We believe that a boy’s education is about much more than academic lessons, and so prioritise happiness and success—in that order.
A PASTORAL FOCUS
A boy’s happiness stems from a boy developing confidence in his own ability and learning to navigate for himself all the many activities on offer, and with support and encouragement, becoming confident in who he is.
At Bedford Prep School, our Tutor Group and House systems lie at the heart of our pastoral care. Class Teachers/Form Tutors build a strong relationship with every boy in their care to support and provide stability, which ensures he grows in a nurturing and enriching atmosphere. Class teachers and Form Tutors are also the first point of contact for parents.
All boys also join one of four houses: Bunyan, Harpur, Howard or Whitbread. In their houses, our younger and older boys happily mix together, learning from each other, enjoying a shared sense of belonging and, of course, friendly competition across all areas of school life from music to sport to fundraising, all for the hotly contested house cup.
Personal Development
All boys have a Personal Development lesson each week, taught by a specialist teacher, usually their Head of Year. The curriculum follows the guidelines laid out by the PSHE Association and incorporates our five school values of Kindness, Endeavour, Responsibility, Integrity and Curiosity. Our Personal Development programme aims to develop the child within by providing a platform for discussion of mandatory topics, and topics which challenge boys and allow them to develop into active citizens who understand their place in the world, are able to make healthy and sensible life choices and develop long-lasting and positive relationships with others. ‘Living in the Wider World’ topics cover economic wellbeing, careers and communities both off and online. ‘Health and Wellbeing’ topics include how to be healthy and safe physically, mentally and digitally. ‘Relationships’ topics raise awareness of respect, contact and trust in both the real and virtual world. Ultimately, through the teaching of Personal Development, we want our boys to develop in confidence, be responsible, keep safe and respect themselves and others.
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH
We place the highest importance on the wellbeing of our boys.
Our on-site medical centre, with its dedicated team of five nurses, offers all boys a kind and professional service. They deliver a high standard of nursing care, aiming to treat every pupil holistically, looking at his social, psychological and physical needs.
The nursing team are available Monday to Saturday and is supported by the school Medical Officers, who are local GPs from the De Parys Group. The Medical Officers are available in school each Tuesday and Thursday between 10:30 and 11:30. All full boarders are registered as NHS patients at the De Parys Group upon joining the school.
The school also has a long-established counselling service, which is available five days a week. All boys are free to visit and talk to a school counsellor in complete confidence for help and support during difficult times. Boys can seek help and advice on a wide range of issues. Parents can also be seen and referred to counsellors in their locality if ongoing support is required.
SPIRITUAL WELLBEING
The school Chapel plays an important part in the life of the school community, symbolising Bedfordians past and present and providing a daily reminder of life’s spiritual dimension. While rooted in the Christian tradition, we welcome those of all faiths and none, and our Chaplain offers pastoral counselling and support to any member of the school community who seeks it. Equally, the doors to our Chapel are always open, whether for worship or quiet reflection.
As well as Chapel Assemblies, there is a regular pattern of Church of England services weekly during term time (except at exeat weekends), including compline, as well as regular Morning and Evening Prayer, Holy Communion and Choral Evensong services, to which all members of the school community are welcome.
School meals
All boys join together in our relaxed, modern dining halls to eat each day. Using the finest ingredients, our chefs create a wide variety of exciting, nutritious and delicious meals designed to fuel both body and mind. At lunch each day there is a selection of soups, traditional meals, exciting dishes cooked on the theatre bar, vegetarian and vegan dishes, pasta, jacket potatoes, salads, freshly baked bread, desserts and fresh fruits to choose from. Breakfast and dinner times for boarders are somewhat quieter affairs, but the quality and selection on offer, including house choice nights each week and themed menus, is no less outstanding. We also cater for a wide range of special dietary requirements.
Take a look at our weekly menus for a taste of the food on offer.
