As the school year draws to a close, we are delighted to announce that we have been shortlisted for not one but two major awards as part of the Independent Schools of the Year Awards scheme for 2023.
This year, we are proud to have been shortlisted for both ‘Independent Prep School of the Year 2023’ and ‘Independent Boys’ School of the Year 2023’ amongst some very distinguished company in both cases.
Our entry for the Prep School award centred on the breadth of our provision, with everything from our values-based learning tied closely into the Future Skills Curriculum, through our extensive co-curricular programme with free starter lessons in music, a Chapel Choir, huge numbers of sporting opportunities, not to mention the plethora of clubs open to all. We outlined our pastoral care provision with an emphasis on building self-worth amongst all boys and highlighted our welcoming community, which extends into the Upper School and beyond through our Old Bedfordians.
For the Boys’ School award, we highlighted the findings from our recent research project, which drew out the aspects of a Bedford education that sets us apart in the eyes of all our key stakeholders, from boys to parents, to staff and across the whole community. Hence our entry was more than just our own assertions of greatness, but instead provided evidence in the words of those who experience it, of what makes Bedford such an outstanding boys’ school. Citing all the relevant details, we closed with the assertion that it is the boys who truly make our school, emerging year after year as authentic ‘good men’, happy and successful and, importantly, in that order.
Whilst we wait until next term to hear from the judges, we find ourselves among esteemed company on both the major shortlists and are delighted to be closing the academic year with news of this national recognition.