We are always pleased to consider high achieving pupils at Bedford School, however, we do require boys to have a reasonable level of fluency in English. Pupils can apply to the school directly or may come to us via an agent. At initial enquiry, we would ask for a copy of the pupils last two school reports (in English).
We would always encourage families to visit the school and for us to meet the boy. Testing may take place here at Bedford School, at the British Council or through an approved agent. Boys can be tested from the September prior to the year of entry.
If an international pupil is already studying within the United Kingdom, we would normally ask that the pupil visits us at the school and that they undertake their interview and entrance assessment here.
Prep School
Pupils whose first language is not English will be required to sit an EAL assessment (English as an Additional Language) as well as digital tests for Maths and underlying ability.
We will also request a confidential reference from the Headteacher of each applicant’s current school, and if we have not had the opportunity to meet with the pupil, we will conduct an online interview.
Upper School – Year 9 (13+) and Year 10 (14+)
Pupils whose first language is not English will be required to sit an EAL assessment (English as an Additional Language) and a maths paper as well as a digital test to assess underlying ability.
We will also request a confidential reference from the Headteacher of each applicant’s current school, and if we have not had the opportunity to meet with the pupil, we will conduct an online interview.
Upper School – Pre-Sixth Form Course (15+)
The Pre-Sixth Form Course is a one year intensive GCSE programme, primarily intended for international students. It is hoped that boys will see this as a foundation year before moving into the Sixth Form at Bedford School.
Pupils whose first language is not English will be required to sit an EAL assessment (English as an Additional Language) and a Maths paper as well as a digital test to assess underlying ability.
We will also request a confidential reference from the Headteacher of each applicant’s current school, and if we have not had the opportunity to meet with the pupil, we will conduct an online interview.
Sixth Form
Pupils will be required to indicate their choice of A-Level or IB subjects. All pupils will then sit an EAL assessment (English as an Additional Language) in addition to either subject papers for three of their chosen A-Levels, or their three higher level subjects for the International Baccalaureate (IB).
We will also request a confidential reference from the Headteacher of each applicant’s current school, and if we have not had the opportunity to meet with the pupil, we will conduct an online interview.
Guardianship
A condition of entry to Bedford School is that all boys coming from overseas have a Guardian based in the UK. This may be a relative but must be someone of more than 25 years of age, not living in student accommodation.
If you do not have a relative who can fulfil this role, then you can find a list of accredited guardians on the Association for the Education and Guardianship of International Students (AEGIS) website – www.aegisuk.net or the Boarding Schools Association (BSA) website – www.boarding.org.uk. All Guardians who are not relatives MUST be AEGIS or BSA accredited.
Visas
Any pupil who does not hold a British passport who wishes to study in the UK must have a visa to allow them to study in the UK. Bedford School has a Child Student Sponsor licence and is able to provide a CAS (Certificate of Acceptance to Study) once a place has been accepted at the school. Further information may be obtained from the UK Government visas and Home Office websites. Bedford School reserves the right to use the services of Fragomen, a global immigration specialist, for the application process. This service comes at an additional cost to families.
