Education

Education flows through everything that we do here, just like the River Great Ouse that defines, shapes and connects Bedford. It is our lifeblood and our future.

From primary schools to post-graduate studies and adult learning, the Bedford area’s reputation for quality and success is known throughout the world. Our priority on educating the next generation says a lot about a place and we’re ready and willing to lead from the front in all walks of life.

Bedford has a uniquely collaborative approach to education and training and schools, colleges, universities and businesses all work together to develop practical leadership and ‘real-world’ skills at all levels of learning. What is being called the “Bedford System” offers a model for how education, business and the local community can work together for the benefit of all in the future and local schools are working in partnership and ignoring traditional divides between private and state sectors.

From primary schools to post-graduate studies and adult learning, the Bedford area’s reputation for quality and success is known throughout the world. Our priority on educating the next generation says a lot about a place and we’re ready and willing to lead from the front in all walks of life.

There is a uniquely collaborative approach to education and training in the Bedford area, with schools, colleges, universities and businesses working in new and interesting ways. There is a commitment to develop practical leadership and ‘real-world’ skills at all levels of learning. Local schools are working in partnership and ignoring traditional divides between private and state sectors. What is being called the “Bedford System” offers a model for how education, business and the local community can work together for the benefit of all in the future.

Schools

Educational attainment rates are excellent across the spectrum of Bedford’s schools, with performance standards being significantly higher than the national average. Levels are even higher at Bedford’s four renowned private schools (Bedford High School, Bedford School, Dame Alice Harpur School and Bedford Modern School), which are part of the Harpur Trust, the Bedford charity. Many of the local state schools, such as Sharnbrook and Wootton, are also renowned for their academic success rates.

Colleges and Universities

There are nuemerous colleges and universities in Bedford, catering for different subjects and levels. Whether you want to study part time, improve job prosepects, are interested in degree or post-graduate study, Bedford will have the college or university for you.