The Sixth Form is a wonderfully rewarding and challenging time at Bedford School. During these two key years, boys take on responsibility and grow in independence so that they leave prepared for university and life beyond school as confident young men, empowered, articulate and resilient, equipped to thrive and lead.

 WHY Study at Bedford School Sixth Form?

  • Small class sizes
  • Choice: A-Level or International Baccalaureate (IB) pathway
  • Experienced and passionate teachers
  • Superb facilities
  • Extensive enrichment opportunities
  • Excellent university destinations: two-thirds of boys go on to Russell Group universities, including Oxford and Cambridge
  • Award-winning Careers and UCAS support
  • Boarding options for that perfect stepping stone to university
  • Generous scholarships (boarding or day)
  • Fee assistance, in the form of means-tested bursaries worth up to 100% of annual school fees also available

Sixth Form Course Guides

At Bedford School, you have the choice of two routes in the Sixth Form: the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma or A-Levels. 

Although different, both qualifications are highly successful at Bedford school with excellent results that open the doors to the best universities, not only in the UK but the world.

IB Diploma
The IB Diploma is a globally recognised and highly regarded Sixth Form qualification. The IB allows students to achieve a depth of knowledge within their specialist areas while preserving breadth.  As part of this qualification students also undertake an extended essay, a Theory of Knowledge course and Creativity, Action, Service (CAS) element.
Find out more about the IB

A-Levels
Most students study four courses in the Lower Sixth, choosing either to focus on their favourite subjects, specialise in one area or take the best combination for the university course they wish to read.  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).
Find out more about our A-Levels  

Academic Extension

Whether you choose A-levels or the IB, you will be challenged to develop your intellectual curiosity, to ask questions, to broaden your knowledge and intellect, and to be aware of the world beyond the school. Through our academic extension programmes; undertaking either a Bedford School Independent project (BSIP) or Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), you will learn to develop and hone your research and presentation skills. Both the BSIP or the EPQ allow you to explore new topics in a rigorous and critical manner to help you on your path to becoming an independent learner ready for university and the wider working world.

Our weekly Sixth Form lecture series, visiting speakers and citizenship mornings all enhance both your academic education and general education to help to prepare you for further studies, work and life in general.

Learn more about our General Education programme

Enrichment - New Experiences

Beyond the classroom, there are myriad opportunities to take on responsibility or leadership. Our 70+ clubs and societies are all boy-led and provide an ideal platform for you to make your mark.  You can explore the creative arts, take up a position on the sports field, further your love of languages, challenge yourself through the Duke of Edinburgh scheme or make a difference to the community through our charities committee – whatever you choose, all offer the opportunity to gain new skills and experiences. There are also numerous trips and tours which allow you to explore your interests even further.

Find out about opportunities outside the classroom 

Guidance and Support

Bedford School not only holds a Gold Education 2 Employment (E2E) award but also the highly respected Careers Mark.  Both awards are a reflection of the school’s outstanding careers provision. 

We recognise that high-quality careers advice and guidance is vital to prepare you for your future; to help you make the most of the opportunities open to you.  Our team of core staff work alongside your housemaster, tutor and teachers to provide you with the self-awareness, confidence, breadth of experience, opportunities and networking skills you need to make informed and confident decisions about the options available to you and, ultimately, your future beyond school.

Find out more about the support available 

Bright Futures

Our superb leavers’ results help open doors to the best universities and exciting career opportunities. 

In 2022, 91% of boys took up places at their first or second-choice universities. Boys excelled once again, with a superb set of results and top-flight university destinations including LSE, Edinburgh, Imperial College, York, St Andrews, Durham and Leeds, with six boys taking up places at Oxford and Cambridge and eight boys going on to read medicine. Boys also go on to take up degree-level apprenticeships, go directly into employment or into a professional sport. Whatever your ambitions, we will help you to find the best option for you.

View our University Destinations

Generous Scholarship and Fee Assistance

Six scholarships are available to boys joining in the Sixth Form: Academic, Art, Drama, Music, Sport and Golf, as well as our Sixth Form specific Professor John Roach Academic Scholarship.  Financial assistance, in the form of bursaries, is also available to welcome talented boys who would otherwise be unable to access a Bedford School education.  Awards of up to 100% of annual fees are possible.

Find out more about our scholarships  Find out more about our bursaries

Sixth Form Handbook