We are delighted to share that we have received a glowing review in the Tatler’s Schools Guide 2025. This recognition underscores our unwavering commitment to academic excellence, holistic development and to fostering a supportive and inclusive community.
Academic Excellence and Tradition
The review highlights our strong academic record and rich traditions, stating that we are renowned for our rigorous academic focus, which consistently produces outstanding results. The guide referred to last year’s GCSE results, “which set a new school record, with 71% of grades at 9-7 and one student achieving the world’s top mark in design technology iGCSE. Additionally, 44% of A-Level grades were A to A*, and 75% of their leavers went on to prestigious Russell Group universities, with some even securing golf scholarships to the United States.”
Exceptional Facilities
The review talked about how boys benefit from “access to superb facilities, including an observatory, flight simulator, and nature reserve”. Despite these impressive amenities, one father noted that our school maintains “a grounded environment that is not detached from reality”!
Community and Ethos
The review also praised the “healthy and happy attitude of our boys towards learning”, going on to say that “visitors often find that it is the children they meet who truly clinch the deal.”
Talking of our commitment, ‘That they be good men’ the review explained that “it is deeply ingrained in all aspects of school life and they lead by example, awarding transformational bursaries, partnering with local schools, and hosting enrichment and careers events for the borough.” 
Holistic Development
Looking at our approach to education holistically, the review explained, “The school’s holistic approach to education is evident in their vertical tutor group structure, where senior boys mentor younger boys.”, and gave a great example of our commitment to ensuring boys give back: “This year, the school will embark on a service expedition to Malawi, further emphasising their commitment to community service and global citizenship.”
Future Prospects
Talking of our boys, the review described Bedford School as “dedicated to nurturing resilient, confident, and well-rounded young men who go on to achieve success both here and beyond.”
Mr Sam Baldock (Acting Head Master) commented, “The boys’ achievements and the positive feedback from parents and visitors alike are a testament to the supportive and enriching environment we strive to create. We are incredibly proud of this recognition and remain committed to maintaining the high standards that have earned us a place in this prestigious Schools Guide.
Read the review in full below and read more details about The Tatler School Guide 2025 here.
Tatler’s review in full:
While academic excellence, tradition, boarding provision, and a strong sporting record are what initially draw parents to Bedford, more often than not it’s the children they meet when visiting who clinch the deal. “The boys have such a healthy and happy attitude towards learning and are passionately proud to be part of the school”, one was impressed to discover on Open Day. Bedfordians have access to ‘superb’ facilities – including an observatory, flight simulator and nature reserve – but one father says they’re provided with ‘a grounded environment that is not detached from reality’. The motto – ‘That they be good men’ – is ingrained in all aspects of life; and Bedford leads by example, awarding transformational bursaries, partnering with local schools and hosting enrichment and careers events for the borough. Meanwhile, seniors mentor the younger years in a vertical tutor group structure and will soon embark on a service expedition to Malawi; individual successes are celebrated with a Man of the Week award; and the ‘MoBros’ have raised more than £100,000 for Movember over the past decade. “Resilient, confident and well-rounded young men”, according to one parent, go on to be successful both here and beyond. Last year’s GCSE results set a new school record: 71 per cent were graded 9-7 (and one boy got the world’s top mark for his design technology iGCSE), while 44 per cent of A-Levels were A*to A. Seventy-five per cent of leavers went on to Russell Group universities, and a handful won golf scholarships to the United States.
