Joining
Bedford School
Admissions
At Bedford, we are committed to making your admissions journey simple and straightforward.
Please explore the steps below to join our community—and if you have any questions, our friendly Admissions Team is here to help.
Our ‘school within a school’ for Years 3 and 4, offers boys aged seven to eight the perfect head start in their education.
We believe that starting an independent education, one that is specifically tailored to the needs of boys, offers many benefits—and the earlier you start, the better the foundation and the more exceptional the possible outcomes.
In Years 5 and 6, we nurture boys’ abilities and talents through exciting project-based topic learning and specialist-taught subject lessons.
Boys benefit from specialist teaching within our science laboratories, art studios, design technology workshops, purpose-built theatre, dedicated music spaces and computer science suite. With a broad curriculum and small class sizes, teaching is designed to maximise each boy’s academic potential and fire his curiosity and enthusiasm.
Years 7 and 8 at Bedford are a valuable time for your son to grow in confidence, independence, and responsibility. As a bridge between Year 6 and the Upper School, educating around 180 boys, it is a school within a school.
Our tailored approach ensures that he is challenged and inspired academically as he transitions to the next stage of his educational journey, laying the foundation for future success.
By joining us in Years 7 and 8, your son can take on leadership roles and spend time at the top of the Prep School before moving into the Upper School at 13. It is a unique chance for him to develop a strong sense of belonging and purpose during the years that matter most, transitioning seamlessly when the time is right.
Five simple steps
1 Come and see for yourself
We warmly encourage families to visit the school to see it in action, to meet the boys and staff, and to get a flavour of life at Bedford Prep School.
Open Events
- Open Morning, Saturday 9 May 2026 at 9.00am
2 Register before 1 December
Registrations should be made by 1 December in the year before entry to allow us to send you all the necessary information about your son’s assessment day in the following January.
3 Assessments
Bedford Prep School is a selective school, and all boys are required to sit an entrance assessment and join us for an activities morning. The assessments and activities mornings are held in the January before entry in September.
All boys are assessed in English, maths and underlying ability. Our aim is to establish your son’s readiness to cope with the academic and social demands of the school. We will also request a confidential reference from the Headteacher of your son’s current school.
2027 Dates
- Activities Morning: Saturday 9 January 2027
- Assessments: Monday 11 January 2027
- We can consider assessing your son for entry into the school outside of the above timeframe, but this is reliant on the availability of places.
4 Offers and acceptance
Results of the assessments for September 2027 entry are sent by email on Wednesday 10 February 2027. Families have until Wednesday 3 March 2027 to decide if they wish to take the place. After this date, the offer may be passed to another family.
Results of the assessments at the school for entry in September 2027 will be emailed no later than 4.00pm on Wednesday 10 February 2027.
Parents are given until 3 March 2027 to decide whether they wish to take up the place. After this date, the offer may be passed to another family.
Please note that upon acceptance, the acceptance deposit, and additional deposit, if applicable, are payable to secure the place. These deposits are returned at the end of your son’s time at the school, provided that the required notice has been given to the school and that there are no outstanding fees.
Cancellation of contract for educational services
If your contract with the Trust was formed entirely by means of distance communication
(i.e. by post, fax or electronic communication) without a face-to-face meeting with a member of the Trust or School staff, you may cancel the contract within 14 days. The place was accepted when we received the acceptance form duly completed and signed by you. The 14-day cancellation period will commence on the day following our receipt of your completed and signed acceptance form.
To exercise your right to cancel, you must inform us at the Trust address of your decision to cancel this contract by a clear statement (e.g. a letter sent by post or fax, or an email). You may use the attached model cancellation form or your own wording if you prefer. You do not have to provide a reason for cancellation when informing the Trust.
To meet the cancellation deadline, you must send your communication concerning your exercise of the right to cancel before the cancellation period has expired.
Effects of cancellation
a) Where we have provided educational services
If, following your acceptance of a place and payment of the Acceptance Deposit [and the Additional Deposit (if applicable)], we provide educational services to your child, and then you choose to cancel the contract before the 14-day period expires, you will be liable to pay to us our reasonable costs. These will be the costs for the actual services provided up to the time you communicate to us your cancellation of the contract, calculated as a proportion of the termly fees. We will return to you, after deduction of our reasonable costs, the balance of fees and any deposit(s) paid.
b) Where we have not provided educational services
If you cancel this contract within the 14-day period and we have not provided any services, we will reimburse to you in full any payment of fees and deposit(s) received from you, without undue delay, and not later than 14 days after the day on which we are informed about your decision to cancel.
We will make any reimbursement due using the same means of payment as you used for payment to us, unless we expressly agree otherwise. You will not incur any fees as a result of the reimbursement.
Reimbursement of payments made
If you have paid to us an amount greater than any costs we have properly incurred, we will reimburse you with the balance, within the timescale and in the manner set out in b) above.
5 Starting at Bedford Prep School
We warmly invite boys to a move-up day in June. It is always a fun day at school where they can meet their new classmates and their teachers.
We welcome parents to join us for a new parents’ evening in June to meet their son’s tutor and other key staff, find out more about the opportunities, values and expectations the school has for boys and about the first day of term in September.
Five simple steps
1 Come and see for yourself
We warmly encourage families to visit the school to see it in action, to meet the boys and staff, and to get a flavour of life at Bedford Prep School.
Open Events
- Open Morning, Saturday 9 May 2026 at 9.00am
2 Register before 1 December
Registrations should be made by 1 December in the year before entry to allow us to send you all the necessary information about your son’s assessment day in the following January.
3 Assessments
Bedford Prep School is a selective school, and all boys are required to sit an entrance assessment and join us for an activities morning. The assessments and activities mornings are held in the January before entry in September.
All boys are assessed in English, maths and underlying ability. Our aim is to establish your son’s readiness to cope with the academic and social demands of the school. We will also request a confidential reference from the Headteacher of your son’s current school.
2027 Dates
- Activities Morning: Saturday 9 January 2027
- Assessments: Monday 11 January 2027
- We can consider assessing your son for entry into the school outside of the above timeframe, but this is reliant on the availability of places.
4 Offers and Acceptance
Results of the assessments for September 2026 entry are sent
by email on Wednesday 10 February 2027. Families have until Wednesday 3 March 2027 to decide if they wish to take the place. After this date, the offer may be passed to another family.
Results of the assessments at the school for entry in September 2027 will be emailed no later than 4.00pm on Wednesday 10 February 2027.
Parents are given until 3 March 2027 to decide whether they wish to take up the place. After this date, the offer may be passed to another family.
Please note that upon acceptance, the acceptance deposit, and additional deposit, if applicable, are payable to secure the place. These deposits are returned at the end of your son’s time at the school, provided that the required notice has been given to the school and that there are no outstanding fees.
Cancellation of contract for educational services
If your contract with the Trust was formed entirely by means of distance communication
(i.e. by post, fax or electronic communication) without a face-to-face meeting with a member of the Trust or School staff, you may cancel the contract within 14 days. The place was accepted when we received the acceptance form duly completed and signed by you. The 14-day cancellation period will commence on the day following our receipt of your completed and signed acceptance form.
To exercise your right to cancel, you must inform us at the Trust address of your decision to cancel this contract by a clear statement (e.g. a letter sent by post or fax, or an email). You may use the attached model cancellation form or your own wording if you prefer. You do not have to provide a reason for cancellation when informing the Trust.
To meet the cancellation deadline, you must send your communication concerning your exercise of the right to cancel before the cancellation period has expired.
Effects of cancellation
a) Where we have provided educational services
If, following your acceptance of a place and payment of the Acceptance Deposit [and the Additional Deposit (if applicable)], we provide educational services to your child, and then you choose to cancel the contract before the 14-day period expires, you will be liable to pay to us our reasonable costs. These will be the costs for the actual services provided up to the time you communicate to us your cancellation of the contract, calculated as a proportion of the termly fees. We will return to you, after deduction of our reasonable costs, the balance of fees and any deposit(s) paid.
b) Where we have not provided educational services
If you cancel this contract within the 14-day period and we have not provided any services, we will reimburse to you in full any payment of fees and deposit(s) received from you, without undue delay, and not later than 14 days after the day on which we are informed about your decision to cancel.
We will make any reimbursement due using the same means of payment as you used for payment to us, unless we expressly agree otherwise. You will not incur any fees as a result of the reimbursement.
Reimbursement of payments made
If you have paid to us an amount greater than any costs we have properly incurred, we will reimburse you with the balance, within the timescale and in the manner set out in b) above.
5 Starting at Bedford Prep School
We warmly invite boys to a move-up day in June. It is always a fun day at school where they can meet their new classmates and their teachers.
We welcome parents to join us for a new parents’ evening in June to meet their son’s tutor and other key staff, find out more about the opportunities, values and expectations the school has for boys and about the first day of term in September.
Five simple steps
1 Come and see for yourself
We warmly encourage families to visit the school to see it in action, to meet the boys and staff, and to get a flavour of life at Bedford Prep School.
Open Events
- Open Morning, Saturday 9 May 2026 at 9.00am
2 Register before 1 December
Registrations should be made by 1 December in the year before entry to allow us to send you all the necessary information about your son’s assessment day in the following January.
We recommend registering early, especially if you also wish to apply for a bursary (fee assistance), as extra forms need to be completed and returned by the same 1 December deadline.
3 Assessments
Bedford Prep School is a selective school, and all boys are required to sit an entrance assessment and join us for an activities morning. The assessments and activities mornings are held in January before entry in September.
All boys are assessed in English, maths, and underlying ability. Our aim is to establish your son’s readiness to cope with the academic and social demands of the school. We will also request a confidential reference from the Headteacher of your son’s current school.
2026 Dates
- Activities Morning: Saturday 16 January 2027
- Assessments: Monday 18 January 2027
- We can consider assessing your son for entry into the school outside of the above timeframe, but this is reliant on the availability of places.
4 Offers and acceptance
Results of the assessments for September 2027 entry are sent by email on Wednesday 10 February 2027. Families have until Wednesday 3 March 2027 to decide if they wish to take the place. After this date, the offer may be passed to another family.
Results of the assessments at the school for entry in September 2027 will be emailed no later than 4.00pm on Wednesday 10 February 2027.
Parents are given until 3 March 2027 to decide whether they wish to take up the place. After this date, the offer may be passed to another family.
Please note that upon acceptance, the acceptance deposit, and additional deposit, if applicable, are payable to secure the place. These deposits are returned at the end of your son’s time at the school, provided that the required notice has been given to the school and that there are no outstanding fees.
Cancellation of contract for educational services
If your contract with the Trust was formed entirely by means of distance communication
(i.e. by post, fax or electronic communication) without a face-to-face meeting with a member of the Trust or School staff, you may cancel the contract within 14 days. The place was accepted when we received the acceptance form duly completed and signed by you. The 14-day cancellation period will commence on the day following our receipt of your completed and signed acceptance form.
To exercise your right to cancel, you must inform us at the Trust address of your decision to cancel this contract by a clear statement (e.g. a letter sent by post or fax, or an email). You may use the attached model cancellation form or your own wording if you prefer. You do not have to provide a reason for cancellation when informing the Trust.
To meet the cancellation deadline, you must send your communication concerning your exercise of the right to cancel before the cancellation period has expired.
Effects of cancellation
a) Where we have provided educational ser
vices
If, following your acceptance of a place and payment of the Acceptance Deposit [and the Additional Deposit (if applicable)], we provide educational services to your child, and then you choose to cancel the contract before the 14-day period expires, you will be liable to pay to us our reasonable costs. These will be the costs for the actual services provided up to the time you communicate to us your cancellation of the contract, calculated as a proportion of the termly fees. We will return to you, after deduction of
our reasonable costs, the balance of fees and any deposit(s) paid.
b) Where we have not provided educational services
If you cancel this contract within the 14-day period and we have not provided any services, we will reimburse to you in full any payment of fees and deposit(s) received from you, without undue delay, and not later than 14 days after the day on which we are informed about your decision to cancel.
We will make any reimbursement due using the same means of payment as you used for payment to us, unless we expressly agree otherwise. You will not incur any fees as a result of the reimbursement.
Reimbursement of payments made
If you have paid to us an amount greater than any costs we have properly incurred, we will reimburse you with the balance, within the timescale and in the manner set out in b) above.
5 Starting at Bedford Prep School
We warmly invite boys to a move-up day in June. It is always a fun day at school where they can meet their new classmates and their teachers.
We welcome parents to join us for a new parents’ evening in June to meet their son’s tutor and other key staff, and to find out more about the opportunities, values, and expectations the school has for boys, as well as information about the first day of term in September.
The teenage years are exciting and full of boldness, creativity, and fun; they are also as fragile as they are pivotal.
Whilst constantly aiming to inspire—through high-quality teaching, strong relationships, and a wonderful environment—Bedford School also provides a safe framework in which such energy can thrive.
We believe that, as a boys’ school, we are uniquely placed to offer the security and structure that boys need during their teenage years, in order to pursue their interests and passions.
The Common Pre-Test is a computer-based test in English, mathematics, and verbal and non-verbal reasoning, and is designed to enable all boys to demonstrate their academic potential without excessive preparation.
The pre-test can be taken when a boy is in either Year 6 or Year 7 (and currently anytime between November and May of those academic years).
Five simple steps
1 Come and see for yourself
We warmly encourage families to visit the school to see it in action, to meet the boys and staff, and to get a flavour of life at Bedford School.
Open Events
- Bedford School in Action, Friday 20 March 2026 at 10.30am
- Open Morning, Saturday 9 May 2026 at 10.00am
2 Register before 1 December
Registrations should be made by 1 December in the year before entry to allow us to send you all the necessary information about your son’s assessment day in the following January.
We recommend registering early, especially if you also wish to apply for a scholarship and/or a bursary (fee assistance), as extra forms need to be completed and returned by the same 1 December deadline.
Boys who register two or more years in advance for Year 9 (13+) entry are invited to sit the ISEB Common Pre-Test at their current school. The Pre-Test can be taken in either Year 6 or Year 7, any time between November and May of the academic year.
You can read more about the pre-test in the Pre-Test tab on this page.
3 Assessments
Bedford School is a selective school, and all boys are required to sit our entrance assessments. Our aim is to establish each boy’s readiness to cope with the academic and social demands of the school.
Boys are assessed in English and underlying ability and potential via the Bedford School Aptitude Test (BSAT).
We also request a confidential reference from the Headteacher of your son’s current school, and your son will be interviewed by a senior member of staff.
2027 Dates
- Assessments: w/c 11 January 2027
- Academic Scholarship Call Back: Thursday 21 January 2027
- Art Scholarships: Wednesday 20 January 2027
- Drama Scholarships: Friday 15 January 2027
- Music Scholarships: Tuesday 26 & Wednesday 27 January 2027
- Sport Scholarships: Monday 18 January 2027
- Golf Scholarships: Monday 25 January 2027
- Computer Science Scholarships: Thursday 28 January 2027
- Candidates who have applied for art, computer science, drama, music, sport, or golf scholarships will be invited to attend a separate assessment day for each scholarship applied for.
- We can consider assessing your son for entry into the school outside of the above timeframe, but this is dependent on the availability of places.
4 Offers and acceptance
Results of the assessments for September 2027 entry are sent by email on Wednesday 10 February 2027. Families have until Wednesday 3 March 2027 to decide if they wish to take the place. After this date, the offer may be passed to another family.
Results of the assessments at the school for entry in September 2027 will be emailed no later than 4.00pm on Wednesday 10 February 2027.
Parents are given until 3 March 2027 to decide whether they wish to take up the place. After this date, the offer may be passed to another family.
Please note that upon acceptance, the acceptance deposit, and additional deposit, if applicable, are payable to secure the place. These deposits are returned at the end of your son’s time at the school, provided that the required notice has been given to the school and that there are no outstanding fees.
Cancellation of contract for educational services
If your contract with the Trust was formed entirely by means of distance communication
(i.e. by post, fax or electronic communication) without a face-to-face meeting with a member of the Trust or School staff, you may cancel the contract within 14 days. The place was accepted when we received the acceptance form duly completed and signed by you. The 14-day cancellation period will commence on the day following our receipt of your completed and signed acceptance form.
To exercise your right to cancel, you must inform us at the Trust address of your decision to cancel this contract by a clear statement (e.g. a letter sent by post or fax, or an email). You may use the attached model cancellation form or your own wording if you prefer. You do not have to provide a reason for cancellation when informing the Trust.
To meet the cancellation deadline, you must send your communication concerning your exercise of the right to cancel before the cancellation period has expired.
Effects of cancellation
a) Where we have provided educational services
If, following your acceptance of a place and payment of the Acceptance Deposit [and the Additional Deposit (if applicable)], we provide educational services to your child, and then you choose to cancel the contract before the 14-day period expires, you will be liable to pay to us our reasonable costs. These will be the costs for the actual services provided up to the time you communicate to us your cancellation of the contract, calculated as a proportion of the termly fees. We will return to you, after deduction of
our reasonable costs, the balance of fees and any deposit(s) paid.
b) Where we have not provided educational services
If you cancel this contract within the 14-day period and we have not provided any services, we will reimburse to you in full any payment of fees and deposit(s) received from you, without undue delay, and not later than 14 days after the day on which we are informed about your decision to cancel.
We will make any reimbursement due using the same means of payment as you used for payment to us, unless we expressly agree otherwise. You will not incur any fees as a result of the reimbursement.
Reimbursement of payments made
If you have paid to us an amount greater than any costs we have properly incurred, we will reimburse you with the balance, within the timescale and in the manner set out in b) above.
5 Starting at Bedford School
We invite boys to a Transition Day in June. It is
always a fun day at school where they can meet their new classmates and their teachers.
1 Early registration for 13+ Entry
Boys who register early for 13+ entry are invited to sit the Independent Schools’ Examination Board (ISEB) Common Pre-Test at their current school. The pre-test is available and may be taken anytime between November and May of the academic year.
2 What is the ISEB Common Pre-Test?
A computer-based assessment in:
- English
- Mathematics
- Verbal Reasoning
- Non-Verbal Reasoning
It is designed to identify academic potential without excessive preparation. The test is age-standardised, ensuring fairness regardless of when it is taken. It can only be taken once in an academic year, so timing matters.
3 Where can my son sit the test?
If your son’s current school cannot administer the Pre-Test, he will be invited to Bedford School to take it in person.
References and reports from his current school are also requested, as these are a key component of the assessments.
4 Interview at Bedford
Those who complete the Pre-Test are invited during the summer term for:
- A personal interview
- A family lunch in the Great Hall
Parents and staff join together to welcome prospective pupils.
5 Unconditional Offers
Outstanding performance in the pre-test, the interview, and strong school references may lead to an unconditional offer of a place. We also consider your son’s co-curricular interests to ensure a well-rounded fit for life at Bedford.
Upon receiving an unconditional offer, parents are invited to reserve a place with a £1,200 non-refundable deposit.
6 Final Assessment in Year 8
Boys who receive an unconditional offer are still required to sit the 13+ entrance assessments in the January of Year 8. These results help us provide tailored support when he joins Bedford School.
The Sixth Form is where boys begin to shape their future beyond Bedford.
We equip every boy with the skills he needs to succeed, offering both structure and choice, a strong co-curricular programme, and opportunities for self-development through leadership and service.
Five simple steps
1 Come and see for yourself
We warmly encourage families to visit the school to see it in action, meet the boys and staff, and get a flavour of life at Bedford School.
Open Events
- Bedford School in Action, Friday 20 March at 10.30am
- Open Morning, Saturday 9 May 2026 at 10.00am
2 Register before 1 December
Registrations should be made by 1 December in the year before entry to allow us to send you all the necessary information about your son’s assessment day in the following January.
We recommend registering early, especially if you also wish to apply for a scholarship and/or a bursary (fee assistance), as extra forms need to be completed and returned by the same 1 December deadline.
3 Assessments
Boys who are not applying for an Academic Scholarship are assessed in underlying ability and have an interview with a senior member of staff. We also request a confidential reference from the Headteacher of their current school, which includes an indication of predicted GCSE grades.
Boys who wish to be considered for the 16+ Academic Scholarship are assessed slightly differently. These boys sit two subject papers of their choice and are assessed on underlying ability. They also have a formal interview with the Head Master or another senior member of staff.
Boys who have applied for art, computer science, drama, music, sport, or golf scholarships will be invited to attend a separate assessment day for each scholarship applied for.
Entry Requirements
For entry into the Sixth Form to take A-Levels, a boy must:
a) Gain a minimum of grade 6 at GCSE in his chosen four A-Level subjects. Some subjects have further requirements:
- Boys wishing to study A-Level Physics, Chemistry, and Biology are required to get a minimum grade 7 at GCSE (or 8–7 grade if studying Double Award Science).
- Those wishing to study Physics A-Level are additionally required to get at least a grade 7 in Maths.
- Those wishing to study Maths A-Level are required to get at least a grade 8 in Maths GCSE.
- Those wishing to study Further Maths at A-Level are required to get at least a grade 9 in GCSE Maths.
- Those wishing to study Computer Science are required to get grade 7 in GCSE Computer Science and grade 7 in GCSE Maths.
b) Gain at least grade 5 in Maths and at least a grade 4 in either English Language or English Literature (ideally both).
Where a chosen A-Level subject is not offered by the school at GCSE/IGCSE, the following grades are required in defined and related subjects as described here:
- For Economics – At least grade 6 in Maths and English
- For Business – At least grade 6 in Maths and English
- For Philosophy – At least grade 6 in Religious Studies (or following discussion with the Head of Religious Education and Philosophy)
- For Politics – At least grade 6 in English and History or Geography
- For Music Technology – At least grade 6 in Music (some exceptions may be made for boys who have not studied music GCSE after consultation with the Director of Music)
For boys who have taken IGCSE English as an Additional Language, a grade 6 is required for entry to the Sixth Form. Boys joining from outside the UK who have not taken English Language or English Second Language must demonstrate a B2 upper-intermediate level on their EAL admission test.
Boys whose first language is not English will usually be required to take additional EAL lessons to support them with academic English if the subject teacher judges this to be necessary for them to cope with written work requirements. The school can also provide tuition to boys who wish to study for the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) qualification, which is usually required for university entrance.
2027 Dates
- Assessments and Academic Scholarships: Tuesday 19 January / Tuesday 26 January 2027
- Art Scholarships: Wednesday 20 January 2027
- Drama Scholarships: Friday 15 January 2027
- Music Scholarships: Tuesday 26 & Wednesday 27 January 2027
- Sport Scholarships: Friday 22 January 2027
- Computer Science Scholarships: Thursday 28 January 2027
- We can consider assessing your son for entry into the school outside of the above timeframe, but this is reliant on the availability of places.
4 Offers and Acceptance
Results of the assessments for September 2027 entry are sent by email on Wednesday 10 February 2027. Families have until Wednesday 3 March 2027 to decide if they wish to take the place. After this date, the offer may be passed to another family.
Offers made following Sixth Form assessments in January are conditional on boys’ GCSE results and are confirmed once these are published in August.
Results of the assessments at the school for entry in September 2027 will be emailed no later than 4.00pm on Wednesday 10 February 2027.
Parents are given until 3 March 2027 to decide whether they wish to take up the place. After this date, the offer may be passed to another family.
Please note that upon acceptance, the acceptance deposit, and additional deposit, if applicable, are payable to secure the place. These deposits are returned at the end of your son’s time at the school, provided that the required notice has been given to the school and that there are no outstanding fees.
Cancellation of contract for educational services
If your contract with the Trust was formed entirely by means of distance communication
(i.e. by post, fax or electronic communication) without a face-to-face meeting with a member of the Trust or School staff, you may cancel the contract within 14 days. The place was accepted when we received the acceptance form duly completed and signed by you. The 14-day cancellation period will commence on the day following our receipt of your completed and signed acceptance form.
To exercise your right to cancel, you must inform us at the Trust address of your decision to cancel this contract by a clear statement (e.g. a letter sent by post or fax, or an email). You may use the attached model cancellation form or your own wording if you prefer. You do not have to provide a reason for cancellation when informing the Trust.
To meet the cancellation deadline, you must send your communication concerning your exercise of the right to cancel before the cancellation period has expired.
Effects of cancellation
a) Where we have provided educational services
If, following your acceptance of a place and payment of the Acceptance Deposit [and the Additional Deposit (if applicable)], we provide educational services to your child, and then you choose to cancel the contract before the 14-day period expires, you will be liable to pay to us our reasonable costs. These will be the costs for the actual services provided up to the time you communicate to us your cancellation of the contract, calculated as a proportion of the termly fees. We will return to you, after deduction of
our reasonable costs, the balance of fees and any deposit(s) paid.
b) Where we have not provided educational services
If you cancel this contract within the 14-day period and we have not provided any services, we will reimburse to you in full any payment of fees and deposit(s) received from you, without undue delay, and not later than 14 days after the day on which we are informed about your decision to cancel.
We will make any reimbursement due using the same means of payment as you used for payment to us, unless we expressly agree otherwise. You will not incur any fees as a result of the reimbursement.
Reimbursement of payments made
If you have paid to us an amount greater than any costs we have properly incurred, we will reimburse you with the balance, within the timescale and in the manner set out in b) above.
5 Starting at Bedford School
Boys are welcomed to school on New Boys’ Day, which is on Wednesday 1 September 2027, and receive an induction into the Sixth Form at the start of the school year. This Sixth Form Induction Conference provides guidance, sets expectations, and offers helpful advice on how to make the most of being a Sixth Former at Bedford School.
Our Admissions Process
To begin your journey with us, we ask for:
- The last two school reports in English
- A family visit to the school whenever possible
Assessments can be held at Bedford School, at the British Council, or through an approved agent. Testing can take place from September, prior to the year of entry.
If your son is already studying in the United Kingdom, we typically request that he visits Bedford School, and he has his interview and entrance assessment onsite.
Our Overseas Process
1 Prep School Entry: Y3 – Y8
For boys whose first language is not English, we require the following as part of the admissions process.
- They sit:
– An EAL assessment (English as an Additional Language)
– Digital tests in mathematics and underlying ability - A confidential reference from the Headteacher of their current school
- If we have not met the boy in person, an online interview
2 13+ and 14+ Entry: Y9 & Y10
For boys whose first language is not English, we require the following as part of the admissions process:
- They sit:
– An EAL assessment (English as an additional language)
– A mathematics paper
– A digital test to assess underlying ability - A confidential reference from the Headteacher of their current school
- If we have not met the boy in person, an online interview
3 15+ Pre-Sixth Form Course: Y11
This is a one-year intensive GCSE programme, primarily intended for international students preparing for Sixth Form entry at Bedford School.
Requirements include:
- An EAL assessment (for pupils whose first language is not English)
- A mathematics paper
- A digital test to assess underlying ability
- A confidential reference from the Headteacher of their current school
- If we have not met the boy in person, an online interview
4 16+ Entry: Y12
Boys are asked to indicate their choice of A-Level subjects. All are then asked to complete:
- An EAL assessment
- Subject papers for three of their chosen A-Level courses
- A confidential reference from the Headteacher of their current school
- An online interview, if they have not previously met with us
5 Guardianship
We require all overseas pupils to have a UK-based Guardian, who can be a relative. They must be over 25 years old and not living in student accommodation and either hold a British passport or permanent UK residency.
If no relative is available, guardians must be accredited by the Association for the Education and Guardianship of International Students (AEGIS) or the Boarding Schools Association (BSA).
6 Visa and Immigration Support
Boys who do not hold a British passport require a Child Student Visa to study in the UK. Bedford School is a licensed sponsor and will provide a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) upon offer acceptance.
Additional visa support may be provided by Fragomen, a global immigration specialist. Note: This service incurs an extra cost for families.
- Further information is available on:
UK Government Visa Website - Home Office Guidance
