed and overseen by volunteer Trustees, whose duty it is to make sure that gifts and legacies are spent in accordance with the wishes of the donor.

We are immensely grateful for their help and support.

Our Community in Numbers

1,100

Pupils

The Role of the Bedford School Association

The Bedford School Association (BSA) was created in 2010 to harness the power of our community to develop a connected professional and social network committed to helping each other, delivered through a diverse programme of events. Our aim is to offer a lifelong experience of engagement for anyone connected with the school, as well as supporting current pupils through the work of the Foundation. The Bedford School Association community encompasses the following groups:

 Alumni – Old Bedfordians (OBs)  Current and former parents  Current and former grandparents  Current and former staff  Foundation members

Parent-Led Groups 9,200

Registered Old Bedfordians

3,500

Parents (current and past)

750

Staff (current and past)

We are grateful to all parents who contribute so much to school life through our parent-led groups. Thanks to their time, commitment and fundraising efforts, the pupil experience is enriched in so many ways.

Parents' Guild and Prep Parents' Guild

All parents are automatically members of either the Parents’ Guild or the Bedford Prep Parents’ Guild (Prep Guild). Both focus on organising social events for parents and families, and raising funds which are donated back into the school.

Recent donations have included T-shirts for the annual tug-ofwar, rowing kit for the trip to Sarnen, ties for the Chapel Choir, play area for the Prep School and archery equipment.

Movember T-shirts provided by the Parents' Guild

Prep pupils making the most of the climbing wall, funded by the Prep Parents' Guild

BEDFORD SCHOOL

Nearly New Shop

The nearly new shop provides a means for parents to buy good condition nearly new school uniform and sportswear, and is run by parents from the Prep and Upper School who volunteer throughout the year.

Parents' Guild Nearly New Shop volunteers supporting Movember

Eagle Choir

The Eagle Choir is made up of parents (current and former), staff and friends of Bedford School. Formed in 1998, it has performed several major works, including the Requiems by Fauré, Duruflé, Mozart and Brahms. The Choir has also sung at many Bedford School events, at the Corn Exchange, Bedford Hospital and various nursing homes. The annual ‘Carols with the Eagle Choir’ in December has helped to raise money for a variety of charities.

Eagle Choir performing in the Music School Recital Hall

Friends of Bedford School Boat Club (FOBSBC)

FOBSBC was established to support the School Boat Club in every sense of the word. The membership is made up mainly of parents, but also OBs and former parents, who enthusiastically support the Club both on and off the river.

Parents also help in many other ways. They can often be found helping the Prep School reading scheme, assisting with the Chapel Choir and enjoying a sleepover at the Science Museum with our Year 5 boys.

FOBSBC at the school's annual reception at Henley Royal Regatta

Past Parents’ Association

Lifelong friendships are forged between parents whilst supporting their boys at the numerous music concerts, theatre productions, Chapel services and sporting fixtures that take place throughout their school life. The Association’s aim is to keep former parents involved with the school long after their son has left, through regular communication and invitations to the many events organised by the school and the BSA.