Bedford School boys once again excelled with superb results in 2023 and set a new school record at GCSE. Almost half of all GCSE grades were marked at 9 or 8 (the old A* grade), and an impressive 69% were at 9-7 (A*- A). 

We are delighted for this year’s GCSE boys, who have navigated the Covid years through school admirably and achieved some wonderful results at the end of it. I congratulate them all, and the teachers and parents, who have inspired them on their way.

James Hodgson, Head Master

For our Sixth Form leavers, 72% of all A-Level grades were at A* to B, leading to a spectacular range of post-school university destinations, courses and careers. The sheer breadth and diversity of courses that boys will take up this autumn are equally impressive, from Sports Science, Creative Music Technology, Ethics, Value and Philosophy, Marine Biology, Media and Communications, Sustainable Built Environments, Energy and Resources, Music, Multimedia and Electronics, Zoology, Real Estate and Optometry to more traditional choices such as Business, Economics, Engineering, Accounting, Liberal Arts, Computer Science, Architecture and Physics. Six boys are also going on to read Medicine. 

Top-flight university destinations for 2023 include Oxford, London School of Economics (LSE), Edinburgh, Imperial College, York, St Andrews, Durham, University College London (UCL), King’s College London (KCL), Leeds and Loughborough.   

Exam Results*

GCSE

The two-year GCSE course provides a strong foundation for boys moving on to A-Level or the IB Diploma. Boys study a core of English, Maths, a Modern Language and all three Sciences, as well as a broad range of other subjects to provide them with a secure and challenging academic foundation.

2023 GCSE Results

  • 46% of qualifications were graded 9 to 8 
  • 69% of qualifications were graded 9 to 7 
  • 84% of qualifications were graded 9 to 6

A-Levels

The Advanced Level course at Bedford allows boys to focus on three or four subjects. Students also enjoy a Skills Programme to prepare them for university life, which is complemented by a full lecture programme with major speakers from outside the school. Alongside A-Levels, students also undertake the Bedford School Independent Project (BSIP), and many boys convert this project into an examined Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

2023 A-Level Results

  • 17% of qualifications were graded A* 
  • 44% of qualifications were graded A* to A 
  • 72% of qualifications were graded A* to B

International Baccalaureate

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme is a globally recognised pre-university course designed for students aged 16 -19.  Bedford School has recorded outstanding results in the years it has presented candidates for the IB Diploma examinations.

We believe that the IB gives our boys an edge as they seek places on particularly competitive university courses in the UK and elsewhere, and that it is also an asset to those who recognise that their future career may include an international dimension. It allows specialisation in a specific area, such as science, humanities or languages, while offering breadth. The core components of the Theory of Knowledge and Extended Essay develop critical thinking and writing and promote qualities of independence and curiosity, which are essential for higher education, and the CAS programme takes boys out of school to help others in the community.

2023 IB Results

  • 18% of Higher-Level qualifications were graded 7, the top grade 
  • 43% of Higher-Level qualifications were graded 7/6, equivalent to A*/A at A-Level 
  • 84% of Higher-Level qualifications were graded 7/6/5, the equivalent of A*, A or B at A-Level 

 

*Please note that the results shown above are subject to change due to remarks.