Bedford School received a visit from The Good Schools Guide at the start of March this year. The resulting independent and impartial review by the British directory is hugely positive, and we are thrilled to share it with you.
The Good Schools Guide describes its guide as: ‘the UK’s number one school guide, helping parents in every aspect of choosing the best education for their children. Trusted by parents for over 30 years, the guide includes unbiased and candid school reviews.’ Its reports are based upon a rigorous independent appraisal, including inspection and interviews with a range of current parents and pupils.
The Good Schools Guide review of Bedford School is glowing and full of praise, describing the school as:
‘A rock-solid option for a single-sex public school where boys reach their academic potential without undue pressure and kick-start their adult lives with a real love of sport and/or the arts. Boys are among the nicest and most outward-looking we’ve met, helped by school’s (and particularly the current dynamic head’s) strong sense of service. Softer skills a real point of differentiation.’
The boys are also described as:
‘a delight, their trademark being an ability to mix with any age group with an easy, understated confidence.’
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE REVIEW
The School Estate and Atmosphere
‘Once through the gates, it’s impossible not to marvel at the manicured sports fields to your left and pleasing mix of old and new buildings mainly to your right.’
‘The main building is all turrets, spires and a bell tower, with a magnificent hall as the central point and classrooms on four levels.’
‘. . . the whole campus gives the aura of a school offering roundedness in the purest sense of the word.’
‘An enviable community where boys look out for each other across the year groups – a truly brotherly atmosphere.’
Boarding
‘Six senior boarding houses – four on-site and two just a short walk away – all adapted Victorian villas, each with own character and all bright and roomy.’
‘Home from home in every sense, all with a fraternity house feel.’
‘. . . couldn’t praise them [Housemaster’s and House staff] more if I tried – you can call them about anything, no matter how minor,’ said a parent
Academic
‘Academic without being pressurised . . .’
‘The teachers really engage with their subjects – they go above and beyond . . .’
‘Lots going on off-timetable – pretty much every day, one or other of the academic societies (many run by boys) has a meeting, speaker etc.’
The Arts
‘Super modern music centre designed by award-winning architect . . .’
‘Inclusive approach [to music] means all are welcome . . .’
‘Seriously wow factor theatre, built on the site of a former Moravian Church, is architecturally stunning . . . it is a hub of dramatic activity with at least two or three events a week . . .’
‘Mind-blowing work on show in the art department and indeed all around the school . . .’
‘DT among the highest calibre we’ve seen – and imaginative too . . .’
Games
‘. . . while the trophy cabinets are bursting at the seams for all sports from rugby and cricket to rowing and golf, the overall ethos is far from elitist . . .’
‘. . . you name it and Bedford offers it, from archery or rifle shooting to Pilates and fencing.’
Extracurricular
‘A non-stop merry-go-round of extracurricular activities keeps boys busy . . .’
‘There’s always some sort of trip or tour in the planning whether for sports or choir, along with academic excursions and some just for fun.’
If you would like to read The Good Schools Guide’s in full, please follow on the link below.