the school’s Core Management Team (CMT) 

Mr James Hodgson, Head Master

Educated at Wellington College, Mr Hodgson read Classics at Durham University and, after a couple of years with Ernst and Young in London, completed his Classics PGCE at Cambridge University (where he was a cricket blue). He spent six years teaching in Sydney, before returning to the UK where, at Tonbridge School as a Boarding Housemaster and Director of Admissions, he successfully strengthened admissions and boarding recruitment. Prior to his appointment to Bedford School in September 2014, he was Usher (Senior Deputy Head) at Magdalen College School in Oxford.

"Boys here are busy, enjoy life and build not only happy memories but strong foundations for interesting and varied lives. "

Mr Ian Silk, Headmaster of the Prep School

Following a year working for Her Majesty at Buckingham Palace, in the office that organised the Summer Opening of the State Rooms, and a year working in the marketing department for the London Philharmonic Orchestra, Mr Silk decided to make good use of his degree in English from Lancaster University and trained as a teacher of English and Drama. He taught English and Drama at Hanley Castle High School, then at The Leys School in Cambridge where he was also Assistant Housemaster. He moved to Ardingly College where he was Housemaster to 60 boys aged 11-18, and then to Bishop’s Stortford College Prep School as Deputy Headmaster, prior to moving to Bedford in 2013 to be Headmaster of the Prep School.

“Bedford School is more than the sum of its parts. The boys, staff, parents and wider community make being part of Bedford something special.”

Mr Sam Baldock, Vice Master (Senior Deputy Head)

Mr Baldock heads the school’s pastoral and extra-curricular systems and takes the lead on many aspects of the day-to-day management of the school, as well as teaching Biology.

Mr Baldock studied Natural Sciences at Sidney Sussex College, University of Cambridge. Following a short spell in commercial research, he taught for ten years at Westminster School, where he was also Head of Biology. Prior to his appointment at Bedford School as Deputy Head (Academic) in September 2018, he was an Assistant Head at Mill Hill School.

“The great privilege of working at Bedford is seeing the academic confidence of our boys develop over their time with us. For many, this confidence will grow from engagement in academic extension opportunities or competitions on the national stage; for others, this confidence will be cultivated more humbly but no less meaningfully – it may be learning from errors to master a tricky principle in class that, in turn, unlocks new questions to ask.”

Mr Luke Rogers, Deputy Head (Academic)

Mr Rogers is responsible for the delivery of the school’s curriculum, leading a team of Heads of Faculty to ensure the best possible academic experience for our pupils at Bedford. He also teaches Music and conducts one of the school's orchestras.
 
Mr Rogers joined Bedford School in September 2022. After reading Music at St. Catharine's College, Cambridge and postgraduate study at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, he trained to teach with Teach First. Following half a decade as Director of Music at Wilson's School, Sutton, he moved to senior leadership. He joined Bedford following five years at Colfe's School, Greenwich, where he was Director of Studies and, most recently, Interim Head of Junior School. 
 
"Bedford is an extraordinary community of teachers working together to offer our pupils the best possible academic experience. Our vision is for an exciting, challenging curriculum that inspires every boy to discover his unique potential. Our outstanding facilities and small class sizes give us the resources to be able to personalise the curriculum for each of our pupils and help them discover what inspires them, what they excel at, and what their future will be." 

Mrs Charlotte Heywood, Deputy Head (Prep School)

Mrs Heywood is responsible for leading all academic and pastoral staff in the Prep School and oversees the day-to-day running of the school. She deputises for the Headmaster when he is off-site. She also teaches English and Games. Mrs Heywood joined Bedford School in June 2021.

After reading English Literature at The University of Sheffield, Mrs Heywood went on to complete her Postgraduate Certificate in Education in Secondary English at Manchester Metropolitan University. She is currently studying for her Headship qualification through University College London. Prior to her appointment, Mrs Heywood was Assistant Headteacher at St Matthew’s Academy in Blackheath, London, and was responsible for raising progress, achievement and outcomes for pupils. Prior to that, she had been a Director of English, a Head of Year and a Careers Co-ordinator in a range of central London schools.

"Bedford School really is a special place – you can feel this as soon as you arrive on site. It is the school community of staff, pupils and parents working together so effectively that enables us to deliver a truly exceptional educational experience.”

Mr Will Montgomery, Assistant Head (Teaching and Learning)

Mr Montgomery is in charge of the development of teaching across the Upper School, with the aim of improving the learning experience of pupils. He also teaches Geography and coaches both squash and cricket, two of his passions.

Mr Montgomery studied Geography at Nottingham University and joined us for the first time in 2006. During this time, he was an Assistant House Master in Pemberley boarding house, Master in charge of Squash and also latterly Head of General Education. Having moved to London to spend two years as Head of Geography at Mill Hill School in Barnet, he returned to Bedford to succeed Richard Walker as Head of Geography in 2013. He joined the school’s Core Management Team as Assistant Head (Teaching & Learning) in 2015.

"People often say that the school in which they work is special but you have to really believe that to work somewhere twice. Having been at an all-boys school myself I am always amazed by the emotional sensitivity shown by our pupils. They appreciate excellence, in every field, and are fiercely proud of their school community. Most importantly they are incredibly good company and a pleasure to meet up with once they have left the school."

Mr Ayden Duffy,  Assistant Head (Co-Curriculum and Partnerships)

Mr Duffy is the Assistant Head (Co-Curriculum and Partnerships) at Bedford School. He is responsible for the vision, day-to-day running, and strategic development of the co-curriculum of the school, including sport, music, drama, CCF, Duke of Edinburgh, trips and expeditions, and all clubs and societies. He also oversees some of the school’s partnership projects, including community partnerships and charitable activities.

Following a short career as a professional footballer at Lincoln City, Mr Duffy studied Education and Sport at Bishop Grosseteste University, followed by a PGCE at Sheffield Hallam University and Chartered Teacher Status via the Chartered College of Teaching. Prior to joining Bedford School, he taught for ten years at Hills Road Sixth Form College, Cambridge, as Curriculum Director and Head of Sport.

"Bedford School is a special place to work because of the academic rigour provided for the boys, alongside the leading depth and breadth of co-curricular provision provided for all. There are first-class opportunities for all boys to learn, grow and develop into good men."

Mr Andy Macfarlane, Director of Finance and Operations

Mr Macfarlane is responsible for overseeing the school’s operational activities including the estate and all support staff.

Mr Macfarlane joined Bedford School in August 2020 having previously undertaken the role of Bursar at Princess Helena College in Hitchin. A graduate of Warwick University, he completed his Masters’ degree at University College London and worked for BT for nearly 20 years in a range of portfolio management, strategy and general management roles, most latterly leading the commercial team in public sector cybersecurity.

“I chose to work at Bedford, after meeting boys and parents of the school through sport. The boys are tremendous ambassadors and the parents spoke so highly of the school. Since starting it is easy to see why. There is something special about Bedford with a huge emphasis on the boys that is evident every single day.”

Mrs Joanna Dickson, Director of Marketing and Communications

Mrs Dickson is responsible for ensuring that the public face of the school entirely and consistently reflects its strategic aims. As such Mrs Dickson leads a team that develop and manage all outward communications.

Prior to her appointment at Bedford School in August 2018, Joanna spent seventeen years working in advertising, on everything from pensions to whisky, the National Lottery to baby food, latterly responsible for all aspects of Weetabix advertising.

“Getting under the skin of Bedford has been a truly inspiring experience. The more I learn about the school, the more I love it. Staff, parents, OBs and the whole organisation are impressive, but most of all the boys – when it comes to bringing our message to life, they are the true voice of the school.”

Mr Hugh Maltby, Director of the Bedford School Association (BSA) and Old Bedfordians Club

An Old Bedfordian, Mr Maltby studied Geography at the University of Reading before seeking a role in the London insurance market. During a career spanning 32 years, Mr Maltby held several senior operational positions and was latterly on the Board of Markel International. A keen sportsman and avid armchair supporter of most sports, he still competes in cycling, swimming and triathlon events.

“The extended school community at Bedford provides a wonderful support network for all those connected with the school, allowing our pupils to excel in academic and extracurricular activities before they embark upon their journey into the wider world”.