Bedford Girls’ School is a selective independent day school for girls aged 7-18. Underpinned by the International Baccalaureate philosophy of education the School is innovative, outward looking and vibrant. It is our belief that learning should be exciting and spark a life-long desire to engage in the wider world.
We look to each individual to act as an inspiring role model, foster connections within our local and international community, learning from the lives of those around us and developing sensitivity to culture and difference.
Bedford Girls’ School’s approach to learning is forward thinking, dynamic and vibrant. From Years 3 to Upper Sixth, our education is focused on delivering a challenging and well-rounded education, which embeds ten learner profiles, ranging from communication to risk-taking, encouraging students to think independently and to explore their creativity.
There are currently 915 pupils at the School, and our academic standards are high. We offer a choice of A Levels or the International Baccalaureate Diploma in Sixth Form. In 2016, 73% of all Upper Sixth entries (IB and A Level combined) achieved an equivalent of A*-B grades, with one in five girls in the A Level cohort attaining straight A*-A grades.
The average IB score (out of a maximum of 45 points) for the BGS 2016 cohort was 36.4, significantly higher than the worldwide average of 30 points. For the second time in BGS’ short history a student, achieved an extraordinary 45 points, the highest grade possible, placing her in the top 0.1% of IB students worldwide. Over 90% of our Upper Sixth leavers gain entrance into their first choice university.
In 2016 Bedford Girls’ School also recorded its best ever GCSE results in 2016, with 65% of all entries achieving an A/A*. Over a third of the year group recorded 9 A/A*, and a quarter of the year group earned 10 A*/A.
We boast state-of-the-art facilities, offering light and open spaces suitable for future inspired education. Technology is integrated into all aspects of our teaching and learning. Our innovative approach to the use of iPads in the classroom has gained us a prestigious Apple Distinguished Educator award.
As one of the UK’s premier girls’ schools for sports, we excel across a wide spectrum of disciplines including hockey, lacrosse, rowing, netball, tennis and athletics. We have facilities both on our main site at Cardington Road and our state-of-the-art dedicated lacrosse facility at Cople Fields.
Dedicated music, dance and drama facilities provide inspiring environments for our students and many girls achieve local, regional or national honours across the arts. In addition, we have a stunning technology wing.
Co-curricular activities and community service are central to our ethos and every girl participates in at least two extra activities a week.
Bedford Girls’ School was founded in 2010 as a result of the merger of Dame Alice Harpur School and Bedford High School. We are part of The Harpur Trust, one of the 200 largest charities in the UK.
To find out more about what life is like at Bedford Girls’ School, visit www.bedfordgirlsschool.co.uk