04. Admissions The Admissions Process Key Dates International Pupils Guardianship and Visas September 2026 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 Single Sex Environment Co-curricular Moving Up Bedford School Association
10. Transport
11. The School Estate
12. How to Find Us Key Contacts
"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
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 throughout the year to enable families to see the school in action, meet key staff and our pupils. Our large-scale open mornings are held each spring and autumn, while our regular, more informal 'Bedford in Action' mornings give a feel for life on a typical school day. 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, 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 £150, 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.
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 2026 will be sent out by email on Wednesday 11 February 2026. Families have until Wednesday 4 March 2026 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 2026 Entry
Registration Deadline
Monday 1 December 2025
Bursary (Fee Assistance) Application Deadline Monday 1 December 2025, 5pm
Activities Mornings
Year 3-Year 6 Saturday 10 January 2026
Year 7-Year 8 Saturday 17 January 2026
Assessments
Year 3-Year 6 Monday 12 January 2026
Year 7-Year 8 Monday 19 January 2026
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.
September 2026 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.
4.
2.
Register your son
Once registered your son will be entered for the school’s entrance assessments.
Registrations made by 1 December 2025
Entrance assessments January 2026
3.
Sit the entrance test
We also invite boys to join us for an activities morning.
Places offered
Results of assessments are sent out by email on Wednesday 11 February 2026.
Places must be accepted by 4 March 2026.
Financial Matters
Fees
Deposits
Acceptance Deposit
Payable by the parents of each pupil on acceptance of a place
Additional Deposit
Payable in addition to the Acceptance Deposit by parents of pupils whose normal residence is outside the United Kingdom
Fees (per term) - Spring and Summer 2025 Day
Preparatory Junior (Years 3-5)
Preparatory Senior (Years 6-8)
Flexi Boarding
Preparatory Junior (Years 3-5) Two nights per week
Three nights per week
Four nights per week
Preparatory Senior (Years 6-8) Two nights per week
Three nights per week
Four nights per week
Weekly Boarding
Preparatory Junior (Years 3-5)
Preparatory Senior (Years 6-8)
Full Boarding
Preparatory Junior (Year 5)
Preparatory Senior (Years 6-8)
All fees include VAT at the applicable rate.
Bursaries (Fee Assistance)
£1,200
£16,800
£6,314
£8,274
£7,953
£8,687
£9,478
£9,916
£11,380
£12,142
£10,223
£12,817
£11,443
£13,585
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. 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 note: fees for the next academic year are announced in June and displayed at www.bedfordschool.org.uk/admissions/fees
Please scan the QR code below to go 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.
“...offers everything young boys could hope for, whatever their interests.”
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.
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.
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.”
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.
Single Sex Environment
Life at Bedford is designed specifically around boys. The timetable is planned with lesson lengths to suit them and ample time to move around during the school day. There is plenty of sport, plenty of food and plenty of well-managed healthy competition.
Our staff body includes a good balance of male and female teachers to provide role models of both sexes. And we have the luxury of being able to focus and specialise in just boys. As a boarding school, we live with boys 24/7 which means we really get to know and understand them.
Boys also benefit from our partnership with Bedford Girls' School, situated just a 10-minute walk away, with pupils coming together for activity mornings, creative arts mornings, visiting speakers, joint swimming galas and sports activities, theatre productions and quizzes.
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.
Moving Up
Boys benefit from a specially designed curriculum in Years 7 and 8, which prepares them fully for the move up to the Upper School (Year 9). Transition to the Upper School 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. Read more about Year 7 and Year 8 on our 'Prep School 11+ and 12+ Entry' page on the website.
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.
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.
Heathrow, 70 minutes by road Gatwick, 2 hours by road and direct rail Luton, 15 minutes by direct rail
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.”
Admissions Mr Richard Midgley, Director of Admissions +44 (0)1234 362216 admissions@bedfordschool.org.uk
