Visiting
Bedford School
Nothing beats seeing Bedford School in action for yourself. Meet our boys and our teachers and explore the estate. You are welcome to visit us at any time for a Private Tour—or join us at one of our many Open Events.
Book your place for
Your next opportunity to visit
Open Morning
Date: Saturday 9 May 2026
Time: 9:00 am for boys aged 7 to 13 (Years 3 to 8), 10:00 am for boys aged 13-18 (Years 9-13)
Join us for our Open Morning to hear from Head Master James Hodgson or Prep Headmaster Ian Silk. Meet our friendly teachers and our Admissions Team who are happy to answer any questions you may have.
Learn about our extensive scholarship and bursary programmes, enjoy a comprehensive tour of either the Upper School or Prep School, and get a true sense of what makes Bedford School special.
“The boys we met truly reflected an ethos to be admired—a school community that supports everyone. This is something we have not felt elsewhere.”
Prospective parent
Bedford Prep in Action
Date: Friday 5 June 2026
Time: 10:00 to midday
Ages: for boys aged 7 to 13 (Years 3 to 8)
Come and discover Bedford Prep School in action.
Whether you visit with your son or come on your own, the morning offers a genuine, first-hand feel for the energy, warmth and opportunities at Bedford Prep.
“Having seen the school, having met the children and the team, I can only say that you all have exceeded our expectations. My son is now dreaming of joining the school next year.”
Prospective Prep School Parent
Discover Sport at Bedford School
Date: Monday 8 June 2026
Time: 18:30 to 21:00
Ages: for boys aged 7-18 (Years 3 – 13)
Join us for an evening dedicated to discovering sport at Bedford School.
Whether you’re new to the school or already know us well, this informal evening is a great way to meet our staff, explore our facilities and get a true feel for sport at Bedford.
“Known for being sporty, the school plays rugby, cricket and hockey at a very competitive level with much cheering for the home side from the sidelines. But it’s not only core sports on offer. ‘There is every sport you can think of,’ the boys told us, including fives, rowing, water polo and golf.”
Talk Education
Discover Boarding at Bedford School
Date: Thursday 18 June 2026
Time: 18:30 to 21:00
Ages: 9-18 (Years 5-13)
Come and explore boarding life at Bedford School. Tour our boarding houses, meet the Housemasters and chat with boarders who can share what day-to-day life is really like.
With flexi, weekly and full boarding available, there’s an option to suit every family’s routine and needs.
“You don’t learn it. You live it.”
Vivaan, boarder
Discover Creative Arts at Bedford School
Date: Thursday 25 June 2026
Time: 18:30 to 21:00
Ages: for boys aged 11 to 18 (Year 7 – Year 13)
Come and enjoy an evening all about the Creative Arts at Bedford School.
‘Mind-blowing work on show in the art department and indeed all around the school…’
Good Schools Guide
Private Tours
If you are unable to attend any of our open events or would simply like to come sooner, or even just experience the school without too many other visitors around, we would be delighted to welcome you and your family for a private tour. Tours of our boarding houses are also open to families considering boarding, whether flexi, weekly or full.
“It was wonderful to see all the facilities available but most striking was the genuine joy and interest the boys had in showing us their classrooms and work.”
Prospective parent
Open Event FAQs
Yes, advance registration is required to help us plan your visit and ensure you have the best possible experience. You can book your family’s place via the booking form for each event.
No, our open events are always free.
You’ll enjoy a guided tour of the school estate (including one of our boarding houses), meet members of staff and current pupils, and hear from either the Head Master, James Hodgson or Prep Headmaster, Ian Silk, about our school ethos, academic approach, pastoral care and co-curricular opportunities. There will also be plenty of time for questions and informal discussions.
Our Admissions Team is on hand during our open events to answer questions and explain the application process, entry requirements and key dates. You can also find full details on our Joining Us page.
Absolutely. Our Open Mornings are designed to allow parents interested in the Prep School to also visit the Upper School. We recommend booking a place on the Prep Open Morning; at the end of the morning, we can arrange for you to hear from the Upper School Head Master and enjoy a tour of the Upper School. Just let us know when you arrive, and we’ll get this set up for you.
Absolutely! You are very welcome to bring your son to experience the school first-hand or, if you’d prefer, you can come for a first visit without your son—we’d be very happy to welcome you back for another visit with him in the future.
Yes, light refreshments are available during open events.
Bedford School is situated in the heart of Bedford just off De Parys Avenue.
Please use MK40 2TT for accurate directions to the main entrance.
Yes, free parking is available on-site.
Yes, we have accessible parking spaces and facilities. Please let us know in advance if you require assistance by emailing communications@bedfordschool.org.uk.
Yes, absolutely. You’re very welcome to visit as many times as you wish. You may wish to consider a private tour, which is a great way to explore the school in more depth, especially the areas most relevant to your son.
That’s no problem. We offer private tours throughout the year, and there will be more open events in the future. Please contact our Admissions Team for more information or keep an eye on this page for future events.
Private Tour FAQs
In the Upper School, private tours feature a pupil‑led tour, which is a brilliant way to find out about school life from the boys themselves, and an informal meeting with the Head Master, James Hodgson. Families considering flexi, weekly or full boarding are invited to tour one the boarding houses as part of the visit.
Because every private tour is tailored to you and your family, we can adapt the schedule to ensure you see all areas of school life that interest you. We can also arrange informal meetings with additional staff where helpful.
- Term time: Monday to Friday, 8.30am–4.15pm, and Saturdays, 8.30am–12.00pm
- School holidays: Monday to Friday, 8.30am–4.00pm
You can request an appointment here using the booking form on this page or contact the Admissions Team directly by emailing admissions@bedfordschool.org.uk or calling +44 (0)1234 362216.
