Bedford School, along with Bedford Prep School, has once again been recognised in The Cricketer’s Top 100 Schools Guide, marking the 10th anniversary of this prestigious accolade. The guide highlights the top 100 senior schools and top 50 prep or junior schools for cricket in the UK, encompassing both independent and state-funded institutions.
Ayden Duffy, Assistant Head (Co-Curricular & Partnerships), expressed immense pride in this achievement saying, “We are honoured to be included in The Cricketer’s Top 100 Schools for the 10th consecutive year, with both our Prep and Upper Schools recognised. Our partnership with Northamptonshire County Cricket Club provides a seamless pathway to elite cricket, while boys benefit from up to six cricket sessions per week, led by three full-time cricket staff. At Bedford, we pride ourselves on fostering a high-performance culture that has helped develop exceptional players, including Old Bedfordian Sir Alastair Cook. Cricket remains central to our ethos, inspiring talent and passion across all levels.”
Read: Partnership with Northamptonshire County Cricket Club
Inspiring the Next Generation
Schools were selected on a rigorous set of criteria, including their commitment to cricket in the curriculum, facilities, fixture programmes and coaching standards. Ayden went on to explain, “We look forward to continuing our tradition of excellence and inspiring the next generation of cricketers. Our official link with Northamptonshire County Cricket Club only enhances our ability to provide top-tier opportunities.”
Our strong track record of producing first-class players remains something we are hugely proud of. OB Emilio Gay (11-18) recently secured a move to Durham in Division One of the County Championship, while OB Gus Miller (15-20) is poised to take a leading role in Northamptonshire’s test match batting order. Not forgetting, of course, the illustrious career of OB Sir Alastair Cook (98-03), who, as former England captain, retired from the game in October 2023. 
A Legacy of Excellence
Huw Turbervill, editor of The Cricketer Magazine, commented on the guide’s significance, “Here at The Cricketer, we’ve covered the schools’ game since our inception in 1921, as part of our commitment to follow cricket at all levels. We’re proud of this coverage, and the 10th anniversary of this guide recognises the fantastic cricket programmes that exist in school curricula up and down the country.”
Our inclusion in The Cricketer’s Top 100 Schools Guide for the tenth consecutive year is a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence in cricket, inspiring future generations of cricketers to achieve their full potential.
