Bedford School 11+ Practice Papers and Answers

Bedford School – 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations

1. History of the School

Bedford School is a prestigious independent day and boarding school for boys aged 7-18, located in Bedford, Bedfordshire. It is known for its academic excellence, strong sporting tradition, and outstanding extracurricular opportunities.

Founded in 1552, Bedford School is one of the oldest schools in the UK, with a rich history of educating leaders, scholars, and professionals.
It is part of The Harpur Trust, a charitable foundation established to support education in Bedford.
The school has strong traditions but also embraces modern teaching methods and innovation, ensuring students receive a world-class education.

2. Pupil Numbers

Bedford School educates approximately 1,100 students, ensuring a large yet close-knit school community.
The school is structured into:
- Prep School (Years 3-8, ages 7-13)
- Upper School (Years 9-13, ages 13-18, leading to GCSEs and A-Levels/IB)
Boarding students make up around 30% of the school population, with pupils coming from over 30 different countries.

3. Academic Achievements and Awards

Bedford School is academically outstanding, with students consistently achieving exceptional GCSE, A-Level, and IB results.

📌 Outstanding Academic Performance

Students achieve high grades across a broad range of subjects.
The school offers both A-Levels and the International Baccalaureate (IB), giving students flexibility in their academic pathways.
Many students progress to Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London, and Russell Group universities, as well as top global institutions.

📌 STEM & Innovation Excellence

The school has a strong emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Students frequently take part in national and international STEM competitions.

📌 National Recognition

Rated “Excellent” by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) for both academic achievement and personal development.
Regularly ranked among the top independent schools in the UK for academic results, sports, and extracurricular activities.

🏫 Bedford School – Contact Information

School Name: Bedford School
Type: Independent Day and Boarding School for Boys (Ages 7–18)
Part of: The Harpur Trust

📍 Address:

Bedford School
De Parys Avenue
Bedford
Bedfordshire
MK40 2TU
United Kingdom

☎️ Telephone:

+44 (0)1234 362200

📝 Exam Board: Cat4 exam

You can view the school’s exact location on the map below:

How to Use ExamTutor 11 Plus Practice Papers with Video Explanations to Achieve High Scores for Bedford School, in the 11+ Entrance Exam

Bedford School uses Cat4 test for admission to Year 7. To secure a place, students must perform well in the exam. The CAT4 aims to assess developed abilities via modules testing Verbal, Non-Verbal, Spatial and Quantitative Reasoning.

Why Use ExamTutor 11 Plus Practice Papers with Video Explanations?

✔ Designed for Independent School Entrance Exams – Covers question types that may appear in the Bedford School entrance test.
✔ Video Explanations for Every Question – Helps students understand mistakes and improve problem-solving skills.
✔ Identifies Strengths & Weaknesses – Tailored practice to improve weaker areas.
✔ Boosts Confidence & Exam Performance – Familiarisation with exam-style questions reduces anxiety.

How to Use ExamTutor for Bedford School 11+ Exam Preparation

1. Understand the Exam Format

📌Bedford School 11+ entrance test typically includes:

Reasoning (Verbal & Non-Verbal) – Logical thinking, pattern recognition, and spatial awareness.

✔ Start by introducing your child to each section and understanding what is tested.

2. Create a Structured Study Plan

✔ Allocate dedicated study time for each subject every week.
✔ Use ExamTutor practice papers to track progress.
✔ Practice under timed conditions to improve speed and accuracy.

3. Boost Confidence with Video Explanations

Some 11+ question types can be challenging for students. Our expert-led video explanations:
🎥 Break down complex questions step by step
🎥 Teach proven problem-solving techniques
🎥 Show shortcuts and strategies to save time in the exam
🎥 Help students reinforce learning and build confidence

How to Use Video Explanations Effectively:

✅ Review incorrect answers with video solutions – Identify and correct mistakes early.
✅ Take notes on key strategies – Record important problem-solving techniques for future reference.
✅ Rewatch explanations for difficult topics – Reinforce learning by revisiting challenging areas.

4. Develop Exam Strategies & Time Management

✔ Teach skimming and scanning techniques for comprehension questions.
✔ Use mental maths tricks to speed up calculations.
✔ Practice logical reasoning techniques to improve accuracy in reasoning questions.

5. Take Practice Exams & Review Performance

✔ Schedule practice exams close to the real test date.
✔ Analyse results and focus on weak areas.
✔ Use ExamTutor’s tutor-led video explanations for targeted revision.

6. Boost Confidence & Reduce Exam Stress

✔ Maintain a positive and encouraging learning environment.
✔ Encourage regular breaks and revision balance.
✔ Use mindfulness techniques to stay calm before the exam.

Final Tips for Success

✔ Start preparation early – At least 6-12 months before the exam.
✔ Use ExamTutor’s practice tests regularly – Build confidence with real exam-style questions.
✔ Practice writing skills – Creative writing is often a key component in independent school exams.
✔ Stay consistent – Small daily practice sessions are more effective than last-minute cramming.
✔ Attend an open day or taster session at Bedford School – Familiarity with the school environment can boost confidence.

By using ExamTutor 11 Plus Practice Papers with Video Explanations, your child will gain strong exam skills, improve accuracy, and build confidence—increasing their chances of success in the Bedford School 11+ Entrance Exam.

📌 Start practicing today to help your child achieve a top score and secure a place at Bedford School! 🚀

Bedford School – Year 7 Admissions Criteria & How to Apply

Bedford School is a leading independent day and boarding school for boys aged 7-18, known for its academic excellence, strong pastoral care, and wide-ranging extracurricular opportunities. Admission to Year 7 (11+ entry) is competitive, requiring students to perform well in the entrance exam, interview, and school assessment.

This guide outlines the Year 7 admissions criteria and provides a step-by-step process on how to apply.

Year 7 Admissions Criteria

To gain admission to Bedford School for Year 7, students must meet the following criteria:

1. Entrance Examination

Applicants must sit the 11+ entrance exam, which assesses:
📌 English – Comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, and creative writing.
📌 Mathematics – Arithmetic, problem-solving, algebra, and word problems.
📌 Reasoning – Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning to evaluate logical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

The entrance exam is designed to assess both a student’s current ability and future potential.

2. Interview

Shortlisted candidates are invited for an interview with senior staff, which evaluates:
✔ Communication skills and confidence
✔ Academic curiosity and enthusiasm for learning
✔ Problem-solving abilities
✔ Personal interests and extracurricular involvement

The interview helps the school understand whether the student will thrive in Bedford School’s academic and extracurricular environment.

3. School Reference

Bedford School will request a confidential reference from the candidate’s current school, covering:
✅ Academic performance and ability
✅ Behaviour, attitude, and work ethic
✅ Contribution to school life and extracurricular activities

4. Extracurricular & Personal Qualities

The school values students who contribute to school life beyond academics. Strong engagement in sports, music, drama, leadership, or community involvement is beneficial.

How to Apply for Year 7 Admission

The application process follows a structured timeline, so it’s important to apply on time and prepare in advance.

Step 1: Register Your Child

📅 Deadline: Typically in November of the year before entry.

Complete the online registration form on the Bedford School website.
Pay the non-refundable registration fee.

Step 2: Attend an Open Day (Optional but Recommended)

Open events provide an opportunity to tour the school, meet teachers, and understand the school’s ethos.
Booking a place on an Open Morning or Taster Day is highly recommended.

Step 3: Entrance Examination

📅 Exam Date: Typically in January.

Candidates take exams in English, Maths, and Reasoning.
Preparation using past papers and exam-style questions is beneficial.

Step 4: Interview & School Reference

📅 January

Shortlisted candidates are invited for an interview with senior staff.
The school will request a reference from the candidate’s current school.

Step 5: Offer Letters Sent

📅 February

Successful applicants receive an offer letter.
Parents must accept the offer by the deadline and pay a deposit to secure the place.

Step 6: Transition & Induction

📅 Summer Term (before joining in September)

The school organizes orientation and transition events for new students.
This helps students settle in and become familiar with school life.

Key Dates to Remember

📌 Registration Deadline: November (Year before entry)
📌 Entrance Exam: January
📌 Interviews & School References: January
📌 Offer Letters Sent: February
📌 Acceptance Deadline: March

(Exact dates may vary, so always check the Bedford School admissions page for the latest updates.)

Final Tips for a Successful Application

✔ Prepare for the entrance exam early – Use practice papers and reasoning exercises to improve performance.
✔ Encourage reading and writing practice – Strong literacy skills are essential for the English and reasoning sections.
✔ Practice interview skills – Confidence and clear communication are key.
✔ Highlight extracurricular activities – The school looks for well-rounded students.
✔ Attend open events – Gain insights into the school environment and ethos.

Admission to Bedford School Year 7 is competitive, but with early preparation, strong academic performance, and a well-rounded application, your child can maximize their chances of success.

For the most up-to-date information and to apply, visit the official Bedford School website.

Bedford School | 11+

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