Bedford Girls' School
Bedford, Bedfordshire · MK42 0BX
Bedford Girls' School is a well-established independent day school for girls aged 7 to 18, situated in the heart of Bedford and part of the Harpur Trust family of schools. The school combines a strong academic tradition with a broad co-curricular offering, fostering confident, internationally-minded young women. Under Headmistress Gemma Gibson, who brings experience from international schools in South Korea and Hong Kong, the school has a notably outward-looking ethos. With nearly 1,000 pupils across the junior and senior schools, it offers the resources of a large school while maintaining a close-knit community feel.
- →Strong academic results with a broad curriculum preparing girls for competitive university entry
- →Part of the Harpur Trust, providing well-funded facilities and bursary support
- →International-minded leadership and a forward-thinking approach to education
- →Wide range of co-curricular activities including sport, music, drama and Duke of Edinburgh
Who thrives here
Girls who are academically ambitious and want a rounded education in a supportive all-girls environment, including those who thrive with encouragement rather than high-pressure competition. It suits pupils who want to explore interests beyond the classroom in a well-resourced setting.
Strengths at a glance
Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.
At a glance
Contact & visit
Cardington Road
Bedford, Bedfordshire
MK42 0BX
Nearest stations
Notable alumni
Liz Kendall
Politician, Labour MP and Secretary of State for Work and Pensions
Fiona Bruce
BBC journalist and newsreader
Recent investment
Frequently asked questions
What are the fees at Bedford Girls' School?
Day fees at Bedford Girls' School are approximately £19,215 per year (2025/26).
How do you get into Bedford Girls' School?
Bedford Girls' School admits pupils at 7+, 8+, 11+, 13+, 16+. Entry is assessed by Interview, Assessment. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.
What are Bedford Girls' School's exam results?
At Bedford Girls' School, 19.1% of A-levels were graded A*–B and 62.8% of GCSEs were grade 7/A or above. Full results are in the Results section above.
Is Bedford Girls' School a boarding school?
Bedford Girls' School is a day school in Bedford and does not offer boarding.
What is Bedford Girls' School's latest inspection rating?
ISI rated Bedford Girls' School “Excellent” (2020).
What parents say
Frequently praised
✓Warm and supportive pastoral care with staff who know pupils individually
✓Strong breadth of co-curricular opportunities alongside solid academic preparation
✓Confident, well-rounded girls who leave with strong communication skills and self-belief
✓Harpur Trust backing means well-maintained facilities and meaningful bursary access
Common concerns
!Some parents feel the school can lack the intense academic pressure of selective London independents, which may not suit the most highly driven pupils
!Traffic and parking around the school site can be congested at drop-off and collection times