additional information 2024 BEDFORD PREP SCHOOL
01 additional information 2023 BEDFORD PREP SCHOOL
Contents 02.
Introduction
04.
Admissions The Admissions Process Key Dates International Pupils Guardianship and Visas September 2025 Entry
06.
Financial Matters Fees Bursaries Scholarships
07.
The Bedford Prep Week
08.
Boarding and Day Houses Wraparound Care Day Plus
09.
Life at Bedford Academic Pastoral Co-curricular Moving Up Bedford School Association
10.
Transport
11.
The School Estate
12.
How to Find Us Key Contacts
02 introduction BEDFORD PREP SCHOOL
"A boy’s story is the best that is ever told." Charles Dickens We believe this is true at Bedford Prep School and we work hard to allow the boys the physical space and intellectual freedom to create their own stories and develop their own talents to the full. We want our boys to embrace each new chapter, whether it involves the thrill of scientific discovery, creating inspirational music or painting a masterpiece, unlocking the secrets of a new language, solving a complex mathematical conundrum, playing heroically on the sports field or writing their own exciting adventure stories. We are open-minded, as long as they try their hardest – and we will fully support them in their endeavours. A tour around the estate will reveal a school that buzzes with activity, where boys are stimulated by passionate, first class teaching by teachers who care deeply about their pupils and their adventures in learning. As well as being busy, we’re ambitious for our boys in the provision we make for them to develop and enjoy new experiences. Each experience allows them to explore, succeed and excel. Each fresh page they turn gives them the confidence and ability to embrace the challenges of an exciting, diverse, fast-changing world. Here at Bedford Prep School we strive to instil in the boys a sense of awe and wonder at the world, and of joy in their own achievements and those of others. We feel school should be a place where boys are allowed to thoroughly enjoy their childhood, make friends for life, and get the occasional muddy knee. I would be delighted to show you around our school, so you too can meet the Bedford boys and listen to their unfolding stories. Ian Silk, Headmaster
03 introduction BEDFORD PREP SCHOOL
04 admissions BEDFORD PREP SCHOOL
The Admissions Process 1. Visit Bedford Prep School We warmly invite families to visit the school to see it in action, to meet the boys and staff, and get a flavour of life at Bedford Prep School. Open Events We offer open events each spring and autumn to enable families to see the school in action, meet key staff and our pupils. For the latest open event dates, please visit our website or get in touch with our Admissions Team by emailing admissions@bedfordschool.org.uk or by calling +44 (0)1234 362216. Personal Visits We also encourage parents to join us at the school for a personal visit, even if you have previously visited the school at an open event. A personal visit will be tailored to suit your needs. We are always happy for boys to join their parents on these visits.To book your visit, please email admissions@bedfordschool.org.uk. 2. Register your son Parents are welcome to register their son with us at any time. However, registrations should be submitted no later than 1 December in the year prior to intended entry (2 December 2024 for 2025 entry), to allow us to forward all the necessary information to you regarding your son’s assessment day in the following January. Our online registration form can be found on our website www.bedfordschool.org.uk. The registration form must be submitted, along with the non-refundable registration fee of £125, a copy of your son’s full birth certificate (listing parent names) and a colour copy of your son's passport (photo page). We recommend early registration, especially for families who also wish to apply for a bursary (fee assistance), as additional forms need to be completed and returned by the same 1 December deadline (2 December 2024 for 2025 entry). 3. Entrance Assessments Bedford Prep School is a selective school and all boys are required to sit an entrance assessment. These assessments are held in the January before entry in September, and all boys are assessed in English, maths and underlying ability. Our aim is to establish your son’s readiness to cope with the academic and social demands of the school. We will also request a confidential reference from the Headteacher of your son’s current school, which is taken into account. Additionally, boys are invited for an activities morning in January. Results of the assessments at the school for entry in September 2025 will be sent out by email on Wednesday 12 February 2025. Families have until Wednesday 5 March 2025 to decide whether or not they wish to take up the place. After this date, the offer may be passed to another family.
Key Dates for 2025 Entry Registration Deadline Monday 2 December 2024 Bursary (Fee Assistance) Application Deadline Monday 2 December 2024, 5pm Activities Mornings Year 3-Year 6 Saturday 11 January 2025 Year 7-Year 8 Saturday 18 January 2025 Assessments Year 3-Year 6 Year 7-Year 8
Monday 13 January 2025 Monday 20 January 2025
International Pupils
Bedford Prep School welcomes applications from boys who live overseas. We encourage boys and their families to visit the school. We require boys to have a reasonable level of fluency in English to ensure that they can thrive academically and socially right from the first day. Registered boys can be tested from the September prior to the year of entry. Pupils whose first language is not English will be required to sit an EAL assessment (English as an Additional Language) as well as digital assessments in mathematics and underlying ability. The assessments may take place here at Bedford School, at the British Council or through an approved agent. At initial enquiry, we will ask for a copy of the pupil’s last two school reports (in English). We will also request a confidential reference from the Headteacher of the pupil’s current school and, if we have not had the opportunity to meet with the pupil, we will conduct an interview via Microsoft Teams.
Guardianship and Visas
Families living overseas must appoint a guardian in the UK for their son. The guardian will have the authority to act on behalf of the parents, if necessary, and make arrangements for time away from school and travel. All guardians who are not relatives must be AEGIS or BSA accredited. Any pupil who wishes to study in the UK and does not hold a British passport must have a visa to allow him to do so. The school is able to provide a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) once a place has been accepted. Further information may be obtained from the UK Government Visas and Home Office websites.
05 admissions BEDFORD PREP SCHOOL
September 2025 Entry
1.
Visit Bedford Prep School
Get a taste of everyday life at the school at one of our open events or through a personal visit. To book a visit for your family please call the Admissions Team on +44 (0)1234 362216 or email admissions@bedfordschool.org.uk.
2.
Register your son
Once registered your son will be entered for the school’s entrance assessments. Registrations made by
2 December 2024
Entrance assessments
January 2025
3. Sit the entrance test
4.
We also invite boys to join us for an activities morning.
Places Offered
Results of assessments are sent out by email on Wednesday 12 February 2025. Places must be accepted by 5 March 2025.
06 financial matters BEDFORD PREP SCHOOL
Financial Matters Fees
Bursaries (Fee Assistance)
Deposits Acceptance Deposit Payable by the parents of each pupil on acceptance of a place
£1,000
Additional Deposit Payable in addition to the Acceptance Deposit by parents of pupils whose normal residence is outside the United Kingdom
£14,000
Fees (per term) - Academic Year 2023/2024 Day Preparatory Junior (Years 3-5) Preparatory Senior (Years 6-8)
£5,286 £6,927
Flexi Boarding Preparatory Junior (Years 3-5) Preparatory Senior (Years 6-8)
£6,659 £7,273 £7,935 £8,301 £9,527 £10,165
Two nights per week Three nights per week Four nights per week Two nights per week Three nights per week Four nights per week
Weekly Boarding Preparatory Junior (Years 3-5) Preparatory Senior (Years 6-8)
£8,559 £10,731
Full Boarding Preparatory Junior (Year 5) Preparatory Senior (Years 6-8)
£9,410 £11,172
Each year we are able to offer some financial support through bursaries to parents of boys who would otherwise be unable to afford the fees. Bursary awards are academically competitive and all applicants must meet the school's academic requirements as a minimum, with both achievement and potential taken into consideration. We welcome bursary applications from parents who require financial assistance for their son to join us in Year 7 (11+). All our bursary awards are subject to means-testing of family income and capital. Bursaries of up to 100% of school fees are possible. The deadline for bursary applications is 5pm on 1 December in the year prior to intended entry (2 December 2024 for 2025 entry). The online bursary application along with school registration must be completed by this date, if you wish to be considered for a bursary. Please note: fee assistance cannot be offered to applicants at any other time. Detailed information about bursaries available on entry at 11+ can be found on the website.
Scholarships
Generous scholarships are available to boys as they move from the Prep School to the Upper School in Year 9 (13+). The scholarships are awarded to boys who excel academically or show outstanding talent in art, computer science, drama, music or sport (including golf). Detailed information about scholarships available at 13+ can be found on our website as well as within our scholarship booklet, which can be requested from our Admissions Team.
Please refer to the school website for the full fees sheet, which includes details of costs for digital devices, music tuition, English as an Additional Language (EAL), speech and drama lessons, Chinese lessons, private sports tuition (golf and tennis), wraparound care and occasional boarding. Please note: fees for the next acdemic year are announced in June and displayed at www.bedfordschool.org.uk/admissions/fees
“...offers everything young boys could hope for, whatever their interests.” Good Schools Guide
07 the bedford prep week BEDFORD PREP SCHOOL
The Bedford Prep Week Boys enjoy a full timetable of lessons, activities and sport each week. Monday to Friday, the day starts with a tutor group period, where boys catch up on all of the latest notices and key information that they will need for the day ahead and beyond. As boys enter Year 6, they start to attend school on Saturday mornings from 8.40am to 11.40am. This slightly longer week allows them to explore a greater range of opportunities, and helps to prepare them for the transition to the Upper School. Monday
Tuesday
08:00 - 08:35 08:35 - 08:50
Boys in Year 4 and Year 5 are offered the opportunity to attend additional sports coaching sessions on Saturday mornings. Twice per week all boys in the Prep School come together for a whole school assembly in the Erskine May Hall. There are also year group assemblies each week.
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Tutor Room
Tutor Room
Years 6-8
Arrive at school Tutor Room
Tutor Room
Tutor Room
Period 1 08:55 - 09:35
Period 1 08:40 - 09:20
Period 2 09:35 -10:15
Period 2 09:20 - 10:00
10:15 - 10:35
BREAK
10:00 - 10:20
Period 3 10:35 - 11:15
Period 3 10:20 - 11:00
Period 4 11:15 - 11:55
Period 4 11:00 - 11:40
11:55 - 13:00
LUNCH
12:20 - 13:00
Co-curricular Activities
13:00 - 13:25
Prep School Assembly
Y3-Y4, Y5-Y6 Assembly Y7-Y8 Tutor Time
Period 5 13:30 -14:10
Games Y3
Period 6 14:10 - 14:45 14:45 - 15:00 Period 7 15:00 - 15:35 Period 8 15:35 - 16:10
Prep School Assembly
Games Y7-Y8
House Meetings
Games Y4 Games Y5-Y8
BREAK
Y7-Y8 Assembly Y3-Y6 Tutor Times
Games Y4
BREAK Games Y3
16:10 - 16:30
Pick Up / Break
16:30 - 17:45
Late Room
Games Y5-Y6
08 boarding and day BEDFORD PREP SCHOOL
Boarding and Day The Bedford Prep community is made up of a happy mix of day boys and boarders, and is characterised by a warm and friendly atmosphere.
Houses
Within the Prep School, all day boys and boarders belong to one of four houses: Whitbread, Harpur, Bunyan or Howard. Each house includes boys of all ages. Boys join their houses for an assembly each week and regularly compete in inter-house competitions. Prep boarders live at Eagle House which is right in the heart of the school estate and purpose-built for younger pupils. Eagle House offers a complete range of full, weekly, flexible and occasional boarding and wraparound care to enable boys and their families to find an option that is just right for them.
Wraparound Care
We recognise that many parents require wraparound care that extends beyond the school day. Outside of the timetabled day, and in addition to our after-school clubs and activities, we offer the following options: Late Room All day boys in the Prep School may make use of the Late Room free of charge between 4.30pm and 5.45pm each weekday. The Late Room offers boys the opportunity to complete their prep (homework) or read a book in a supervised setting.
Day Plus
Our Day Plus programme is available to all day boys in the Prep School for a small charge. It consists of three different options, providing before- and after-school care as well as flexible boarding opportunities. All the Day Plus options take place at Eagle House. Before-School Care Our before-school care option is available in Eagle House from 7.30am each weekday. Boys are supervised from this time and join the boarders for breakfast in the Dining Hall at 8.00am. This option is ideal should you require your son to be in school prior to 8.00am. After-School Care Our after-school option allows day pupils to join the boarders in Eagle House from 4.10pm until 7.30pm each weeknight. They take part in a supervised prep session, enjoy an evening meal and have the opportunity to join a range of activities and groups. Flexible Boarding Eagle House also offers flexible boarding on an ad hoc and regular basis. During their stay, boys become part of our boarding family. The flexible boarding option includes supervised prep, an evening meal, supper, breakfast and a range of activities. Further information on our wraparound care options together with pricing is available on the school website: www.bedfordschool.org.uk/prep-school/ school-week/wraparound-care.
“Day and boarding pupils are eager to participate in life beyond the classroom in a variety of activities offered by the school.” Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) Report
09 life at bedford BEDFORD PREP SCHOOL
Life at Bedford Academic
Learning at Bedford Prep School is underpinned by our Future Skills Curriculum, which is a comprehensive, school-wide approach that helps boys to develop the key skills, attributes and characteristics they need to be happy and successful, not only during their time in the Prep School but as they move up to the Upper School and life beyond. Our Future Skills Curriculum is based around the school’s core values of responsibility, endeavour, integrity, curiosity and kindness, and aims to help to develop boys who are 'intellectually curious adventurers', confident, articulate and resilient, who are able to thrive in any setting and understand how to learn. Find out more at www.bedfordschool.org.uk/prep-school/ academic-excellence/our-curriculum.
Pastoral
We understand that for a boy to thrive and succeed academically, he needs to be happy and feel both supported and encouraged. Right from his first day, each boy’s progress is closely followed and encouraged by his class teacher or Tutor. We actively encourage parents to stay in regular contact with their son’s Tutor with any concerns that they may have, as well as successes they wish to share. Each year group also has a Head of Year who is responsible for both the academic and pastoral needs of the boys and works closely with boys and their families.
Co-curricular
Beyond the timetabled working week, there are a wide range of clubs and activities on offer. The vast majority are free of charge and take place at school either during lunch break, before or after school. With over 80 clubs and activities to choose from, there is something for every boy from Care of Animals Club to Investment Club to Hungry Boys' Club. There are also numerous opportunities for boys to develop their talents in drama and music with at least one drama production or showcase per term and numerous music concerts and performances. In addition to their weekly games and PE sessions, boys can explore a wide variety of sports through our co-curricular programme. Popular options include skiing, cross-country running, swimming, badminton, fives and rowing. Please refer to our website for the full list of clubs and societies open to boys this year. Boys also benefit from our partnership with Bedford Girls' School, with pupils coming together for activity mornings, creative arts mornings, visiting speakers, joint swimming galas and sports activities, theatre productions and quizzes.
Moving Up
Transition to the Upper School (Year 9), internally from Bedford Prep School is dependent on satisfactory progress as determined by the Head Master. Disciplinary record may also have a bearing on transfer. It is rare for transfer not to take place. All Year 8 boys sit the online Bedford School Aptitude Test (BSAT) in December and end of year exams, the results of which contribute to setting in the Upper School. Boys who perform to a high level in the BSAT may be asked to sit for a Year 9 academic scholarship. Boys who show a particular ability in art, computer science, drama, music or sport (including golf) have the chance to sit for a specific scholarship.
The Bedford School Association
The Bedford School Association (BSA) represents the Bedford Prep Parents' Guild, Parents' Guild (Upper School), Past Parents Association, Old Bedfordians Club (alumni) and Bedford School Foundation (development). The BSA works with all these groups to create a sense of attachment and an active network which positively supports the school. Through numerous events, reunions, sports fixtures and Eagle Connect (our online networking platform) they work to bring the school community closer together. The Bedford Prep Parents' Guild The Bedford Prep Parents' Guild, also known as the Prep Guild, is run by a group of parents dedicated to helping all parents and guardians, especially those new to the school, to feel part of the wider school community. They regularly arrange events and activities to further the strong relationships between pupils, staff and parents, support the school and advance the education and enjoyment of pupils. They also fundraise to provide and assist in the provision of facilities and equipment for the boys. The Prep Guild also supports the Upper School Parents' Guild in the running of the nearly new shop, where pre-loved uniform is available for purchase.
10 transport BEDFORD PREP SCHOOL
Transport School Buses There is an extensive network of school buses operating across Bedfordshire, from Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire, including late buses for boys involved in activities after school, available for travel to and from school each day. Full details of routes and operators can be viewed at www.bedfordschool.org.uk/admissions/transport/bus-services/ Trains Bedford Railway Station offers excellent links into London. London St Pancras International is just 43 minutes away and with trains every 10 minutes at rush hour and two fast trains every hour it is an ideal option for weekly boarders. Airports London’s international airports are also easily accessed by both road and rail from Bedford.
A1
Heathrow, 70 minutes by road Gatwick, 2 hours by road and direct rail Luton, 15 minutes by direct rail
Kettering
Huntingdon Rushden A6
Northampton A42 8
A428 (to C a mbridge)
St Neots
Sharnbrook Milton Ernest
Harrold Lavendon
Olney
Oakley
A421
M1
Bedford
Sandy
Newport Pagnell
Biggleswade A6
Woburn Sands A421
Key Bus routes Train routes
Aspley Guise Woburn
Leighton Buzzard
Ampthill
Ashwell
Clophill
Royston Barton-le-Clay Hitchin
Letchworth
Dunstable
Luton
Other roads
St Albans
A1
Main roads
A42 1
Milton Keynes
11 the school estate BEDFORD PREP SCHOOL
The School Estate “. . . one of the biggest plusses of this prep is that it enjoys unfettered access to the wealth of facilities of its big brother school.” Good Schools Guide
21
Whole School Prep School Upper School A B C D
Reception (Bell Room) Main Entrance Prep School Reception Palmer’s Gate Entrance
1 Phillpotts House 2 Observatory & Planetarium 3 Pemberley House 4 Chapel 5 Music School 6 Rifle Range 7 Science Building 8 Bursary 9 CCF Headquarters 10 Dining Hall 11 Main Building 12 Memorial Hall 13 Library
14 King Building 26 Sculpture Studio 15 Burnaby House 27 Crescent House 16 Medical Centre 28 Wells Building 17 St Peter’s House 29 Erskine May Hall 18 Talbot’s House 30 Eagle House 19 Bromham House 31 Tisdall’s 20 Galbraith & Rice and St Cuthbert's 32 Nash’s & Palmer’s House 33 Lost Property 21 The Langham Pavillion 34 The Inky 22 Recreation Centre & Swimming Pool 35 The Quarry Theatre at St Luke’s 23 Design & Technology 36 Fives Courts 24 Art School & Paulo Pontine House 37 Drama Studio 25 Ashburnham House 38 Golf Performance Centre
12 how to find us BEDFORD PREP SCHOOL
How to Find Us
PILGRIMS PRE-PREPARATORY SCHOOL
K PAR
AVE
GORDON FIELD ALL-WEATHER PITCH
ROF
F AV
E
MAIN ENTRANCE
ING GOLD
REDBURN HOUSE SANDERSON’S HOUSE
E
RD
AM AV
M RD
AM
VE ILL A
A BROMH
PH
UNION ST
CL A
POLH
To Rushden
NE WNH
BUS STATION
To M1 J14
BOAT HOUSE
BEDFORD STATION
Bedford To M1 J13
AM
PTH
ILL
RD
C AR
ATHLETICS STADIUM
DIN
G TO
NR
WA Y
L ONGH O L
ME
D To A1/South
Key Contacts
Our Address
Headmaster Mr Ian Silk
Bedford Prep School De Pary’s Avenue Bedford Bedfordshire MK40 2TU
Admissions Mr Richard Midgley, Director of Admissions +44 (0)1234 362216 admissions@bedfordschool.org.uk
(Use MK40 2TT for satellite navigation)
RD
To A1 / North Cambridge
BEDFORD GIRLS’ SCHOOL
ALK ROPE W
TON
The paper this booklet is printed on is FSC® certified and rewarded with the EU Ecolabel certification
Bedford Prep School is part of The Harpur Trust: a company limited by guarantee. Registered in England: Company No. 3475202 Registered Office: Pilgrim Centre, Brickhill Drive, Bedford, MK41 7PZ Registered Charity No. 1066861
bedfordschool.org.uk