Academic Support
At Bedford, you will be challenged to aim high—but you will never be expected to do it alone. The school is committed to helping every boy succeed, and that means providing the right support when it is needed.
If you have a specific learning difficulty, you will receive tailored help.
Teachers use individual classroom strategies to support you in lessons, and specialist staff are available during supervised prep sessions. You can also attend weekly academic clinics in a range of subjects to get extra guidance. We can also advise you on any entitlements you may have to access arrangements.
Teachers receive ongoing training to make sure they understand how to support different learning needs. The school also works closely with your parents, sharing resources and offering talks and workshops through the Parent Partnership Programme.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
If English is not your first language, you may need extra support to get the most out of your studies. At Bedford, all EAL students benefit from high-quality, inclusive teaching across the curriculum, with subject teachers trained to support your language development in class.
For those who need more focused help, the EAL department offers a creative and practical course designed to build your academic English. You will work on reading and listening skills, grammar, academic writing, planning and proofreading, and presentation techniques—all aimed at helping you succeed across your subjects. This programme can be taken as an intensive option in place of a fourth academic subject.
We also offer preparation for the IELTS Academic exam, which is often required by universities in the UK and internationally. This course is compulsory for all EAL students joining the Sixth Form, unless you have studied in the UK for at least two years and achieved a Grade 6 or above in GCSE English, or Grade 8 or above in IGCSE ESL.
Living and Learning Internationally
Bedford is a global community. As a boarding school with staff who speak multiple languages and understand a wide range of cultures, the school is well equipped to support international students. Teachers will work closely with you to help you adapt to life in the UK—both in and out of the classroom—and to give you the tools you need to reach your academic potential.
