Life at Bedford
Our brand-new Sixth Form Centre will open in 2027, giving you a dedicated space of your own to collaborate, socialise and prepare for what comes next.
Your Sixth Form. Your Space.
From 2027, Sixth Form pupils will benefit from a brand-new Sixth Form Centre at the heart of the school. With dedicated study areas, collaborative workspaces, a café and places to relax with friends, it has been designed around the way you learn, work and socialise.
Whether you’re preparing for an exam, meeting friends for a coffee or working on your next big idea, it will become the hub of your Sixth Form experience. Designed exclusively for Sixth Form pupils, it will give you the space, independence and flexibility to make these years your own.
A Community of Opportunity
You will be part of a diverse school, with pupils from 27 nationalities. That global mix helps you see the world differently and contributes to the vibrant community that makes Bedford such a distinctive place to learn and grow.
The friendships, opportunities and sense of belonging you find here are felt across the school, whether you board or not. And the flexible weekend programme gives you the freedom to explore your interests, deepen your commitments and make the most of opportunities beyond the classroom, in a way that works for you.
In the Sixth Form, life strikes a balance between structure and growing independence. You will still follow the Bedford week, but with more flexibility in your day and plenty of space for independent study and curiosity to thrive. Sixth Formers often describe themselves as “all in”—encouraging each other to put more in to get more out. You will have access to dedicated study areas, common rooms, and extra privileges that reflect your maturity and your next step towards university.
Built on Belonging
You will belong to a house with its own character, history, and traditions. This applies to both boarding and day houses—they each have a physical building—so whether you board or not, you will be part of a close-knit community. Within your house, you will join a tutor group made up of pupils from different year groups. It is a chance to lead, learn and connect—without the pressure of sticking to your own age group.
As a Sixth Former, this structure gives you real opportunities to step up. You will take on natural leadership roles—whether that is mentoring younger pupils, setting the tone in your house, or leading in sport, boarding or school societies. You will be a role model, and you will grow in confidence and character as a result.
You will usually keep the same tutor throughout your time here, which means they will really get to know you. They will track your progress, support you when things get tough and work closely with your parents to help you succeed.
Support that Makes a Difference
Teachers at Bedford do not just teach—they get involved. Whether it is sport, music, drama or weekend activities, they are there to support you beyond the classroom. That is what makes Bedford feel different: the relationships you build with staff are real, and they last.
Because staff spend time with you outside of lessons, they understand what drives you, what challenges you, and how to help you grow. Whether you are a boarder or a day pupil, you will benefit from that extra connection—and it is something particularly special about being part of a boarding school.
Learning for Life
At Bedford, you will explore topics that matter—like relationships, mental health, digital awareness and leadership. We know how to make these sessions engaging and relevant, so you take the ideas on board.
You will take part in a carefully planned PSHE curriculum, with guest speakers, workshops and trips, alongside regular discussions and reflections. You will look at themes such as democracy, justice, identity and diversity—giving you the chance to hear different views, learn from each other, and build the kind of understanding that helps you thrive in the wider world.
