Compare International Schools in Bedford, United Kingdom

Bedford Girls' School

Instructs in English

Ages 7 - 18 years

Fees £14,970 - 20,656

Pupils 946

Type Girls School

Bedford Girls' School is an independent, all‑girls day school for ages 7–18 on Cardington Road, Bedford, beside the River Ouse. The curriculum blends the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme and Diploma Programme with the British system; the Sixth Form offers either the IB Diploma or A Levels. The learner profile guides planning to develop attributes such as inquiry, knowledge and balance. In Years 7–9 pupils study English, Mathematics, Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics), Geography and History, Philosophy and Religion, two Modern Foreign Languages (French or Spanish), plus Drama, Music, Dance, Art, Design Technology, Food and Nutrition, Computer Science, Textiles and PSHE; Classics in Year 7 and Latin in Year 8; Year 9 introduces options. GCSE years cover English, Maths, Sciences and at least one language and humanities, with a Double Science option. The Sixth Form offers IB or A Levels, with ongoing PE and CAS. Facilities include glass libraries, science labs, a drama and dance wing, a 20m pool, floodlit astro pitches, a boathouse and 12 tennis courts. Co-curriculars span Arts and Creativity, Global Citizenship and Well-being; highlights include Model United Nations, English Society and the Duke of Edinburgh's Award.

Location

Situated on the edge of Bedford town centre on the banks of the River Great Ouse, Bedford Girls' School is on Cardington Road, Bedford, MK42 0BX. It is well connected by a network of bus and train routes serving Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Milton Keynes, East Northamptonshire and Cambridgeshire. The school's address and location are in Bedford, United Kingdom.

Stages

Junior School (Years 3–6; approximately 7–11 years), Senior School (Years 7–11; approximately 11–16 years), Sixth Form (Years 12–13; approximately 16–18 years).

Type

an academically selective all-girls independent day school for girls aged 7-18.

Additional learning support

The school operates a Learning Support Policy with in-class support in some subjects; it welcomes students with disabilities or special educational needs and will discuss adjustments during admissions; a Learning Support Manager supervises SEN needs and the school will work with families to meet those needs.

Country affiliation

United Kingdom

School day structure

The School Day runs from 08:40 to 16:00, with Breakfast Club from 07:30 to 08:25. Arrival for different year groups ranges around 08:30–08:40, and Junior/Senior ends are 16:00 with Late Care available until 19:00; there are scheduled breaks and lunches throughout the day.

Bus service

A comprehensive network of commercial and private coach/bus services and trains serves Bedford Girls' School. Private operators run many routes; Harpur Trust routes are available and bookings are via harpurtrust.vectare.co.uk; a transport map shows major routes. The School does not run its own bus services; two mainline railway stations (Bedford St Johns and Bedford Midland) are within easy walking distance from Cardington Road; Stagecoach services do not drop off or collect at the School.

Fees — academic year 2026/27

Application and registration fees
- Registration (non‑refundable): GBP 150.
- Acceptance deposit (one‑off on acceptance): GBP 500. This deposit is retained by the Trust and is credited back (without interest) against the final invoice or refunded on leaving in accordance with the Trust's terms.
- PTA and Alumnae lifetime membership (compulsory on entry): GBP 150 (charged in the second term of entry).

Tuition fees (per year group / division) — annual and termly amounts
- Junior School (ages 7–11): GBP 14,970 per year (GBP 4,990 per term). Fees are inclusive of VAT. Wrap‑around care from 7:30am until 7:00pm is included.
- Senior School (ages 11–16): GBP 20,656 per year (GBP 6,885 per term). Fees are inclusive of VAT.
- Sixth Form (ages 16–18): GBP 20,656 per year (GBP 6,885 per term). Fees are inclusive of VAT.

VAT
- Tuition figures above are quoted inclusive of the 10% VAT element that is passed on to parents.

Mandatory additional costs and routine extras
- Purchase of school iPad: approximately GBP 350 (compulsory as part of the digital toolkit).
- Public examination fees (charged in the term of the examinations; charged only for subjects entered): IGCSE/GCSE guidance GBP 45–135 per subject; A Level guidance GBP 75–245 per subject; IB Diploma guidance GBP 74 per subject plus core costs.
- School uniform (if purchased new): typically GBP 350–450; a pre‑loved uniform shop is available to reduce cost.
- School lunches (2026/27): GBP 5.85 per day (seasonal, prepared in‑house). Parents may opt out of school lunches with half a term's notice.
- Trips and residential visits: most trips are optional and charged separately; residential trips vary from a few hundred pounds (UK field trips) to over GBP 1,000 (e.g., ski trips). Trip costs may be payable in instalments. Students on bursaries may receive support for some trips.
- Co‑curricular charges: most clubs are free, but some activities (one‑to‑one specialist lessons, external qualifications such as Duke of Edinburgh) incur additional charges. A full list of activity fees is maintained by the school.
- For pupils whose normal residence is outside the UK an Additional Deposit (equivalent to one term's fees) may be required.

Boarding fees
- Boarding is not offered; Bedford Girls' School operates as a day school. There are no boarding fees.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Invoicing: fees are invoiced by the Harpur Trust (the school's parent charity) and are collected on behalf of the school. Invoices are issued before the start of the preceding term.
- Payment schedules available: (a) termly, (b) nine monthly instalments (spread across the school year), or (c) a single advance payment for the year. Instalment options follow the Harpur Trust schedule (autumn, spring, summer collections or monthly breakdown across those terms).
- Direct debit is the expected method for UK parents and is the standard route for termly or monthly arrangements. Parents who do not use direct debit must ensure fees are paid in full before the first day of the term.

Accepted payment methods and practical details
- Direct debit: standard for UK parents; mandate provided at enrolment; available as three termly payments or nine monthly payments across the school year.
- Bank transfer: accepted for overseas payments or for UK parents not using direct debit; bank account details are provided by the Harpur Trust on fee invoices.
- Card payments: accepted for single‑term or ad‑hoc payments (subject to card provider limits and possible upper limits per transaction). Extra charges and card limits may apply.
- Invoices and account statements are managed by the Harpur Trust fees team; extras (trips, lunches, music lessons) are added to termly invoices or spread across the chosen instalment plan.

Refunds, deposits and notice terms
- Registration fee (GBP 150) is non‑refundable.
- Acceptance deposit (GBP 500) is retained until the pupil leaves and will be credited to the final invoice or refunded on leaving subject to the Trust's terms. An Additional Deposit for overseas pupils (one term's fees) is retained and treated similarly.
- Cancellation rights: where an offer and its acceptance are made entirely at a distance, there is a statutory 14‑day cancellation right; in those circumstances the Acceptance Deposit and any Additional Deposit will be refunded and fees pro‑rated if educational services have been provided. Otherwise normal notice provisions apply.
- Notice to withdraw: at least one full Term's written notice (or payment of one Term's Fees in lieu of notice) is required when withdrawing a pupil, except at the natural end of the final year. Failure to provide the required notice will result in a charge of one Term's Fees in lieu.
- Refunds and reductions: fees are not refundable for pupil absence through illness, for shortened terms or extended vacations, or if a pupil is released early from school other than where a legal liability arises. Expelled pupils are not entitled to refunds of the Acceptance Deposit or fees for the current or past terms.

Where extras are charged and timing of those charges
- Examination charges, trips, music lessons, optional external qualifications and other extras are billed in the term they are incurred or added to the normal termly invoice; some extras may be spread across the chosen instalment plan. Parents receive an itemised invoice from the Harpur Trust.

Summary of routine headline figures (2026/27)
- Junior School: GBP 4,990 per term / GBP 14,970 per year.
- Senior School (11–16): GBP 6,885 per term / GBP 20,656 per year.
- Sixth Form: GBP 6,885 per term / GBP 20,656 per year.

(End of fee overview)

Uniform Requirement

Uniform is worn as part of school identity for Junior, Senior and Sixth Form. Junior School Uniform includes a grey kilt-style skirt or grey trousers, a white short-sleeved blouse, a teal jumper and the Bedford Girls' School grey blazer; Senior School Uniform includes a grey kilt-style skirt or grey trousers, a white short-sleeved blouse, a damson jumper and the grey blazer; Sixth Form Uniform is a smart business-style grey skirt or trousers, a suit jacket and a striped long-sleeved blouse. All uniform is purchased online through Schoolblazer.

Food Options

Green's Kitchen offers nutritious, well-balanced and freshly prepared meals with fresh fruit and salad, including bespoke catering for allergies or dietary requirements. Students can choose between school lunches and packed lunches from home. The Sixth Form has exclusive use of Chequers, the all-day café offering hot and cold options and barista coffees.

House System

The House System comprises six houses: Austen (Red), Hepburn (Blue), Chanel (Purple), Nightingale (Green), Franklin (Yellow) and Parks (Orange). All students and every member of staff are allocated to a house on entry; the houses meet fortnightly and host events such as House Drama, House Talent, junior and senior sports days, and other competitions including bake offs, debating, and art and design challenges and pancake races.

Governance and Ownership

Bedford Girls' School is governed by the Bedford Girls' School Governing Body. The Governing Body comprises members of the School's Senior Leadership Team and representatives from The Harpur Trust leadership team, Harpur Trust Trustees and Governors.

Curriculum

Senior School curriculum is broad and engaging. The learner profile guides curriculum planning to develop ten attributes: Knowledgeable, Inquirers, Open-Minded, Caring, Risk Takers, Communicators, Thinkers, Balanced, Principled and Reflective. Years 7 and 8 cover core subjects English, Mathematics, Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics), Geography, History, Philosophy and Religion, two Modern Foreign Languages (French or Spanish), plus Drama, Music, Dance, PE, Art, Design Technology, Food and Nutrition, Computer Science, Textiles and PSHE. In Year 7 Classics is studied and in Year 8 Latin replaces Classics; Year 9 introduces choice and independence with core subjects and a range of options. Years 10 and 11 are GCSE years with core subjects English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and at least one Modern Foreign Language, plus three further subjects with at least one humanities; a Double Science option is available; non-exam courses continue in PE, PSHE and Philosophy and Religion. The Sixth Form offers a choice of International Baccalaureate Diploma or A Levels, with continued PE, PSHE and CAS; the IB Diploma Programme requires six subjects (three HL, three SL) plus ToK, EE and CAS.

Exam Results

Bedford Girls' School reports excellent 2026 results across the IB Diploma Programme, A Levels and GCSE examinations. Overall, 82% of results were graded A*-B, 16% of A Level students achieved straight As and A*s, and 67% of IB students achieved more than 40 points. The IB cohort averaged just over 39 points, with 67% scoring above 40, placing the group among the top 5% of students worldwide. There were notable university destinations including four Oxbridge places and 94% achieving a place at their preferred university; GCSE results showed around 80% of grades were 9-6.

Higher Education Progression

Graduates progress to a broad range of universities in the UK and internationally; notable destinations include University of St Andrews, Exeter, UCL, Bath and the University of the Arts London, with four Oxbridge places and 94% securing a place at their preferred university.

Gifted and Talented

The school does not label pupils as Gifted and Talented; instead it operates a Challenge and Extend Policy designed to stimulate all learners, with targeted extension for those who are particularly able.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Pastoral care is an integral part of classroom teaching and leads to the development of intellectual, social and emotional skills. The aims of pastoral care include safeguarding and promoting the welfare, health and safety of every student in school and in activities outside school, and ensuring they know who to approach if they have a problem or concern. The pastoral team includes the Deputy Head – Student Engagement and Welfare, the Director of Safeguarding, the Director of Sixth Form, heads of year and houses, the School Counsellor, the School Nurse and Wellbeing Officers, the Learning Support Teacher and the Director of SEND, who work together to support students. The PSHE programme covers Personal and Social Health Education, Sex Education, Careers and Citizenship Education, with weekly lessons in the Senior School and form-based delivery in the Junior School. A dedicated school counsellor and nursing team play important roles in pastoral care, supported by a multi-disciplinary approach to addressing student concerns.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

The school provides SEN support through a Director of SEND and a Learning Support Teacher as part of the pastoral team. The pastoral care policy outlines levels of support from universal to targeted and structured interventions, including access to the Learning Support Team and the School Counsellor. For more intensive needs, external agencies such as CAMHS, CHUMS, Open Door and Relate may be involved. A Disability Access Plan (2022–25) outlines accessibility and related support within the school.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

Some English as an Additional Language support is offered to individual students as needed. This support is provided on an as-needed basis to help students access the curriculum.

Mental Wellbeing

Wellbeing and Growth underpin the pastoral approach; growing up is complex and the school uses pastoral strategies tailored to girls and encourages wide friendship groups throughout the year cohort and extensive co-curricular programmes. Research commissioned by the GSA shows that girls in single-sex schools develop stronger mental toughness and resilience. The school supports students in developing resilience and self-belief by allowing them to take academic risks in a safe, supportive environment. The Deputy Head Pastoral oversees the pastoral structure to ensure every student is nurtured and challenged, and the school works with parents to help them understand stages of development and provide strategies to support their daughters.

Safeguarding

The school recognises its moral and statutory responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all students. The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is Luan Tink, with Deputy Designated Leads including Matt Gracie. The school will contribute to multi-agency safeguarding arrangements and works with the Bedford Borough Safeguarding Children Board and MASAs. All staff receive safeguarding and child protection training and know how to contact the safeguarding lead.

History

Bedford Girls' School was formed in 2009 through the merger of Bedford High School and Dame Alice Harpur School, creating a modern, single-sex girls' school. It is part of the Harpur Trust and draws on a long history of education designed for girls. Both heritage schools were founded in 1882 through the legacy of Sir William Harpur on the same site, at a time when formal education was reserved for boys. Since the merger, the school has invested in forward-thinking education, blending innovative teaching, pastoral care and technology to remain at the forefront of girls' education. Alumnae continue to inspire the next generation as role models for female leaders, creative-thinkers and change-makers.

Community

Our school is built on a partnership between parents, students, staff and alumnae, putting the students at the heart of all we do. We are building a community of women supporting women who build each other up through nurture and challenge. We want our students to recognise their role within the community and the wider world, and to understand that they are part of a global community and learn by taking an active part in their communities. We are a multi-cultural school and proud of our diversity; our commitment to diversity and inclusion is a significant strand of the Strategic Plan and guides our thinking and actions.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

The Bedford Girls' School Parent Teacher Association was formed on 3 October 2011 and committee members have been elected annually since then. Comprising parents and teachers, we meet once or twice a term to organise events and projects that raise money for the school. Our objectives are to develop strong relationships between staff, parents and others linked with the school and to provide activities or facilities to support the school. Regular events include the May Ball and Burns Night Supper (shared with Bedford School every two years), a Family Quiz Night, a Christmas Fayre and the Games on the Lawn for the Junior School. It also runs second-hand uniform sales, Christmas gift sales, flower arranging workshops and ice creams for Sports Day. Funds raised typically reach around £20,000, enabling purchases such as interactive biology equipment, dual-language library books and a sensory garden; volunteers are welcome and inquiries can be emailed to the Association.

Facilities Overview

Bedford Girls' School sits on the banks of the River Ouse, with spaces designed for forward-thinking learning. Light-filled glass libraries and state-of-the-art science labs anchor the academic core, complemented by a dedicated drama and dance wing. Younger pupils are nurtured in the Junior School building before moving to the main school at Year 7. The Sixth Form is housed in its own House, offering a large common room, private study spaces, seminar rooms and its own café.

Sports Facilities

The school has a 20-metre heated indoor swimming pool, flood-lit astro-pitches, a dedicated modern lacrosse facility, sports halls and a fitness centre. Rowing is supported by the boathouse on the River Ouse. Outdoor facilities include a full-sized flood-lit all-weather 2G hockey pitch and 12 outdoor tennis courts.

Academic Facilities

Facilities include light-filled glass libraries and state-of-the-art science labs. A dedicated drama and dance wing supports performing arts. The Junior School building nurtures younger pupils before Year 7, and the Sixth Form House provides a large common room, private study spaces and seminar rooms with its own café.

Extra Curricular Facilities

Drama and dance facilities support performances and creative arts activities. A fitness/dance studio serves movement and fitness classes alongside other PE activities. The boathouse and River Ouse location enable rowing as an extracurricular option. Indoor pool, astro-pitches, lacrosse facility, hockey pitch and tennis courts support a wide range of clubs and team activities.

Academic & Intellectual

Bedford Girls' School runs a comprehensive co-curriculum that develops leadership, self-esteem, time-management and teamwork. The co-curriculum is organized around four themes: Arts and Creativity, Engage and Inspire, Global Citizenship, and Well-being and Teamwork. All students from Years 3 to 9 take part in at least two co-curricular activities each week; Years 10 and 11 participate in at least one, and Sixth Form follows the CAS programme. Some activities are charged extras, including Dance, Speech and Drama, Instrumental Music, Singing and the Duke of Edinburgh's Award.

Arts & Creative

Creative Arts comprises Art and Textiles, Drama and Dance, and Music. It offers opportunities across these disciplines, with enrichment such as visits to galleries and exhibitions like the Young Artists' Summer Show. The Arts programme is delivered by talented staff and industry experts, providing a vibrant environment to develop creative talents.

Cultural & Language

Language immersion trips are offered as part of co-curricular provision. Bedford Girls' School hosts and participates in Model United Nations conferences, developing public speaking and diplomacy skills. Trips and excursions broaden cultural awareness by exposing students to environments from local to international. The school's global citizenship approach includes cross-cultural engagement and international experiences.

Social & Hobbies

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is offered as a co-curricular extra. The English Society is led by Sixth Form students and provides opportunities for student-led activities and assemblies. The sport and arts programmes provide broad social engagement, with over 70 co-curricular sports opportunities each week and a wide range of teams across athletics, cricket, cross country, football, gymnastics, hockey, lacrosse, netball, rowing, swimming, table tennis, tennis and triathlon.

Community & Service

The Combined Cadet Force (CCF) operates with Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force sections, offering leadership development and opportunities to attend camps and courses. The Duke of Edinburgh's Award includes volunteering, physical, skills and expedition components. Experiential learning through co-curricular activities fosters citizenship and service as part of the school's holistic approach.

Leadership & Professional

The Head Girl and House Officials act as role models and leaders within the school. Sixth Form students not elected to Head Girl or House Official roles take on leadership opportunities, including guiding tours for Open Days and leading subject forums such as the English Society. Form and Deputy Form Captains are elected each term to support the smooth running of forms and to develop leadership across year groups.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Sport is central to the school's ethos, with participation from Year 3 onwards and a wide offering of sports across multiple age groups. An Athlete Support Programme provides mentoring on nutrition, effective recovery and balancing workload. The school runs an extensive programme of weekend and holiday fixtures and tournaments, with over 70 co-curricular sports opportunities each week. Well-being and teamwork are core themes of the co-curriculum.

Admissions

1) Entry points and eligibility. The school's main points of admission are at ages 7, 9, 11, 13 and Sixth Form, and applications are welcome to all year groups if spaces are available. The school is academically selective and seeks pupils who will benefit from its environment. 2) Registration. Registration is completed online and requires a non-refundable £150 registration fee, a copy of the daughter's full birth certificate naming parents, and full details of all parents/guardians. Progress cannot be saved mid-form, so complete it in one sitting (Chrome or Edge recommended; American Express not accepted). 3) Assessment. All candidates take age-appropriate online Cognitive Ability Assessments (CAT4). Junior School candidates may be asked to complete a short writing task and participate in activities; Senior School candidates are interviewed by the Headmistress and senior staff, with Year 7 candidates taking part in activities during the day; Year 10+ candidates complete a written task as part of the process. 4) Offers and deadlines. Offers from the January main assessment period are communicated by email in mid-February, and should be accepted by early March; exact dates are confirmed each academic year. 5) Waiting list. If a place is not accepted, or the offer is not accepted by the deadline, the place becomes available to those on the waiting list or to late entrants. 6) Induction and relocation support. After accepting a place, new students follow an induction programme and parents attend information evenings; there are induction days for Years 3–7 and induction mornings for Years 8–10, with Sixth Form induction as well. Remote assessment arrangements can be made for relocating families. 7) Bursaries and financial support. Bursaries are means-tested financial assistance for Senior School and Sixth Form; the school does not offer scholarships. Bursary applications are invited each year, with forms available from September for the next academic year; decisions are made in the Spring Term main assessment period, and bursaries can cover up to 100% of fees plus certain allowances.

Scholarships

Scholarships are not offered. The school provides means-tested bursaries for Senior School and Sixth Form; bursaries are awarded during the main assessment period and can cover up to 100% of fees plus allowances for lunch, uniform and an iPad (transport is not included). Bursary applications are invited and forms are available from September for the next academic year; applying for a bursary is requested during online registration.

Waitlist

The school uses a waiting list; if a place is not accepted or the offer is not accepted by the deadline, the place will be offered to those on the waiting list or to late entrants.

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