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Secondary education

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Bedford Modern or Bedford Greenacre Independent School

9 replies

lilypop0 · 22/03/2024 14:08

I have good references about Bedford Modern but not much about Bedford Greenacre Independant so really appreciate if anyone got experience that could share please? thanks in advance

OP posts:
kublacant · 25/03/2024 16:48

Bumping this for you! I don’t know a huge amount either but I some acquaintances sent their DC there and are very happy with it.

Foxesandsquirrels · 25/03/2024 16:52

All I know is Bedford modern is very academic and Bedford Greenacre is basically a well funded state. Don't know anyone at either, sorry.

lilypop0 · 26/03/2024 10:13

Thanks @Foxesandsquirrels Foxesandsquirrels, what do you mean with’ Bedford Greenacre is basically a well funded state’ ?
I did notice the fees are quite different to the ones at BModern and was wondering why as they are also investing in a brand new campus… are they less academic then BModern as I couldn’t find them in the rankings either… thanks!

OP posts:
MarchingFrogs · 26/03/2024 17:46

The Greenacres one certainly presents itself as a genuine 'indie'. State schools aren't allowed to charge for tuition like they do and £5000 per term is a beyond optimistic suggestion as a voluntary contribution, surely?

Foxesandsquirrels · 26/03/2024 18:55

lilypop0 · 26/03/2024 10:13

Thanks @Foxesandsquirrels Foxesandsquirrels, what do you mean with’ Bedford Greenacre is basically a well funded state’ ?
I did notice the fees are quite different to the ones at BModern and was wondering why as they are also investing in a brand new campus… are they less academic then BModern as I couldn’t find them in the rankings either… thanks!

Just that it's not really selective. Basically like a well funded comp. You won't find much in terms of rankings as they are 2 schools that joined together. I'd contact them for last year's exam results. There's not many options for schools like that in the area, esp not Co-ed. Bedford boys is v traditional, Bedford girls is girls and academic, Bedford modern is v academic, so they are tapping into a market that's not really catered for in that area and the previous two schools were just too small to sustain themselves in the current market.
The new site looks promising, will be interesting to see how it grows and if there's enough take up.

Runemum · 29/03/2024 09:04

I know that Bedford Modern is more academic.

ONUT · 01/04/2024 10:09

My LO joined Year 2 Bedford Greenacre last September and she rally likes it.The teachers are nice and the environment is nurturing not pushy. My daughter is very academic and the school is supporting her by providing different worksheets +homework+ reading books which helps to develop her potential. Also I recently spent a few days at BGI and saw everything behind the scenes. I like that the teacher respect the students and students listen to the teachers. Very nice atmosphere for growing and reaching your potential.

Motleyii · 02/04/2024 19:24

BGI was formed from a merger of Rushmoor (boys) and St. Andrews (girls). As said above, the big difference between BGI and the Harpur Trust schools is that BGI is not academically selective whereas all the HT schools (Bedford Modern, Bedford Girls and Bedford School) require prospective pupils to attend assessment days before being offered a place. BGI just requires you to reserve a place.

LedgerAndLiterature · 07/04/2025 11:04

I know this thread hasn't been posted to in a while, but I thought I'd give an up to date reference for BGI (Bedford Greenacre Independent School) now the new building has been finished..
First of all, I do agree that BGI can be nurturing, but like many schools, state and private, they are very biased towards their favourite and top achieving kids. Like the HT schools, their A team never changes so children who would like to give a fixture a try, will likely not.
My DD has been there for 6 years and she is failing. At this point, I doubt she will be pass the core GCSE's. I know that last year, many of their sixth form students that stayed on, failed either maths or English or both, so are juggling retakes. This is compared to the state school children that joined that did pass.
My DD is dyslexic so has some extra support. This support however is not with teachers and she comes home frequently to say she was told to draw instead of doing maths.
The new school building is big and impressive but the facilities are still very minimal. The library is tiny and there are lots of big empty open spaces.
Like most schools, there is lots of bullying. The girls at BGI can be just as bitchy as any other school. How the school deals with these matters usually depends on the culprits. Unfortunately, true to their bias nature, if it is a teacher's child or a teacher's pet, they rarely get punished.
Leadership is very poor. The Deputy Head is a better leader than the Principle. If it wasn't for him, I would have taken my DD out of the school years ago.
The pros of the school is the small class sizes, usually no more than 16. Most of the teachers are amazing. My biggest issue is the schools lack of drive. There is a lack of motivation in the children. If they don't do their homework, there is no discipline. My son went to BS and he had such a drive that the school gave him. He was so keen to do well and had an oomph that many kids at BGI don't have. Pass or fail the test, makes no difference to them.
Also, their fees are in line with BGS and BMS come year 9 and the facilities are on another level in comparison.
I agree with a previous statement; BGI is a well funded state with the perks of small class sizes.

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