Bedford School to welcome girls from 2027 in landmark step for its 475th year

Historic independent school announces move to co-education alongside major investment in new facilities and pupil experience.

Bedford School has announced that it will become fully co-educational from September 2027, welcoming girls into every year group across both its Prep and Upper Schools for the first time in its nearly 475-year history. Girls will be able to join as day pupils, flexi boarders, weekly boarders and full boarders.

The move, which has been developed following extensive research, parental insight and long-term strategic planning, will be accompanied by significant investment in the school, including a dedicated girls' boarding house, a state-of-the-art Sixth Form Centre and wider improvements to facilities across the campus.

School leaders have emphasised that the announcement marks the beginning of an ongoing period of engagement with parents, pupils, staff and alumni. Information events are taking place throughout September and feedback from the school community will continue to help shape detailed implementation plans ahead of September 2027.

Recognising the pressures of the current economic climate for independent schools, the announcement comes as Bedford School approaches its 475th anniversary and marks the beginning of what school leaders describe as 'the same school, a wider door' - an evolution that extends the reach of a Bedford education while remaining true to the values and character that have defined the school for generations.

Michael Sloan, Head Master of Bedford School, said:

'As Bedford School approaches its 475th anniversary, we have the opportunity not simply to mark our history, but to shape its next chapter.

'This decision is being taken from a position of confidence and with a firm understanding of what makes Bedford distinctive. Much will evolve in the years ahead, but the qualities and values that lie at the heart of the school will remain unchanged

'Bedford has always been a school that opens doors. We give young people the opportunity to explore widely, commit deeply and discover what they are capable of. We believe education is defined not only by what a pupil achieves, but by who they become.

'By welcoming girls, we are extending that opportunity to a wider community of young people while remaining true to everything that has always made Bedford distinctive. Our ambition is unchanged: that each young person who comes here leaves with greater confidence, broader horizons and a stronger sense of who they are. Put simply, that each become more.

'Importantly, throughout the transition, our focus will remain firmly on the pupils already in our care and ensuring that their education, opportunities and experience continue to thrive.'

John Holland-Kaye, Chair of the Governing Body, said:

'Bedford School has continually evolved throughout its history while always staying true to its values. It has long been known for the quality of its academic education, co-curricular provision and pastoral care, giving young people the strongest start in life.

Welcoming girls is a natural next step in that evolution and will allow more young people to benefit from everything Bedford School has to offer.'

School leaders have emphasised that the move will not alter the qualities for which Bedford is known. Academic ambition, exceptional pastoral care, a strong house system, boarding, sport and an extensive co-curricular programme will remain central to school life.

Girls will participate fully in every aspect of school life, from academic study and leadership opportunities to sport, music, art, drama, societies, entrepreneurship and service. Upper School pupils will continue to belong to single-sex day and boarding houses, providing dedicated spaces in which to relax, socialise and seek support.

Sport will remain a cornerstone of Bedford School and one of the defining features of the pupil experience. From grassroots participation to elite performance, the school's sporting culture, long-established traditions and commitment to excellence will remain unchanged. Extensive fixtures will continue to take place on Saturdays, pupils selected to represent the school will continue to do so, and the school will invest in developing girls' sport to match the breadth, quality and ambition for which Bedford is already known.

Boarding will also remain at the heart of the school. Burnaby House will be redeveloped as a dedicated girls' house, providing a welcoming home for both day and boarding pupils and establishing a strong pastoral community from the outset.

Central to the school's investment plans is the creation of a new Sixth Form Centre. Designed as a collaborative social and study environment, it will provide sixth form pupils with dedicated facilities that reflect their growing independence while preparing them for university, careers and life beyond Bedford.

Alongside the move to co-education, Bedford will introduce a new shape to the school week from September 2027. Core academic lessons will take place from Monday to Friday, while Saturdays will continue to feature sporting fixtures, performances, rehearsals, activities for boarders and a broader programme of optional enrichment, extension and support opportunities. Bedford has confirmed that the restructuring of the school week will not reduce the school's academic ambition, standards or expectations.

The school already benefits from significant experience in co-education. Eighty-five per cent of teaching staff have previously worked in co-educational schools, women make up 40% of Heads of Department, and hold a number of senior leadership positions across the school. Bedford says it is therefore building on considerable expertise already within its existing staff body as preparations continue for September 2027.

Michael Sloan, who joined Bedford School this term, brings extensive experience of co-educational boarding schools. Prior to his appointment, he served as Head of King's College, Taunton for four years and before that spent eight years at Brighton College, where he was Deputy Head.

Describing itself as 'a school of uncommon breadth and belonging', Bedford says the transition reflects a simple belief: that every young person should have the opportunity to explore widely, commit deeply, develop confidence and discover their potential. From September 2027, that opportunity will be extended to girls and boys alike.

Families interested in learning more about Bedford School's plans for the future are invited to attend the school's Open Day on Saturday 3 October. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet staff and pupils, tour the estate and hear more about the school's vision. Places can be booked via the school website.

That Each Become More

August 2026