Supporting Parents
The Bedford School community welcomes everyone, not just the boys.
We understand the commitment parents make in supporting their sons—balancing busy schedules, navigating school life and embracing new opportunities.
So, we are equally committed to supporting our parents. Through a range of thoughtful initiatives, we work hard to make the Bedford School parent experience as rewarding, connected and seamless as possible.
Solving Logistical Challenges
- Day boys are free to work in the library every evening until 7pm, supervised and without charge.
- Flexi and occasional boarding opportunities provide options for extra support when needed.
- Our busy nearly-new uniform shop is open regularly, offering good quality uniform and sports kit at generally half the cost of new.
A Shared Journey
Our Parent Partnership Programme aims to share insight, support and information with parents, working alongside our PHSE curriculum that the boys undertake. We offer a programme of talks and workshops throughout the school year, combined with an annual conference and regularly signpost guidance, articles and websites for further support.
Streamlined Communications
- All the important information you need for the week ahead is segmented by year group, summarised and linked in one email sent out on a Saturday morning—The Upper Bulletin.
- We summarise all the important events and news from the week just passed in a Friday night email called The Week.
- Everything you need to know about your son’s life at school can be found on My School Portal. No need to access multiple apps and websites, it is a hub of information for parents where everything is kept under one roof.
- We post regularly on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn (and WeChat for overseas families) to keep families abreast of all the goings on at school.
Social and Networking Opportunities
- The Parents’ Guild organise regular events where parents can get together and get to know each other. From quiz nights to wine tastings, from wreath-making to a summer ball, they offer a wide range of opportunities to suit all interests.
- Match teas and rugby lunches are always complimentary, encouraging support for boys playing sport for the school.
- Parents are warmly invited to support their sons on sports tours. Supporters packages are regularly offered to allow families to travel alongside their sons and enjoy the experience together.
- The Bedford School Association regularly stages networking events (either general or industry-specific) for parents to connect with like-minded others.
Joining In
- Joining the Parents’ Guild offers the chance to be more involved and make a difference, fundraising to enhance the experience for all boys at the school.
- We stage regular productions, concerts and lectures throughout the school to which all parents are welcome.
A Community for Life
- Whilst boys become Old Bedfordians on leaving Bedford School, parents automatically become part of the Past Parents Association, which offers an ongoing connection, plus support and networking opportunities to all members.
- Parents (alongside Old Bedfordians and past parents) are warmly invited to join Eagle Connect, our online community network hub with almost 3000 members.
