At the end of their time at Bedford Prep School, boys make the natural progression to the Upper School. Familiar faces, surroundings and teachers all help to smooth this transition.

All boys sit the online Bedford School Assessment Test (BSAT) in December as well as end of year exams, and the results of both contribute to setting in the Upper School. Boys who perform well in the BSAT, may be asked to sit for a 13+ academic scholarship. Boys who show a particular ability in art, drama, music, sport or golf have the chance to sit for a specific scholarship.

To ease the transition, boys also take part in a number of activities in the Upper School. In the spring term, Y8 boys and their families attend a special open morning to familiarise them with any areas of the Upper School campus they may not know (though most will know many areas), meet their Housemasters, Tutors and Heads of Department, as well as hear from the Head Master about the next stage of their journey. Boys also attend a transition day in June to ensure that they are fully ready for the move. 

So when it is time to move up, we are confident our pupils are well prepared and ready to make a successful transfer to the next stage of their education. The friendships they made and the lessons they learned in the Prep School will stand them in good stead for the next stage of their Bedford education.