EXCLUSIVE: Harpur Trust to make Bedford School co-educational from September 2027

The Harpur Trust has announced a significant programme of investment across its independent schools in Bedford over the next twelve months, with developments planned at Bedford Girls' School, Bedford Modern School, Bedford School and Pilgrims Pre-Preparatory School.

The Trust said the changes follow extensive research and consultation with parents and are designed to meet the evolving needs of families while strengthening educational provision for future generations.

The most significant change will see Bedford School, currently a boys' school, become co-educational. Girls will be welcomed across all year groups from September 2027 in a move backed by substantial investment including a new dedicated girls' boarding house and a state-of-the-art Sixth Form Centre. The Trust says the shift will widen access to a Bedford School education while enhancing the experience of pupils already at the school.

Bedford Girls' School will also see new investment, with plans for a music centre and recital space, a new Wellbeing Hub for pastoral care, expanded sports provision, a new careers Pathways Programme for pupils in Years 10 to Upper Sixth and additional Sixth Form subjects.

At Bedford Modern School, already co-educational, work continues on an ongoing campus development programme. This includes the refurbishment and reopening of a suite of classrooms, a new multi-faith prayer room, a site-wide Wi-Fi upgrade and a refreshed reception area.

Pilgrims Pre-Preparatory School has confirmed that eligible families can now access up to 30 hours per week of childcare funding, supporting children from nine months to four years old and widening access to early years education in the area.

David Steadman, Chief Executive of The Harpur Trust, said the plans marked a new chapter for the Trust's schools in Bedford.

"The world of education is changing rapidly, and we continually review how our schools can best meet the needs of current and future generations," he said.

He added that the plans had been shaped by careful research and were designed to respond to the shifting education landscape while staying true to the character of each school.

Steadman said the new facilities and opportunities across all four schools would enhance the experience of pupils and families and help the schools remain successful and distinctive in the years ahead.

YouthTV will be sitting down with David Steadman later this week to discuss the announcement in more detail.