The Wider Community

The Bedford School Association (BSA)

The aim of the BSA is to promote engagement across the widest possible alumni grouping in order to create a sense of attachment and an active network which positively supports Bedford School. The school takes an inclusive approach to make all elements of the community feel most welcome. With a joined up approach, we feel that more can be achieved. The BSA supports the work of the Bedford Prep Guild, Parents’ Guild in the Upper School, Past Parents’ Association, Old Bedfordians Club and the Foundation Trust, and helps all of these organisations to flourish. It also aims to build up strong relationships with friends of the school particularly within our local community. We are thrilled that more and more people want to be associated with Bedford School and join us at a variety of events and gatherings. Throughout its history, the school has meant a lot to many people, and, whatever their particular connection, we hope that they are all proud of their association, and that this will continue.

As well as The Prep Guild, parents also get involved in specific areas to support the boys and for their own enjoyment. Two examples of this are the Friends of Bedford School Boat Club (FOBSBC) who put on a number of events, and the Eagle Choir, which is a School Community Choir, made up of parents (current and past), Old Bedfordians, staff and friends of the school. We are pleased that most parents find their niche and enjoy the general camaraderie that the school offers.

Eagle Connect

Eagle Connect is the BSA’s online business and social networking platform. Membership is open to all constituents of the BSA who have a shared affection for the school and its community. The online platform provides a highly engaged and supportive community made up of those who are willing to help each other, both socially and professionally. From finding accommodation on a gap year trip (possibly a few years down the line!) to giving advice to someone who wants to change their career, Eagle Connect is a forum for people to support each other. Joining details can be found within the BSA section of the school website.

Bedford Prep Parents’ Guild

The Bedford Prep Parents’ Guild (Prep Guild) is made up of parents of current Prep School pupils and members of the wider school community who aim to support the school in a number of ways, including: y Arranging and promoting social events that bring parents and school staff together. y Fundraising with profits going to charities, groups and school projects agreed upon by the Prep Guild committee in conjunction with key members of Bedford Prep School staff. y Providing a social network for parents new and old, with representatives in each year group. y Supporting school functions, for example serving mulled wine and mince pies at Christmas Carol Concerts.

All work carried out by the Prep Guild Committee is on a voluntary basis, but its work is greatly appreciated by the Prep School staff. Supporting the Prep Guild is not only rewarding and fun but also a great opportunity to meet other parents and staff in a more relaxed way. If you would like further information, please email prepguild@bedfordschool.org.uk

The Old Bedfordians Club

Established in 1891, the Old Bedfordians Club was formed in order to help Old Bedfordians stay in touch with one another and the school. Over the years it has gone from strength to strength and is now a vibrant organisation across the globe. Although the phrase ‘networking’ was not used when the Club was formed, this has always been a key element at the heart of the Club.

Today, the OB Club is still an invaluable link between generations of Old Bedfordians worldwide and the school through a shared member database, regular communications and an annual programme of social, sporting and networking events and reunions.

In becoming a member of the OB Club, boys join the ranks of a 9,000 strong network of members who: y enjoy a shared history of Bedford School y represent a vast range of professions, businesses, sporting and cultural interests and passions, and who y have extensive knowledge and experience as well as links and connections that span the globe.

Importantly, Old Bedfordians have a natural inclination to help fellow OBs, irrespective of age, geography or status, and do so where they reasonably can. We are very pleased that more and more OBs return to the school each year to give lectures, talks or career advice.

The OB Club works closely with the school under the umbrella of the BSA and takes direction from the OB Club Council whose plans are endorsed by Old Bedfordians at the OB Club’s AGM in July each year. It is managed through the OB Club office based at Bedford School.

Boys automatically become members of the Old Bedfordians Club when they leave the school (subject to approval by the Head Master).

Bedford School Foundation Trust

Philanthropy has played a vital part in shaping Bedford School over the years. Generations of boys have benefited from the generosity of others, who have enhanced the school and provided the wonderful facilities we enjoy today.

Bedford School Foundation Trust is the school’s independent charitable partner. It was established to support the school by raising money for projects such as the proposed new academic building on Burnaby Road and the provision of bursaries for lower income families.

You can make a donation to the Foundation Trust, of any size and to almost any school initiative, on the school website or by following this link: bit.ly/ BSFoundationTrust

If you want to know more about the work of the Foundation Trust, or you would like to learn more about the projects it enables the school to deliver, please get in touch with Vincent Gaten, Development Director, on +44 (0)1234 362256 or vgaten@ bedfordschool.org.uk.

Forms

We would be grateful if you could ensure that all applicable forms for your son are submitted by Monday 12 June 2023.

All forms can be accessed via the page below and should be completed online at: www.bedfordschool.org.uk/admissions/new-parent-information

Please use the password: PSForms2023 to open the Prep School Forms link

Mandatory Forms

y Medical Information* y Food Allergies and Special Diets*

* Please email your son’s Medical Information and Food Allergies and Special Diets forms directly to: nurse@bedfordschool.org.uk y Emergency Contacts y Bedford School Association y Travel Information (Day Boys only) y Parent Nomination of a Guardian (for boys whose families reside outside the UK)

Optional Forms

y Instrumental Music Tuition y Speech and Drama Lessons y Chinese Lessons