Co-curricular
At Bedford Prep, education goes far beyond the classroom. We help boys discover new talents, develop skills and grow in confidence.
Way Beyond the Classroom
Keeping boys active and engaged is essential. That is why we offer a wide range of co-curricular activities, with long lunch breaks and dedicated time before and after school to make the most of them.
These experiences build boys’ skills and passions, alongside their physical fitness and love of learning. It is all part of our holistic approach—one of the things that sets Bedford Prep apart and helps shape the well-rounded young men who leave us.
Clubs and Activities
Our extensive activity programme gives boys the chance to explore both sporting and non-sporting interests—and the vast majority come at no extra cost.
With time built into the school day, boys can dive into clubs during lunch, before or after school. They might master recipes in Hungry Boys Club, sing in Choral Beans or learn the strategy of chess. Early morning swims come with hot chocolate and breakfast, while other favourites include coding with Lego, caring for animals, robotics and stargazing in our very own observatory and planetarium.
< Hungry Boys’ Club
Clubs and Activities
Our extensive activity programme gives boys the chance to explore both sporting and non-sporting interests—and most come at no extra cost.
With time built into the school day, boys can dive into clubs during lunch or before or after school. They might master recipes in Hungry Boys Club, sing in Choral Beans or learn the strategy of chess. Early morning swims come with hot chocolate and breakfast, while other favourites include coding with Lego, caring for animals, robotics and stargazing in our very own observatory and planetarium.
< Animal Care Club
Clubs and Activities
Our extensive activity programme gives boys the chance to explore both sporting and non-sporting interests—and most come at no extra cost.
With time built into the school day, boys can dive into clubs during lunch or before or after school. They might master recipes in Hungry Boys Club, sing in Choral Beans or learn the strategy of chess. Early morning swims come with hot chocolate and breakfast, while other favourites include coding with Lego, caring for animals, robotics and stargazing in our very own observatory and planetarium.
< Robotics Club
clubs and activities taking place every week
orchestras, ensembles and choirs
animals to care for
Sport
Sport is a big part of life at Bedford Prep. Boys discover a wide range of sports in PE and games lessons, then follow up on favourites—or try something new—through co-curricular sessions.
From football and tennis to cricket nets, golf and running club, there’s sport’s club to spark every boy’s interest.
Creative Arts
Drama
Taught both as a subject and through English, Drama is brought to life in termly productions. Performances take place in either our Erskine May Hall, the stunning Quarry Theatre or its gardens. Boys can also get involved backstage in lighting, set design and stage management.
Nearly 40% of boys take weekly Speech and Drama lessons, with many achieving outstanding results at the Bedfordshire Festival of Music, Speech and Drama.
Drama helps boys speak with confidence and perform with assurance—skills that last a lifetime.
Music
Music gives boys a creative outlet, builds confidence and fosters a strong sense of belonging. It helps them grow as individuals while connecting with others through shared experiences.
We encourage boys to take up an instrument and offer every boy in Years 5 and 6 two full years of free starter lessons to try out instruments. We are proud to say that a third of boys go on to learn an instrument as a result—and 20% learn more than one.
Music is taught both in our dedicated music rooms within the Prep School and in the main Music School, and boys can join a wide range of groups, from orchestras to ensembles to choirs.
Regular informal concerts build confidence in front of an audience, while our Autumn and Summer concerts in the Great Hall give boys the chance to shine on the big stage. They also benefit from our Music Fellowship Programme, meeting outstanding musicians and taking part in workshops and masterclasses across the different areas of music.
Art and DT
From day one, we nurture each boy’s creativity and imagination in Art and DT.
In our dedicated studios in the Prep School, boys explore a wide range of techniques in a safe, open environment. We encourage them to express their ideas, have fun and discover a love of art and design.
Creativity is vital to every boy’s education—and in an all-boys environment, free from traditional gender stereotypes, they are more likely to get involved.
Trips and Tours
Trips are a key part of life at Bedford Prep. They support the curriculum, build friendships and create lasting memories.
At the start of each year, every boy visits our beautiful field conservation centre at Ickwell with his year group—a chance to settle in, spark new friendships and reconnect with old ones.
Closer to home, they enjoy sleepovers at school and visits to places like the Big Bang Science Fair, Whipsnade Zoo, the Houses of Parliament and Verulamium.
Trips Week at the end of the summer term offers exciting residential and day trips.
Further afield, boys take language trips to Germany, Spain and France, and sports tours to places like Jersey and even South Africa. We also run two ski trips to Austria each year—one for Y3–Y5 boys and families at Easter, and one for Y6–Y8 boys at Christmas.
Supporting Charities
Our boys are proud to support the school’s charity work through the Community Partnership Programme.
Each House raises funds for a chosen charity through fun events and challenges. In 2024–2025, all Houses supported Diabetes UK.
Boys also enthusiastically take part in wider appeals like ‘Christmas in a Box’ and the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal and enjoy own clothes days to raise further funds for charities.
Each year, Prep boys join Upper boys to raise awareness and funds for Movember, supporting men’s health, and together regularly raising over £25,000.
