Sherborne School(Boys) or Bedford School?

They’re odd schools to be choosing between, because they’re completely different from one another. Which would make me query whether your agent has taken the trouble to understand what you’re looking for and advise you accordingly.

Bedford is predominantly a day school with boarders attached, and I would assume a significant number of the boarders are from overseas ( worth trying to check this, although you may not get a straightforward answer).

Sherborne is an English public school in the traditional mould, with a long boarding tradition, and the school routine will be structured accordingly. I’d assume they’d have a much higher proportion of boarders and that more of the boarders will be British, though try and check if you can.

Sherborne is also a beautiful location, unlike Bedford- the only advantage of Bedford in this context would be proximity to London and airports.

Bedford School is just a fairly ordinary school, really. If you are after a really 'British' renowned school, Sherborne is far more famous and has more cachet. Nationally far more people will have heard of Sherborne. For example, I can't think of anyone famous who has been to Bedford School, other than a stand up comedian (Al Murray) and an England cricket captain . I only say this because you mention Eton and Harrow. I have never met anyone 'Eton like' in Bedford!

Bedford School is said to be quite caring but I have always thought it is very sport focused.

Bedford as teenmum says is just a rather uninspiring town. The school itself is stunning.

Is it from Sherborne School or Sherborne International that you have the offer?

I can understand why your agent would suggest Bedford School - the school has always had strong links with Hong Kong......when the girls school was a boarding school it also had strong links with HK and China.
I still thing that Sherbourne is a nicer location than Bedford but for a 16/18 year old they may prefer the close proximity to London.

If you live in Hong Kong then I would advise Sherborne as it has the ethos of full boarding school with mainly boarders rather than a day school which takes some boarders.

It’s not only about reputation, it is what is right for your DS.

Haven’t you visited the schools and met housemasters? It really should be how you decide on a school.

I know nothing about Bedford School, but Sherborne is a very good school. It is not in the same league as Eton and Harrow, although I believe the current head is from Harrow.

My DD is at the girls school and will stay on to do A Levels but we live in a village not far from Bedford. The schools have close links because they are both part of The Harpur Trust. Allot of families have children in both schools.
In terms of location I dont think there is any comparison and Sherborne is certainly a much nicer place to live than Bedford (assume he will board) but it is only 35 minutes into London and same to Cambridge and the grounds and school are really lovely. Is your son sporty ?
I think Bedford School results for A2/IB are probably slightly better than Sherbourne ....
Eton and Harrow have a far better reputation but I think the DC that attend Bedford School are probably more grounded.