About Bedford School
Bedford School is an independent day and boarding school for boys aged 7–18 on De Parys Avenue in Bedford, founded in 1552 and the oldest of the four schools run by the Harpur Trust. Set in a 50-acre site with around 1,100 pupils (about a third boarders, from over 30 countries), it has a strong record in academic work, music and sport. As an independent school it charges fees — £9,743 a term for day pupils (about £29,229 a year) in 2025/26, with boarding higher (around £16,774 a term).
Entry to Year 7 is by the school's own entrance exam — English (comprehension and creative writing), Mathematics and a reasoning assessment (a CAT4 test covering verbal, non-verbal, spatial and quantitative reasoning) — followed by an interview and a school assessment.
Year 7 Admissions Guide for Bedford School
Bedford School Admissions Criteria
Bedford School is a boys independent day school in Bedfordshire. Entry to Year 7 (11+) is via the ISEB Common Pre-Test, the online adaptive assessment used by leading UK independent senior schools, covering English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning, and may include an interview. The school offers a comprehensive education with a wide range of academic, sporting, musical, dramatic and artistic opportunities.
- ✓Step 1 — Initial enquiry: Contact the Admissions Team at Bedford School to register your interest and request a prospectus. Visit the school on an Open Day or arrange a private tour to experience the school environment first-hand.
- ✓Step 2 — Submit registration: Complete the online (or paper) registration form and pay the registration fee to formally apply for a Year 7 place at Bedford School. Early registration is recommended — many independent schools have rolling admissions and limited Year 7 places.
- ✓Step 3 — Reference from current school: The school will request an academic and pastoral reference from your child's current school. This provides insight into your child's academic progress, character and suitability.
- ✓Step 4 — ISEB Common Pre-Test: Your child will sit the ISEB Common Pre-Test online — the standardised, adaptive assessment used by Bedford School and over 90 other UK independent senior schools. The test covers English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning and takes 2 hours 15 minutes in total. It is age-standardised to allow fair comparison across applicants.
- ✓Step 5 — Interview (where applicable): Many independent schools include an interview as part of the selection process — this is a friendly conversation to learn about his interests, motivations and aspirations.
- ✓Step 6 — Written decision: Following the assessment, parents are notified in writing whether him child has been offered a place at Bedford School.
- ✓Step 7 — Accept the place: To accept an offer, parents complete an acceptance form and pay a deposit to secure the place. The deposit is typically credited against future school fees.
- ✓Academic Scholarships: Awarded to applicants demonstrating exceptional academic ability in the entrance assessment.
- ✓Music Scholarships: For pupils with proven musical ability — supported by an audition.
- ✓Art & Drama Scholarships: For pupils with strong creative and performance ability, supported by a portfolio or audition.
- ✓Sport Scholarships: For pupils with talent and achievement in sport at a competitive level.
- ✓Bursary Awards: Means-tested financial support for families who require help with school fees at Bedford School. Awards are typically assessed annually.
- ✓Sibling Discount: Available at many independent schools for families with multiple children attending.
Bedford School Oversubscription Criteria
- Looked-after and previously looked-after children (highest priority).
- Children who achieve the highest scores in the 11+ entrance test.
- Children living within the school's priority catchment area.
- Children with siblings currently attending Bedford School.
- All other qualifying children ranked by distance from the school.
Key Dates & Deadlines — Bedford School 2026
| 📌 Open Events | Throughout the year — check school website to register |
| 📌 Application Window | Rolling admissions — apply early to secure assessment slot |
| 📌 Entrance Assessment | Arranged after registration submitted |
| 📌 Decision Notification | Following assessment, by written letter from the Head |
| 📌 Acceptance & Deposit | Deposit required to secure offered place |
How to Apply to Bedford School
Step 1 — Attend an Open Event at Bedford School (held in Spring and Autumn
Attend an Open Event at Bedford School (held in Spring and Autumn — September, October and November)
Step 2 — Submit the online Registration Form together
Submit the online Registration Form together with the £150 non-refundable registration fee and supporting documentation (including birth certificate) by the beginning of December of Year 6
Step 3 — The school requests a confidential reference from your
The school requests a confidential reference from your son's current school
Step 4 — Your son sits the ISEB Common Pre-Test in the autumn term
Your son sits the ISEB Common Pre-Test in the autumn term of Year 6 (online, adaptive assessment covering English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning — 2 hours 15 minutes total)
Step 5 — Your son attends a written assessment
Your son attends a written assessment and interview at Bedford School in January 2027 for September 2026 entry
Step 6 — Results are emailed no later than 4:00pm on Wednesday 10
Results are emailed no later than 4:00pm on Wednesday 10 February 2027
Step 7 — Families have until Wednesday 3 March 2027 to accept the
Families have until Wednesday 3 March 2027 to accept the place
Step 8 — On acceptance, pay the £1,200 acceptance deposit
On acceptance, pay the £1,200 acceptance deposit (plus £16,800 additional deposit for non-UK residents) to secure the place
Subjects Tested at Bedford School
Scholarships & Bursaries at Bedford School
Available scholarships and bursaries: Means-tested bursaries (administered by the Harpur Trust). Contact Mr Richard Midgley, Director of Admissions: 01234 362216 or admissions@bedfordschool.org.uk
Outcome announced: Bursary decisions notified by 4:00pm Wednesday 10 February 2027
Additional notes: Deposits are returned at the end of your son's time at the school, provided required notice has been given and there are no outstanding fees. Bedford School is part of the Harpur Trust.
Academic Performance at Bedford School (GCSE & A-Level Results)
Bedford School is a high-performing boys’ school with strong results at GCSE and in the Sixth Form, where boys take either A-Levels or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma.
- GCSE: a high proportion of strong grades, with particular strengths in the sciences, mathematics and the arts.
- Sixth form: a choice of A-Levels or the IB Diploma, with strong university progression.
- Progression: high rates of progression to leading universities in the UK and abroad.
Exam results change annually, so always confirm the latest published figures on the school’s website.
Catchment Area for Bedford School
As an independent school, Bedford has no catchment area; boys travel in from across Bedfordshire and beyond, and boarding is available from Year 9. Places are awarded on the entrance exam and interview.
Bedford offers Harpur Trust bursaries worth up to 100% of fees (day or boarding); apply via the Harpur Trust bursary form alongside your entry application.
Independent Practice Papers for Bedford School
Bedford School uses School's own bespoke 11+ format. Our Practice Papers is a great way to practice for the exam — with full video explanations for every question.
- 3 × English, Maths, VR & NVR tests
- 600 video explanations
- 31.5 hours of video content
- 3 × English, Maths, VR & NVR tests
- 600 video explanations
- 28.5 hours of video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 11.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 11 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 10 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9 hrs video content
How to Prepare for the Bedford School 11+ Exam
ExamTutor practice papers with tutor explanations for every question offers an affordable substitute for private tuition for a fraction of the cost.
📋 Take a Diagnostic Test
Start with a timed practice test to identify strengths and areas needing improvement.
📅 Build a Study Plan
Start at least 6–12 months before the exam. Focus extra time on weaker subjects.
🎥 Review with Video Explanations
Watch video solutions for incorrect answers. Rewatch difficult topics until confident.
⏱️ Develop Exam Technique
Practice under timed conditions to build stamina and learn to manage difficult questions.
📈 Track Progress
Monitor scores over time to see genuine improvement and identify remaining weak spots.
🚀 Build Confidence
Simulating real exam conditions means no surprises on the day — your child knows what to expect.
Pastoral Care, Sport & Extracurricular Life
Founded in 1552 and the oldest of the four Harpur Trust schools, Bedford School is an independent boys’ day and boarding school (ages 7–18) on a 50-acre estate in Bedford, comprising a Preparatory School (7–13) and an Upper School (13–18). A Church of England foundation with the motto ‘Floreat Schola Bedfordiensis’ and a strong boarding ethos — around half of pupils board — it was named Independent Boys’ School of the Year in 2021.
It has a renowned sport programme (including rowing on the Great Ouse), strong music and drama, an active Combined Cadet Force and a wide co-curricular offer. For the full list, see the school’s own website.
Bedford School — Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to Bedford at 11+?
Apply online directly with the school; your son sits the entrance exam and attends an interview, and a school assessment is taken into account. Bursary applications go through the Harpur Trust.
What is on the Bedford 11+ exam?
The school's own papers — English (comprehension and creative writing), Mathematics, and a reasoning assessment (CAT4: verbal, non-verbal, spatial and quantitative) — plus an interview.
Is Bedford selective, and does it charge fees?
Yes — it is a selective independent day and boarding school for boys, so it charges fees (£9,743 a term for day pupils, about £29,229 a year, in 2025/26; boarding is higher).
Does Bedford offer boarding?
Yes — Bedford is a day and boarding school (boarding from Year 9); around a third of pupils board, from over 30 countries.
Does Bedford have a catchment area?
No. As an independent school it admits boys from any area; it is under 40 minutes by train from London.
When is the entrance exam?
School assessments are held in January; check the school site for the exact dates and registration window for September 2027 entry.
Are bursaries available?
Yes — the Harpur Trust offers bursaries worth up to 100% of fees (day or boarding); apply via the Harpur Trust bursary form.
What is the CAT4 test?
A cognitive abilities test covering verbal, non-verbal, spatial and quantitative reasoning, used alongside the English and Maths papers to assess potential.
How can my son prepare?
Build confident Year 5/6 English and maths, practise creative writing, and become familiar with verbal and non-verbal reasoning. ExamTutor offers Independent-style practice papers with full video explanations.