Bedford School is probably unusual as a Senior Public School in that (in addition to a weekly Chapel service) the Head Master holds two full school assemblies in the Great Hall each week. Each Monday there is a talk from the Head Master and then a talk from another member of the community (often a staff member, but sometimes a current pupil or old boy or indeed visitor) on Friday.

The aim of these assembly talks is to get boys to think, but the talks also encourage groundedness and a sense of gratitude for what they have.  Topics are regularly values-based (not only our four core values of integrity, responsibility, endeavour and curiosity; but also kindness, empathy and the ‘old-fashioned’ values of duty and respect).  However, speakers also draw on current affairs, ethical issues, our sense of shared history and (as part of our wider UK educational duty) ‘fundamental British values’.  We hope these assemblies convey an idea of Head Master’s own values and interests, whilst also providing something of a record of weekly affairs in the school and the wider world.

Head Master’s Assembly Talk: Some Bedford School History Part One
Two bits of Bedford School history for you this week in my two assemblies;...
Head Master’s Assembly Talk: The Comma
I first became interested in the comma (you heard that correctly: the small and...
Head Master’s Final Assembly
Just before I start today, I wish to congratulate all of those boys who...
Head Master’s Assembly Talk: Ordinary People
A short article by the editor of The Week magazine, Caroline Law, took my...
Head Master’s Assembly Talk: Bridges Two
Two leaders of considerable power come together after half a century at war, join...
Head Master’s Assembly Talk: Bridges
One of the joys of being a Head Master is that you get to...
Head Master’s Assembly Talk: Day One Summer Term
I have always loved the summer term, not just as a teacher but also...
Head Master’s Assembly Talk: Winter Olympics
How many times have you heard the phrase “don’t worry; it’s only a game”....
Head Master’s Assembly Talk: Stoic Living
Being stoical these days is not always seen as a good thing. It usually...