Bedford School Foundation Trust Impact Report 2024

Bedford

School Foundation Trust Impact Report 2024

On behalf of everyone at Bedford School, I am delighted to present our inaugural Philanthropy Impact Report. Our boys thrive here thanks to exceptional teaching in outstanding settings. My colleagues are some of the most dedicated and hard-working individuals I have ever had the pleasure to work with. However, it is a fact that none of us could perform our roles as effectively without the generosity of our supporters.

As you stroll around our estate, you will notice many testaments to this kindness. Buildings like the Science Centre and the Music School bear the names of Old Bedfordians and parents who have contributed their hardearned money to create these magnificent learning environments. Yet, it is often the smaller, less prominent projects detailed in this report that have the most significant impact on individual boys. These gifts, though sometimes modest, profoundly enhance what we can offer.

I cannot express enough gratitude to our donors. Without your support, Bedford School would not be the remarkable institution it is today. Thank you for all you have done for us.

James Hodgson Head Master

The Chairman

As many of you will be aware, the Bedford School Foundation Trust (BSFT) is a newly formed organisation, created through the amalgamation of two long-standing charities, the Bedford School Foundation and the Bedford School Trust, into a single charitable entity.

That Bedford has been able to sustain two fundraising organisations for so many years demonstrates that philanthropy has been at the heart of everything the school has achieved over the years, and the BSFT’s mission is to continue this rich history of Old Bedfordians and parents giving back to the school.

The generosity of our community certainly has not waned in 2023, as you will read about in this, our first-ever, Philanthropy Impact Report. From smaller gifts to significant contributions, this report aims to show that donating to a school like ours makes a genuine difference.

As Chair of the BSFT, I would like to say thank you to all of our donors over the past 12 months and beyond, and I encourage anyone who might like to offer their support to contact the fundraising team, who will always be happy to help.

Roger Marks (71-82), Chairman of the Bedford School Foundation Trust

Younger Boys Supporting

Bedford Prep School offers boys from aged 7-12 years a fantastic, well-rounded education providing them with, not only academic opportunities, but the chance to develop a wide range of talents and interests that enable them to reach their full potential and develop into confident learners with a thirst for knowledge.

Until recently, boys entering the Prep School in Year 3, along with pupils in Year 4, were divided across the Prep School site. This made it harder for some of the boys in these years to integrate and settle into the school as they did not have their own dedicated space. Thanks to a generous donation from Dean Henrickson (past parent), the school was able to plan upgrades to three buildings (Tisdalls/Palmers/Nash’s). The school added additional funds to the project which has now given boys in Years 3 and 4 their own space in Nash’s and Palmers, along with a dedicated space for the Music Department, Learning Support, EAL and Speech and Drama in the Tisdalls Building. We are very grateful to Mr Henrickson for his donation which enabled the school to improve facilities for our younger boys.

A new dedicated space for the Music Department

BEDFORD

Outdoor Learning Inspirational Space Opens

Boys throughout the Prep School have benefitted from day trips and activities at Ickwell Conservation Reserve, our outdoor activity centre. The Reserve was originally donated by the Colonel G. H. Wells (1884-94) charity for use by the school and other youth and community groups. The objective of the charity was to promote the education of boys at Bedford School in the study of agriculture and allied subjects along with sciences, botany, geography, geology and environmental subjects.

To continue his legacy, funds from his charity have recently been used to bring Ickwell to Bedford School by creating an Outdoor Learning Centre (‘The Welly’ – in honour of Colonel Wells and a nod to the wellington boot) in the Prep School Playground. As you will see from the images, the Welly provides our boys opportunities to take part in building dens and camp fires, growing plants and vegetables, understanding sustainability and experiencing all that our outdoor habitat has to offer. The Welly has been open to use since the Spring.

The Bedford School Boat Club (BSBC) is the sixth oldest school boat club in the country, with a history dating back to 1861 with crews winning at Henley Royal Regatta, gold medals at The National Schools Regatta, and many boys have gone on to represent their country at the highest level, winning a total of eight Olympic medals between them, including five gold, two silver and a bronze. OBs often have fond memories of representing the Boat Club whilst at school and continue to support it after leaving. In the last few months, three OBs have offered their support.

During the last few years, our main school competitors have introduced dedicated rowing scholarships, putting our rowers at a distinct disadvantage. OB Brian Cawley (60-69) is passionate about rowing and decided to support the club by introducing “The Brian Cawley Rowing Scholarship”. The aim of the scholarship programme is to attract top class rowers to the school and to put Bedford rowing back where it belongs.

Another OB and 1st VIII oarsman, Adrian Danby (61-66), agreed to support the Boat Club by purchasing a brand-new top end sculling boat for use by aspiring young GB trialists aiming to go to the World U19 championships. The boat was named after Adrian’s father, Charles Danby (27-37), who was Head of School in 1936. Adrian commented, “My father and I thoroughly enjoyed representing the Club on and off the water during our time at Bedford. Being able to help current rowers gain international honours has been a pleasure and I shall look forward to watching their progress with interest.”

As well as training on the water, the ergo has become a ubiquitous part of the training regime of any boat club in the gym. Recognising this, OB Boris Batin (9800), who still rows in the World Masters, donated four Concept2 ergos to the Boat Club to enable the boys to train together. He also introduced a competition for the Pheonix Junior and Senior Cups for the fastest 2,000m times on the ergo during the academic year, the winners of which will receive a cash prize.

We would like to thank the three OBs for their insight and support of the Club. We hope that, with their donations, the Boat Club will enter a new era, attracting extraordinary talent and taking our rowers forward, beginning a new chapter for the school.

Future Talent Nurturing

BEDFORD SCHOOL

Golf Simulator Event

Many generous donors have supported the school’s Golf Scholarship programme through the BSFT, since it was set up in 2008. In fact, every year for the last six years, an Upper Sixth leaver has received a golf scholarship to a US university.

As well as benefitting from top class tuition and the opportunity to play on a world class course, our scholars also have use of our fantastic golf simulator facility. We recently invited teams from across our community, including OBs, parents, past parents and staff members, to an event on the simulator. We were delighted that both Anthony Ormerod (47-57) and Tim Henderson (64-71), who were among those instrumental in setting up the programme, were able to attend. Rob Holden (13-18), a previous recipient of a golf scholarship, and who joins the Alps Tour this year after graduating from university in Ohio, was also able to join us and provided some valuable pointers to two of the current golf scholars who will head off to the US in September.

US University Success

Two Upper Sixth Form boys, who were both recipients of a golf scholarship, are looking forward to furthering their golfing careers in sunnier climes, after receiving unconditional offers from universities in the USA.

Freddie Tucker has been offered a place to study at the PaPenta School of Business, Iona University, New York, while Jack Peters will study Business Management at Kelser University, Florida. Both will be playing golf every day and pursuing their professional careers alongside their studies.

Golf scholarships are supported by the BSFT as a result of generous gifts from our donors.

“The structured practice organised by our coach, Holly Reddick, and the incredible facilities at Woburn Golf Club have given me the best opportunity to improve.”

Freddie Tucker

Cricket Livestreaming

Thanks to a recent investment by the BSFT into some new software and camera equipment, we are now able to livestream our school cricket fixtures. Director of Cricket, Mr Gary Steer, said, “The livestream will widen access to school cricket. There are a lot of parents who want to watch the boys play and they are usually at work midweek, so this provides a great opportunity for them.”

Once we have built up a substantial online following, the next stage will be to add in commentary, providing boys looking to pursue a career in sports journalism the opportunity to practise a new skill.

You need never miss a fixture again as you can watch the game, in real-time, on your mobile phone or desktop on the Bedford School Cricket YouTube channel (although we recommend joining us in person wherever you can!).

Music enhances the world around us. How many of us hear a piece of music and are immediately transported back to a time of great happiness, or sadness, knowing that the experience was made better by the melody around us?

It takes many hours, and lots of hard work to become a musician but, for those that take the time, the benefits are significant. Learning to play an instrument has been shown to have a demonstrable effect on problem solving skills and intelligence, as well as softer skills like developing empathy and learning to connect with others. It really is an endeavour that gives back for life.

Many of our donors recognise the benefits of learning an instrument. One such donor, past parent Dr Janice Johnson, whose son decided that playing the violin was not for him early on in the first term of music lessons, decided to give another boy the chance to explore their musical interest. She donated the rest of her son’s lessons to a deserving young man whose family could not otherwise have afforded for him to give the instrument a try. She so enjoyed creating this provision that she has made a long-term commitment each year to fund violin lessons for a pupil studying at Bedford with support from our Bursaries Programme.

Another donor, Old Bedfordian Mark Edmonds (73-82), who recently reconnected with the school, has kindly agreed to fund the school’s Music Fellowship Programme for the next four years. Mark was a keen musician at school so, when he found out about the programme, which gives pupils the opportunity to work with some of the UK’s finest musicians throughout the year, he was very excited to be able to offer his support.

Many other donors have helped us purchase a mixing console, digital equipment, and percussion instruments, allowing boys to sample all sorts of musical exploits before deciding on which to try and master.

We are very grateful to those that make Bedford School so musically rich and interesting.

Food for the Soul Music is

BEDFORD SCHOOL

Art Lectures

For more than 15 years, the boys, along with the wider school community, have enjoyed regular lectures from specialists in the field of art as part of the Gilbert Lloyd Lectures. Named after our generous benefactor and patron of the arts at the school, Gilbert Lloyd (50-58), the school has welcomed lecturers on lost masterpieces, contemporary artistprintmaking, prints and painting cities, Leonardo da Vinci, to name but a few. These fascinating lectures give the boys the opportunity to hear from specialists in their field and expose them to a wide range of art mediums and artists.

Lectures are held in the Erskine May Hall each term and are open to both the boys and the wider community.

Creative Arts in the Community

Ickwell Conservation Reserve

[ A diverse community of flora and fauna ]

[

A registered Natural England Historic Park ]

Originally donated to the BSFT by Colonel G. H. Wells in 1971, the Ickwell Conservation Reserve sits nine miles southeast of Bedford. It is a wonderful facility for both the school and other youth and community groups. As well as being a designated Historic Park by Natural England, it is a recognised country wildlife site, with nine hectares of lakes, streams, meadows and woodland.

With extensive grounds, including a large lake and woodland and a field study centre, the site provides a diverse setting for a range of outdoor activities from tree planting and coppicing to tree seed collecting. The boys in the Prep School regularly use the site for Forest School projects.

If you would like to either visit the site, use any of the facilities, or receive regular updates about Ickwell, please email cjones@bedfordschool.org.uk.

[ Breaking down barriers

]

Receiving kindness teaches us to be kind to others. The School’s vision “that they be good men” embodies this entirely. Yes, we want our boys to be successful and happy in themselves but, just as importantly, we want them to think – what can I do to make things better for others? A recent gift to the school demonstrates this wonderfully.

Robin Harper (60-65) and his twin brother Michael Harper (60-65), were faced with a family tragedy that placed their futures at the school in significant jeopardy. Their father had sadly passed away, and their mother could no longer afford their tuition fees.

Upon hearing of their plight, an OB Reverend N G Phillips (24-32), offered to support the boys financially during their remaining time at school, meaning they could continue their studies, and helping them to go on a have successful lives and careers in the UK, Australia, and Canada.

Sixty years on from leaving Bedford, these same brothers made a donation of their own to create the N G Phillips Memorial Fund. The Fund is available to pupils whose family’s ability to afford tuition costs are significantly affected by unexpected tragedy or significant misfortune.

Since its establishment in late 2022, the Fund has supported two pupils to remain at Bedford and finish their studies. Everyone at Bedford is grateful to the brothers who, in the face of tragedy, learnt to be kind to others.

The Virtuous Circle of Philanthropy Powering Up Literacy

The school believes that boys’ achievements should never be limited by false barriers, and we are dedicated to ensuring that every boy receives the support they need throughout their time at school.

Historically, this was not always the case for everyone. Old Bedfordian Richard Foxen (71-74) always felt that there was something holding him back, then discovered, later in life, that he had dyslexia. Richard was keen to find a way to help the school “encourage any individuals who are, or might be, struggling to know that there is support available”.

Richard’s generous donation enabled the school to purchase the Lexia UK Power Up literacy intervention programme. The programme has become a powerful tool for the school’s Academic Support Team and will enable early identification of those pupils who need support to help them achieve their best outcomes.

“I think Lexia has really helped with my confidence and my grammar. The way it breaks things down is so helpful and the way it works is incredible. It really does just help.”

Bedford School pupil

Robin and Michael Harper (both 60-65)

BEDFORD

Leavers’ Deposits Appeal

During the summer term, we invited parents of our Upper Sixth leavers to recognise their son’s time at the school by donating all, or part, of their entrance deposit to the Leavers’ Deposits Appeal. All money raised from the appeal will support the James Surtees Phillpotts' Bursaries Programme that provides financial assistance for families who can afford less than 20% of tuition fees.

We were delighted with the response from our parents who donated nearly £20,000 to the appeal. The names of the boys whose parents supported the appeal are now proudly displayed on a board in the Great Hall. Due to its success, we will now run the appeal every year, giving all future parents of Upper Sixth Form leavers the opportunity to offer their support.

“I wanted to tell you personally how grateful I am of for being awarded a rugby scholarship when I joined the school in the Sixth Form. I strongly believe that Bedford has paved the way for me and given me so much more than I could have ever dreamed of. There is no way that I would have been to the places, met the people and experienced the things I have without the support and guidance of Bedford. I owe a lot to the school and there is nothing more I can say apart from thank you.”

Callum Smyth (20-22) in a recent email to the Head Master

The Saville Scholarship

The Saville Scholarship fund was set up following a very generous legacy from Brian Saville (40-48) to offer boys with outstanding talents the opportunity to study at Bedford School. One of Brian’s lifelong passions was for rugby, and he regularly attended games at the school to support and cheer on the boys. One recipient of a scholarship from the fund was Callum Smyth (20-22) who was selected for the Scottish Under 20s Rugby team in the 2024 Six Nations. Affectionately known as ‘The Truck’ during his time playing at Bedford School, Callum has been enjoying an incredible few years since leaving, last year gaining a place with the Macphail Rugby Scholarship and spending six months in South Africa, at Stellenbosch University.

Most recently Callum has been playing with the Glasgow Warriors as one of the 15 FOSROC Scottish Rugby Academy players and trains with and plays for the FOSROC Future XV – the newly formed FOSROC Super Series side which is built upon the next generation of young Scottish players. Playing full time professional rugby has meant relocating to Galashiels on the Scottish borders to be closer to the club.

Are you interested in helping support future generations of Bedfordians, but are not in a position to do so now? If so, you could consider leaving a legacy to Bedford School Foundation Trust in your will. You can find out more about this is in our legacy brochure.

Expanded Academic Heart and consolidated Pastoral Hub resulting from the development

Visualisation of the pedestrianised forecourt

Visualisation of the garden courtyard

Building for their future

The Estate Masterplan is a £34m reimagining of Bedford School, that will transform academic and pastoral care provision for the benefit of our boys now, and for generations to come.

We are preparing young men for a challenging and changing world, and it is our duty to instil in them the skills and personal qualities they need to thrive in whatever they go on to do. To give our boys the best start in life, we need exceptional resources that offer unrivalled learning environments.

We must continually invest in all aspects of school life to maximise the quality of the holistic education our young men receive, and the Estate Masterplan is how we intend to bring our ambitious plans to fruition.

The plan supports our ambition to be a “destination school” that appeals to young men throughout the UK and overseas. The UK independent school market is highly competitive, and there is constant need to invest in facilities that enable unrivalled pedagogical and pastoral outcomes.

Curb appeal is crucial, and the current entrance to the school neither fittingly represents the historic significance of our institution, nor pays proper homage to the architecture that can be seen throughout the rest of campus.

The Burnaby Road development will present a significantly improved first impression of the school, displaying a modernity that prospective pupils are drawn to, but remaining aesthetically sympathetic to the existing estate.

We are now actively seeking support from OBs, parents and past-parents to support this project and to help us bring our plans to fruition.

BEDFORD SCHOOL

The James Surtees Phillpotts’ Bursaries Programme

Throughout its long history, Bedford School and its pupils have benefited from generous philanthropists and gifts from donors. Indeed, the school would not have come into being without the foresight of Sir William Harpur; and his original act of benefaction in 1556. Our ambition is to ensure that boys with talent and promise can reach their full potential is stronger now than ever. Today, The James Surtees Phillpotts’ Bursaries Programme enables us to offer the best education to boys from families who would not ordinarily be able to attend Bedford School.

“Thanks to a bursary, I was able to attend Bedford School. I believe this education provided me with three main benefits: First, the inspiring, down to earth and supportive ethos of the school. Secondly, access to amazing sporting facilities, highly qualified coaching staff and opportunities for consistent participation and leadership in sport. Lastly, and most importantly, the house system and tutor system gave me lifelong friends. I would definitely encourage anyone considering supporting Bedford’s bursaries programme.”

Leroy Knowles (92-97)

How do Bursaries Help?

of Bedford School’s 80%+ (of fee costs) bursary recipients went on to attend Russell Group universities, compared with 9% of all Bedford state pupils (2017-21).

of Bedford School’s bursary students took degrees in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) subjects.

“Attending Bedford School on a bursary allowed me to find my love for learning. The school’s all-encompassing curriculum and plethora of academic societies made it extremely easy for me to figure out what I was interested in and challenge myself. I look forward to using the skills I gained as a student in my pursuit of a career in education, where I hope to inspire students as I was inspired during my time at Bedford School.”

Russell Group graduates are 14% more employable than non-Russell Group peers, earning c£200,000 more over their lifetime than graduates from lower ranked institutions.

Universities that specialise in STEM, or other technical fields, tend to perform better in terms of graduate employability.

Rahul Sheemar (12-19), Philosophy Graduate, Durham University, Teacher

BEDFORD SCHOOL

How to make your gift

There are many ways in which you can donate to the Phillpotts’ Bursaries Programme, the Estate Masterplan or any other project at the school.

One-Off Donations

You can make a one-off gift of any value by either sending a cheque made payable to the Bedford School Foundation Trust, or by visiting bit.ly/BSFTonline

Employer Matched Giving

Some companies are prepared to match, and in some cases, even double, the gifts made by their employees under the GAYE scheme.

For example, if 100 donors gave £21 per month...

Start of giving

Giving with Gift Aid

Gift Aid enables Bedford School to claim an extra 25p for every £1 you give, at no extra cost to you. If you are a higher rate UK taxpayer, you can also claim tax relief on your donations via Gift Aid.

Leaving a Legacy

Remembering Bedford School in your will is an incredible gesture that demonstrates absolute faith in the institution beyond a lifetime.

Payroll Giving

Many employers offer Give As You Earn (GAYE), which means that you can give to the BSFT and get immediate tax relief at your highest rate of tax.

Regular Gifts

Support a boy for a year, through Sixth Form or throughout his full five years in the Upper School with a regular gift given on a monthly, termly or annual basis.

In five years, the gift would total £122,400 which would support a boy throughout the Upper School. *based on current day fees. ...they would generate £48,960 in two years enabling a boy to complete his Sixth Form.

After two years

After five years

£20,000 raised for the Movember 2023 campaign

8 local sixth forms helped with Oxbridge and university preparation

40 boys have taught Latin or Mandarin in local primary schools

300

BEDFORD SCHOOL

Thank you from the Director of Development

I have been a professional fundraiser for over 15 years, working in charities, universities and schools, raising money for all sorts of interesting, impactful projects. It is a pleasure to work with those that want to give back to causes or institutions that mean something to them, and I am an absolute proponent of the virtuous circle that philanthropy creates.

Those that give, receive the enormous benefit of knowing they have improved the lives of others. Those that receive, are usually humbled by the provision of something they might not have expected and, often, cannot wait to be able to reciprocate this act of kindness.

Of all the organisations I have worked with, Bedford’s audiences are genuinely the most passionate I have encountered. So many of you love the school, and that is just wonderful to see. The breadth of gifts written about in this report demonstrate this affection and we are very thankful for them all.

Thank you

Vincent Gaten Director of Development