Icknield High School Competitors

Founded in 1552, Bedford School is an independent boarding and day school for ages 7 to 18. From September 2027, we will welcome girls throughout the Prep and Upper Schools for the first time. Over time, Bedford School has held to a simple belief: that education is defined not only by what a pupil achieves, but by who they become. That belief has shaped the school for nearly 475 years, guiding decisions with care and judgement, and sustaining an approach to education that values character, responsibility and intellectual development alongside academic achievement. We have always drawn together pupils of different strengths, interests and temperaments, recognising in each something of value. That remains unchanged. What evolves is the composition of the community. By welcoming girls, we extend and enrich an existing experience, one that combines opportunity with attention, expectation with support, and individuality within one shared Bedfordian life. The same school. A wider door. Boarding continues to sit at the heart of school life, bringing together young people from across the UK and around the world. That each become more.

Central Bedfordshire College is a general Further Education College based in Dunstable in Central Bedfordshire. The College operates from 5 main campuses around Central Bedfordshire and 1 campus in Luton. The College offers a wide range of vocational courses for over 3,000 students within the local Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire area. We are very much involved in preparing Central Bedfordshire to respond to massive housing growth planned by the Government up to 2031 and meeting the skills needs of the local economy. Our Mission: We will provide excellent learning and progression for our communities in Bedfordshire and beyond. We will be innovative, enterprising and inclusive in what we do and how we do it. We will value and support our learners, our colleagues, and our partnerships.

For over 450 years The Harpur Trust has been inspiring and supporting the people of Bedford to help them improve their lives. Our aim is for everyone to have pride in our community and to realise their own potential. • We give grants to local community projects; around £1 million per year. • We look after older people in our almshouses and other accommodation. • We support, promote and provide education. We are the third largest employer in Bedford, with over 1,100 people working for us either directly or in one of our schools. We own, manage and support the four, independent Harpur Trust Schools; Bedford School, Bedford Girls' School, Bedford Modern School and Pilgrims Pre-preparatory School. We are also proud sponsors of the HEART Academies Trust, consisting of Bedford Academy, Shortstown, Shackleton and Cauldwell Primaries.