Bedford School

🎨 Celebrating Art History and those who bring it to life. Congratulations to this year’s Art History Prize winners, awarded in recognition of enthusiasm and commitment to the subject:

🥇 1st: Oliver (Lower Sixth), a remarkable three-time recipient
🥈 2nd: Jo (Lower Sixth)
🥉 Joint 3rd: Jonathan (4th Form) and Lewis (Lower Sixth)

The prize, generously donated by Dr Janice Johnson, parent of an Old Bedfordian and a regular member of our adult Art History class, celebrates the importance of Art History as a subject in its own right.

Interested in exploring Art History yourself? Our weekly classes run in the Art School on Mondays: 4.30pm to 6.00pm (student session) 7.00pm to 8.45pm (adult class).

Everyone is welcome - come and be part of it. Contact Florence Burbridge for details: [email protected]

On Thursday, 27 Lower Sixth History and Politics boys stepped into the heart of UK democracy with a visit to Westminster, where they observed a live House of Lords debate on online safety for children. The experience brought their studies to life, helping them better understand how the House of Lords and House of Commons work together in practice.

They also witnessed a House of Commons debate marking the tenth anniversary of Jo Cox’s murder, offering a powerful insight into the role of Parliament in shaping national conversations. With expert guidance from Mr Vann on the history of the Houses of Parliament, it was a fascinating and impactful day.

A fantastic example of collaboration in action this week as boys and girls from Bedford Girls' School came together for Citizenship Day. Having first met in March to explore the topics that mattered most to them, they then spent months shaping the programme. Each school designed and delivered a 45-minute lesson to their peers -entirely pupil-led, and created for the pupils.

A brilliant display of leadership, maturity and thoughtful engagement from both schools.

Last Thursday, Old Bedfordian Emilio Gay (11-18) received his England cap from Old Bedfordian Sir Alastair Cook (98-03) – a fitting passing of the torch. A few days later, Emilio showed exactly what the moment demanded, composure and control in challenging conditions and a tough Test match at the crease. His well-crafted half-century was the highest score of the match – what a superb debut, we could not be prouder and can't wait to watch his journey progress.

Congratulations to Lower Sixth Former Jimmy on his outstanding success in the RCSU Science Challenge, where he received an award in the ‘High School Video Submission’ category! 🔬

Jimmy was inspired to explore the competition through the Careers Department and his Bedford School Independent Project, and chose to tackle a fascinating question on superconductivity - perfectly aligned with his ambition to study Materials Science at university. Through independent research, YouTube learning and guidance from his Physics teacher, Mr Crisp, he pushed himself to master complex theory and communicate it clearly within a five-minute video.

Jimmy said, “I’m definitely pleased with myself and seeing the hard work pay off. It has further increased my interest in Material Science and specifically in superconductivity. I think the potential in it is huge.”

He has even taken his curiosity further, exploring the topic at an Oxford University taster lecture, including its applications in nuclear fusion reactors.

A brilliant example of curiosity and academic ambition - well done, Jimmy!

We are delighted to hear that our Head of Media Studies and inspiring teacher, Ms Keep, won a True Crime Film Award in London last night for her Netflix series 'Attack on London'.

A fantastic achievement for Ms Keep and the team and so richly deserved. While the award recognises outstanding filmmaking, Ms Keep was clear about where the real credit lies; with the courageous contributors who shared their stories with such honesty and trust.

As Ms Keep said, “It’s hugely rewarding. With a subject like 7/7, there was a real responsibility to get these films right, so to have our work recognised at an industry level means a great deal. What matters most, though, is the generosity and trust of the contributors. The award really belongs to them as much as it does to our team.”

An inspiring example of storytelling with integrity and impact - we couldn’t be prouder. 👏🎬

🏏 It has been a remarkable week for Bedford School and its cricketing community and the next generation is already making its mark. Congratulations to Zarell in Year 11, who has been selected to represent Barbados Under 19s at a festival this summer - an outstanding achievement and a testament to his hard work and talent.

With Old Bedfordians shining on the world stage this week, it is inspiring to see the pathway continuing so strongly. More on Zarell’s story to follow.

There are first flights, and then there are first flights in a Tiger Moth! Lower Sixth Former, Jo has achieved something truly special - taking to the skies solo in one of aviation’s most iconic aircraft. From his first circuits to this remarkable milestone, his progress has been inspirational.

Read more about Jo’s journey and what it felt like to fly solo for the very first time here: https://bit.ly/4fokccg