About Bedford Greenacre Independent School
Bedford Greenacre Independent School is a co-educational independent day school in Bedford, educating pupils from Nursery (age 3) through to Year 13 (age 18). It was formed in May 2021 from the merger of Rushmoor School and St Andrew's School, Bedford, continuing a teaching tradition spanning more than 230 years. In January 2025 the school opened a new senior campus at Manton Lane; the Nursery remains at Kimbolton Road. The school was shortlisted in the co-educational category of the 2025 Independent Schools of the Year Awards. Admission is non-competitive — by assessment and taster days rather than a ranked entrance exam.
Year 7 Admissions — Bedford Greenacre
As an independent school, Bedford Greenacre sets its own admissions process. Entry at 11+ is not a competitive, ranked examination: prospective pupils attend a taster day and a friendly assessment, after which the Principal confirms the outcome. The school admits at most age points subject to availability.
How to Apply
- Register your interest with the Admissions team and book an open morning or personal tour.
- Pay the £150 registration fee to book a place on a taster day.
- Your child attends a taster day and assessment; the Principal then informs you of the outcome.
- Accept the place and complete enrolment for September entry.
Scholarships & Bursaries
Bedford Greenacre offers scholarships in areas including Sport, Art, Music and Design, with further Sixth Form scholarships available. Means-tested bursaries are assessed by the Board of Governors to widen access. Download the scholarship and bursary application forms from the school's admissions pages.
Dates and exact requirements vary by entry point — always confirm the current process with the Admissions team.
Fees, Results & Inspection
- Fees: termly tuition fees apply (Nursery through Sixth Form); see the school's fees page for current rates. Bursaries and scholarships can reduce the cost for eligible families.
- Results: as a small school recently formed from the 2021 merger, GCSE and A-Level outcomes are best confirmed directly with the school; it does not feature in the Times Parent Power national rankings.
- Inspection: as an independent school, Bedford Greenacre is inspected by the relevant independent-schools inspectorate — see the school's latest report for the current judgement.
Location & Catchment
As a non‑selective independent school, Bedford Greenacre does not operate a fixed catchment area — families apply directly from across Bedford and the wider county.
- ✓Main site: Manton Lane, Bedford — the all‑through school from Reception to Sixth Form, on a new campus opened in January 2025.
- ✓Nursery: Kimbolton Road, Bedford, for children from 4 months to 4 years.
- ✓Pupils travel in from Bedford and the surrounding Bedfordshire towns and villages; contact the school about transport options.
Pastoral Care & Co‑curricular Life
Bedford Greenacre was formed from the long‑established Rushmoor and St Andrew’s schools and continues their focus on the individual. As an all‑through school it offers continuity from Nursery to Sixth Form, with a clear emphasis on personal development, confidence and well‑being.
A nurturing, all‑through community
Small classes and relationship‑led support help pupils feel happy and secure; the school was shortlisted in the Independent Schools of the Year 2025 (co‑ed category) for its caring, life‑enhancing experience.
Beyond the classroom
A broad co‑curricular programme spans sport, art, music and drama, supported by the new Manton Lane facilities and outdoor space, with scholarships available in Sport, Art, Music and Design.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bedford Greenacre co-educational? Yes — it is a fully co-educational independent day school.
What ages does the school take? From age 3 (Nursery) through to age 18 (Sixth Form).
Is there a competitive 11+ entrance exam? No. Entry is by a taster day and a friendly assessment, not a ranked entrance examination.
How do I apply? Register with the Admissions team, pay the £150 registration fee, attend a taster day and assessment, and the Principal confirms the outcome.
Are scholarships or bursaries available? Yes — scholarships in Sport, Art, Music, Design and the Sixth Form, plus means-tested bursaries assessed by the governors.
What are the fees? Termly tuition fees apply; current rates are published on the school's fees page.
Does the school have a sixth form? Yes — pupils can continue from Reception through to Year 13 on one site.
When was the school formed? In May 2021, from the merger of Rushmoor School and St Andrew's School, Bedford.
Where is the school located? Manton Lane, Bedford, MK41 7FZ (the Nursery remains at Kimbolton Road).