About Bedfordshire Grammar Schools
Bedfordshire hosts 3 selective schools — primarily the Harpur Trust independents in Bedford: Bedford School (boys), Bedford Girls' School, and Bedford Modern (mixed). These schools are linked through the historic Harpur Trust, dating back to 1566. Bedfordshire has no state grammar schools — the county abolished selection in the 1970s.
History & Tradition
The Harpur Trust dates from 1566 — Sir William Harpur, Lord Mayor of London, endowed Bedford School to provide education for Bedford boys. Bedford Girls' School (originally Bedford High School) was founded in 1882. Bedford Modern (1764) is the third Harpur Trust school. Bedfordshire abolished state grammars in 1972.
The Entry Test
Each Harpur Trust school sets its own entrance test in autumn of Year 6 — typically covering English, Maths, Verbal/Non-Verbal Reasoning. Joint testing arrangements between the three schools simplify applications.
Bedfordshire 11+ at a Glance
7 Things You Should Know About Bedfordshire Grammar Schools
Researched facts about the region's selective schools — drawn from official sources, school websites and education research.
- 1The Harpur Trust dates from 1566 — endowed by Sir William Harpur, Lord Mayor of London, to provide education for Bedford boys.
- 2Bedford School (boys) is one of the larger Harpur Trust schools — typically admitting ~150 boys per year across 11+, 13+, and 16+ entry points.
- 3Bedford Girls' School (originally Bedford High School) was founded in 1882 — one of England's earliest girls' independent schools.
- 4Bedford Modern School is mixed — established in 1764 to provide a more 'modern' education complementing the classical curriculum of Bedford School.
- 5All 3 Harpur Trust schools are linked but admissions and curricula are separate — siblings often attend the school appropriate to their gender.
- 6The Harpur Trust offers significant bursary support — up to 100% of fees for families with household income under £50,000.
- 7Bedfordshire families seeking state grammar education typically look to neighbouring Buckinghamshire or Lincolnshire — both involve significant commuting.
| Rank | School Name | Gender | PAN | 11+ Exam | GCSE 9-7 | A-Level A*-B |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bedford Greenacre Independent School | Boys | — | Independent | — | — | |
| Bedford Modern School (BMS) | Boys | 150 | Independent | 70.4% | 76.1% | |
| Bedford School | Boys | 170 | Independent | 74.1% | 86.3% |
Bedfordshire Grammar Schools — Frequently Asked Questions
What 11+ exam do Bedfordshire grammar schools use?
Most Bedfordshire grammar schools admit pupils through the Independent 11+. Check each school's row above, as some set their own entrance test or use a different exam board.
What makes Bedfordshire grammar schools distinctive?
The Harpur Trust dates from 1566 — endowed by Sir William Harpur, Lord Mayor of London, to provide education for Bedford boys.
What else should families know about the Bedfordshire 11+?
Bedford School (boys) is one of the larger Harpur Trust schools — typically admitting ~150 boys per year across 11+, 13+, and 16+ entry points.
Nearby Regions
Many families consider grammars in neighbouring regions to maximise options. Explore: