Preparatory School 3 Welcome

“A boy’s story is the best that is ever told,” said 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 are ambitious for our boys in the provision we “THE FOUR FUNDAMENTAL VALUES make for them to develop and to enjoy new experiences. Each experience allows them to explore, succeed and excel. Each fresh page they turn OF INTEGRITY, RESPONSIBILITY, gives them the confidence and the ability to embrace the challenges ENDEAVOUR AND CURIOSITY offered in an exciting, cosmopolitan and fast-changing world. Here at Bedford Prep School we strive to instil in the boys a sense UNDERPIN ALL THAT WE of awe and wonder at the world, and a sense of joy in their own DO AND STRIVE TO BE.” achievements and the achievements of others. We feel that 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 “TEACHING BOYS TO THINK can meet the Bedford boys and listen to their unfolding stories. INTELLIGENTLY, ACT WISELY AND BE FULLY ENGAGED IN A CHALLENGING AND Ian Silk CHANGING WORLD.” Headmaster Bedford Preparatory School 5

Map ref 18: Every boy has the opportunity to explore their creativity in our first-class art studios. Care, Grow, Thrive

Below: Our Houses provide a sense of belonging to every boy, whether a day boy or boarder. If a boy is confident and happy, he will learn and thrive. Here at Bedford Prep School, we work very hard to “THE SCHOOL IS AN INCLUSIVE ensure that each individual boy is COMMUNITY WHERE PUPILS supported in everything he does. LOOK AFTER ONE ANOTHER AND OFFER SUPPORT TO THOSE HAVING DIFFICULTIES. Boys’ talents are nurtured in small classes to create a secure and close-knit learning environment. In the first two years of school, the form tutor is also the subject teacher for the core subjects. We THIS IS AT THE CORE OF THE believe that it is essential that our boys feel supported and cared for. SCHOOL’S VALUE SYSTEM.” 18 Moving up the Prep School, class sizes are deliberately kept small Independent Schools so that the boys have the necessary attention and support to thrive. Inspectorate (ISI) Report In Years 5 and above, boys benefit from a form tutor who sees them every day and usually teaches them for one subject. Our tutors guide the boys on their journey through the Prep School, getting to know them and helping them to realise their individual potential.

Starting Out

Bedford Prep provides a warm welcome for younger boys into the wider Bedford School community. “THE QUALITY OF PUPILS’ 6 PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT In classes that are small, with close and caring supervision, IS EXCELLENT. boys settle quickly and happily, making new friendships and exploring all the exciting opportunities available to them. THEY THRIVE IN A HAPPY, From their first day every boy joins one of the four Prep School Houses: Howard, Whitbread, Bunyan or Harpur, each of which is made up of boys CARING AND PURPOSEFUL from Year 3 to Year 8, who support, inspire and look out for each other. ATMOSPHERE.” Older boys act as role-models and all are fiercely loyal to their House. Independent Schools Map ref 6: As they move through the Prep School the boys take great pride Inspectorate (ISI) Report The Chapel plays an important role in in competing for their House in the termly House Cup and the the life of the school community. overall House Trophy as well as in a whole range of sports, the hotly contested House Singing competition, Art competition and Short Story Above: competition. All boys are, justly, very proud of their association with In small classes with close attention our their individual House and the sense of belonging that it evokes. boys thrive and grow in confidence. 6 Bedford Preparatory School

18 Day & Boarding

Bedford Prep School is a fun and vibrant community, made up of a happy mix of day and boarding pupils, with a great boarding ethos.

From sports to clubs and societies to trips and tours, there is always something new and exciting to try. Boarders at the Prep School live in Eagle House, at the heart of the estate. It’s been purpose-built for younger pupils, with comfortable living areas giving a warm family atmosphere and bright and spacious rooms sleeping 4, 5 or 6 boys. Boys can relax and feel at home at the end of the school day. Boarding at Bedford Prep gives each boy a chance to grow in confidence, have fun, develop personal skills and form lifelong friendships within a safe and nurturing environment. We offer a complete range of full, weekly, and flexible boarding and wrap-around care to enable boys and their parents to find an option that is just right.

“BOARDERS ARE HAPPY, SECURE AND WELL CARED FOR.” Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) Report Partnerships

In an atmosphere where boys and staff enjoy each other’s company and parents are closely involved in every aspect of their son’s education, boys visibly grow in confidence and ability.

Strong and happy bonds exist between boys and staff, who provide care, support and encouragement at every step of the way. For the first two years, class teachers take the major responsibility for subject teaching, with greater specialisation introduced as boys move up the School. Each boy’s progress is carefully Map ref 16: Map ref 18: monitored through regular assessment, and via close contact Eagle house is a warm Our outstanding design technology 16 between subject staff, class teachers, tutors and parents. and friendly home from building offers boys a wide range home for our boarders. of specialist resources. As well as regular parents’ evenings and progress reports we warmly invite families to join us at the wide variety Above right: Above: Boarders and day boys form Boys showcase their musical of sporting and cultural events that take place every year lifelong friendships during talents and teamwork skills and become fully involved in the life of the School. their days at Bedford Prep to friends and family in our regular performances. Bedford Preparatory School 9 Study, Learn

Boys learn best when they’re happy, confident and their curiosity is stimulated, so we feel it’s very important that learning is fun, creative, inspirational and active. “THE CURRICULUM IS EXCELLENT IN ITS COVERAGE OF

We also recognise that boys learn differently from girls, and this ALL AREAS OF LEARNING. IT IS informs our teaching. WIDE-RANGING, CHALLENGING Visit our classes and you’ll find boys thoroughly engaged in their learning, inspired by challenge, competition, high AND SUITABLE FOR ALL AGES, expectations and risk within a safe environment. ABILITIES AND NEEDS.” Our expectations are high but achievable, with a curriculum Independent Schools that encompasses and transcends the National Curriculum, Inspectorate (ISI) Report uniting traditional practice with innovative teaching, and the best of the creative and academic. All boys study a core curriculum of English, Maths and Science, and PE and Games are a key feature of every boy’s week. From the age of seven, boys study French, Geography, History, Design and Technology, Art, Music and RE as separate subjects with subject specialists. At 11, Spanish, German and Latin are introduced. ICT skills are developed in all subjects and in taught lessons.

Map ref 3: Boys are inspired by our dedicated and highly qualified staff, and outstanding facilities.

Below: Lessons are designed to challenge and engage every boy, and be enjoyable.

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Map ref 5: Boys benefit from a superb twin AstroTurf complex with floodlights, indoor swimming pool, Create sports hall, tennis and squash courts, climbing wall and acres of immaculate playing fields. From their first days with us, we aim to Below: develop the creativity and imagination We aim to inspire a lifelong interest in sport, of every boy, whatever their ability. promoting teamwork, wellbeing, fitness and fun.

From beginners to Year 8 and beyond, there are musical opportunities for everyone. We have our own dedicated music building in the Prep School with a state-of-the-art music technology suite and well-equipped practice rooms. Many of our boys learn to play one or more instruments and make the journey to our award- winning Music School in their later years at Bedford. We boast a range of musical groups, including an orchestra, brass ensemble, a chapel choir, junior woodwind band, recorder ensemble, junior and senior choir, clarinet quartets and a popular steel band. Boys can demonstrate their musical talents and teamwork skills to friends and family in our regular recitals. In our stunning Art and DT studios boys develop a wide range of creative skills in a safe and open environment. We challenge each boy to discover a love of art, to have fun and express their ideas and personality through their work. 5 Drama fosters collaboration, trust and confidence, and gives boys a sense of poise and self-assurance to talk in front of audiences – all invaluable skills for their future. Drama is taught as a separate subject as well as in English lessons. There are also exciting opportunities beyond the classroom, with major productions staged in the theatre, sometimes in collaboration with Bedford Girls’ School. As well as acting, boys can become involved backstage through set design, lighting and stage management. Play

At Bedford, we believe that physical activity is essential for building “The school aims to develop pupils a healthy mind and body. who value others, work hard,

learn with enjoyment, delight Our ambition is to help each and every boy develop his own sporting in achievement, find lifelong talents and a lifelong enjoyment of sport. We provide expert coaching “APPRECIATION OF THE VALUE in a wide variety of sports, including rugby, hockey, , golf, skiing, pleasure in sport, drama, music horse riding, cross country, swimming, badminton and rowing. OF HONESTY IS CENTRAL TO THE and art, and leave school with We nurture our boys’ sporting talents throughout their educational SCHOOL’S CULTURE AND ENHANCED journey, whatever their level of ability. Our coaching staff’s BY ITS CODE OF SPORTSMANSHIP.” their ambitions extended.” expertise enables us to balance the needs of elite sportsmen Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) Report Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) Report with those of our spirited amateurs. We are proud that 96% Map ref 21: of our boys represent the School in at least one sport. The Palmer’s building is devoted to Expert coaching is complemented by superb facilities: a twin Astroturf music with teaching and practice complex with floodlights, an indoor 25-metre swimming pool, tennis rooms, and a music technology suite. and squash courts, a climbing wall, immaculate grass pitches and well- Above: equipped Recreation Centre help to bring out the best in every boy. At least one production is staged per term, combining innovative physical drama and music. Bedford Preparatory School 13

Map ref 15: Swimming, water polo, rowing skills and more all happen in our 25 metre indoor pool.

Below: Our extensive activity programme offers boys great potential to discover sporting and non-sporting pursuits they will love.

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Enjoy Moving Up

Keeping boys active and stimulating young minds is essential. Boys are “THE SCHOOL At the end of their time at Bedford Prep School, boys make “PUPILS ARE CONFIDENT encouraged to participate in a wide range of extra-curricular activities, COMMUNITY IS VITAL the natural progression to the Upper School. Familiar faces, AND GROW IN SELF-ESTEEM including cooking, drama, rugby, rowing, cross-country running AND ENTHUSIASTIC surroundings and teachers make the journey smoother. ... THEIR SELF-DISCIPLINE and much more. They can take part in a conker championship, ACROSS THE FULL RANGE AND CALM PURPOSE ARE join a quiz team, build a canoe or try their hand at skiing. OF ACTIVITIES.” All Year 8 boys sit the online Bedford School Assessment Test (BSAT) EVIDENT... MATURE IN Independent Schools in January and end of year exams, the results of which contribute Inspectorate (ISI) Report THEIR OUTLOOK, PUPILS to setting in the Upper School. Boys who perform to a high level There are drama productions for each year group, as well as a host of musical in the BSAT may be asked to sit for a Year 9 academic scholarship. VALUE THE NON-MATERIAL groups and a range of sports clubs to cater for a wide range of tastes. Boys who show a particular ability in art, drama, music, sport or ASPECTS OF LIFE.” golf have the chance to sit for a specific scholarship. From his first Our long lunch breaks and dedicated periods before and after school provide days with us and throughout his career, we encourage every boy Independent Schools ample time for boys to take part in some of the rich and varied activities we offer, Inspectorate (ISI) Report to work hard and give his best. The friendships they make and the boosting their global awareness, physical fitness and enthusiasm for learning. lessons they learn, both in and out of the classroom, will stand And the fun doesn’t stop at the end of term. Holiday activities are always in them in good stead for many years to come. So, when it’s time to demand, including sports courses, tours and adventure holidays in the UK and move on, we’re confident our pupils are well-prepared and ready to Europe, while exchanges with other schools enhance learning and life experience. make a successful transfer to the next stage of their education. Our holistic approach is one of the aspects that defines us and is key in forming the successful, well-rounded young men who graduate from Bedford.

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3 Pemberley 1 Find us 4 Study Centre 5 By road Pavilion 2 from London and the M1 Motorway 4 6 Chapel Leave the M1 motorway at junction 14 and join the A428 which leads to the edge of town. 7 Music School 3 from the North – Wellingborough and the A6 8 Science Enter the town along the A6, turning left into Roff Avenue at Playing Fields 9 Burnaby the roundabout with Tavistock Street and Union Street. 5 10 Library from the East – Cambridge and the A1 6 Turn off the A1 onto the A421, later joining the A428 at the 11 Memorial Hall roundabout on the outskirts of Bedford. The A428 runs 7 12 Main Building Car park into Goldington Road, turn right into Polhill Avenue. 8 13 Dining Hall BURNABY RD 9 Satellite navigation information 14 Talbots 11 12 10 13 Please enter the following postcode 15 Recreation Centre MK40 2TT & Swimming Pool 14 15 By rail 16 Eagle House 17 Erskine May Building It is just 35 minutes from St Pancras International 16 17 to Bedford train station. 18 Prep School 18

19 Art School 19 By air 20 The Inky 22 21 Stansted airport is just 45 minutes away by road, and 20 Luton airport 30 minutes. Bedford is also ideally positioned 21 Nash’s & Palmer’s for easy access to Gatwick and Heathrow airports. 22 Theatre Bedford Preparatory School, Avenue, Bedford MK40 2TU Tel: +44 (0)1234 362216 Fax: +44 (0)1234 362283 Email: [email protected] www.bedfordschool.org.uk

Bedford Preparatory 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