Rowing
Dedicated, first-class facilities, a well-equipped fleet of boats, experienced specialist coaching staff and year-round opportunities ensure an impressive level of rowing at Bedford School.
A History of Success
The Bedford School Boat Club is the country’s sixth-oldest school boat club and has a long history of success dating back to 1861. Highlights include winning the Princess Elizabeth Challenge Cup at Henley Royal Regatta and numerous gold medals at The National Schools Regatta, including the Child Beale Cup in 2018.
Over the years, many boys have gained selection for the Great Britain senior rowing team. The most notable was the triple Olympic champion Jack Beresford who was the most decorated Olympic rower with five medals (three gold and two silver) across five consecutive Games, a record only surpassed by Sir Steve Redgrave with five golds.
More recently, Phelan Hill steered the British eight to a gold medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics, and Bennedict Eggeling in Germany’s eight crew came fourth in the Paris Olympics. In 2024, Rupert Apps and James Sprange achieved success as a winning pair in the Home International Rowing Regatta.
Many Old Bedfordians have also represented their country at the Under 23 World Championships, the Commonwealth Games and The Boat Race and won at Henley Royal Regatta.
Comprehensive Rowing Programme
Bedford boys benefit from a year-round rowing programme with comprehensive off-season development, led by experienced coaches.
Boys enjoy from 2-5 land-based sessions per week and 3-6 sessions on the water per week preparing them for a full calendar of races and regattas, culminating in the National Schools Regatta and Henley Royal Regatta.
Experienced and Dedicated Coaches
Our full-time staff deliver high-performance coaching, athlete development, and technical refinement. The rowing programme is led by Director of Rowing, Pete Mulkerrins, who represented Great Britain in the Men’s Coxed Fours and Coxless Fours at the 1988 and 1992 Olympic Games. Supporting him is Dr William Suthers, Master in Charge of Rowing, who has guided crews to medal success across all age groups at the National Schools Regatta. Dr Suthers has also competed at Henley Royal Regatta, representing Durham University, Reading University, Leander Club and Tideway Scullers School.
Complementing our full-time coaches is a dedicated team of passionate teachers who foster a love for rowing across all ability levels. Among them is Miss Lauren Owens, Head of Cox Mentoring, a former cox for Queen’s University and Vesta Rowing Club.
First-Class Facilities
The Boat Club boasts excellent facilities, including a boathouse just a short walk from the school on the River Great Ouse. It has one of the best-equipped school fleets in the country, thanks to a regular investment programme and careful management and maintenance from its team of boatmen.
On the school estate, a dedicated rowing performance centre and strength and conditioning gym offer boys an excellent land programme that fits their day and helps them make the gains to compete at their best.
Training Camps
In addition to domestic training camps at Pangbourne and Radley on the River Thames, the club has a tradition of overseas training camps for its senior crews. Each year, the Boat Club’s senior and J16 crews head to Sarnen, Switzerland, to train at the home of the Swiss National Team, providing excellent preparation for summer racing.
Find out about a Sport Scholarship
Deadline for 2026 Entry: 1 December 2025
Our generous Sport Scholarships are available to boys who demonstrate outstanding sporting ability and potential for future development in one or more of our four major sports of rugby, hockey, cricket and rowing or golf.
If you are serious about sport, Bedford is the place for you.
