Bedford School has the largest school observatory in the South East region and is currently the only school in the UK to have its own observatory and planetarium. Sited on the Bedford School estate, the observatory and planetarium are operated by the school’s Astronomer in conjunction with members of the Bedford Astronomical Society.
The facilities are available for use by schools and interested groups. The planetarium acts as a valuable resource room and is available for use by schools and community groups for meetings, slide shows and projected views of the night sky.
The astronomy facilities are well used by the local Bedford Astronomical Society and other groups such as the Girl Guides and Scouts wanting to know more about astronomy. Being the only school in the area to have access to such an impressive resource, Bedford School is proud and pleased to be able to share its facilities with other groups.
Astronomy Courses
The school also runs a series of short courses in astronomy at the observatory and planetarium.