Overview

Bedford High School for Girls was founded in 1882.  We have a long tradition of academic excellence, diversity of opportunity and the highest standards in pastoral care for Senior School aged girls who choose to attend as day girls or boarders.

In the Senior School a choice may be made from 15 GCSEs, 30 A Levels and the International Baccalaureate, and academic results are consistently high.  Almost all Sixth Formers continue their education at university with a number of Oxbridge entrants each year.

Provision for sport is excellent with emphasis placed on realising the potential of the individual. Equipped with excellent facilities for a range of sporting activities, teams excel in lacrosse, hockey, tennis, netball, swimming and rowing at county and national levels. 

There are also outstanding opportunities beyond the curriculum with a huge range of different activities in the and Senior School and Sixth Form from which to choose, including the Combined Cadet Force and Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. 

As well as approximately 600 day girls there is a vibrant community of 130 girls from all over the world living in a family atmosphere under the care and guidance of teaching housemistresses with a full range of weekend activities.

About the Merger

In July 2009 The Harpur Trust (Bedford Charity) announced its intention to merge Dame Alice Harpur School and Bedford High School for Girls. In November 2009 it was announced that the merged school will be called Bedford Girls' School - a new independent day school for girls aged 7-18 based on the Cardington Road site. The School launched in September 2010 with the opening of its Junior School, and will emerge over the subsequent two years with the creation of a new Senior School and Sixth Form community, based at the Cardington Road campus, along with the Junior School. The merger is due for completion September 2012. 

The curriculum for the Senior School and Sixth Form was announced in January 2010 - view the curriculum. The Sixth Form will offer the International Baccalaureate as well as A Levels. The new school will not offer boarding. For all letters and presentations about the merger please visit the merger section on the Bedford Girls' School website.