Why choose use?

Why choose Bedford College for your A-Levels?

More choice, more opportunity

Bedford College offers the widest range of subjects of any other local school or sixth form college in Bedfordshire. Here’s exactly what we have to offer:

  • 28 A-Level subjects, with a wide choice of subject combinations
  • BTEC Level 3 Diplomas for 17 professional career paths
  • co-ordinated programmes for every subject area, giving you the opportunity to progress to degree-level at the College
  • easy transition to university courses through our partnership with the University of Bedfordshire

A-Level pass rate

Excellent pass rates

In 2010, 84% of full-time Level 3 students successfully completed their course, which is 6% above the national average. For A-Levels, 92% went on to complete successfully, 9% above the national average, with 58% of those grades being A*-C.


Outstanding educational reputation

In our last Ofsted inspection we became one of only a handful of schools and colleges in the county to be awarded ‘outstanding’ status, receiving grade 1 (outstanding) in four categories. Some of our key strengths include:

  • outstanding leadership and management
  • high A and AS-Level success rates
  • guidance and support for learners; pastoral support is excellent as is the individual support learners receive
  • learners benefit from, and participate in, a broad range of enrichment activities
  • tutors demonstrate good subject and industry knowledge

High levels of student satisfaction

We understand the pressures of moving on from school and we aim to make the student community safe and welcoming by giving you all the support you need. In our latest student survey:

  • 97% of students thought College staff were friendly and helpful
  • 98% of students said they felt safe at College
  • 9 out of 10 students said they would recommend the College

Expert teaching

At Bedford College we have over 250 qualified teaching staff to provide you with the best teaching to help you succeed:

  • every A-Level subject is taught by someone that specialises in that area so that you can learn from the experts
  • many of our staff are A-Level examiners so they have first-hand knowledge of what you need to do to get the best results possible
  • for out BTEC qualifications, all our tutors have professional experience so you will be able to benefit from experts who have a real insight into your chosen profession

Mission accomplished

At Bedford College, we know that education plays a vital role in securing good qualifications and helping you on your way to university or employment. Four out of five of our students go on to higher education or employment after successfully completing their course.


Supportive Environment with a Strong Study Ethic
Great experience outside the classroom

One of the best things about becoming a student at Bedford College is the opportunity to make lots of new friends and experience a range of activities. We offer a range of enrichment activities, the chance to take part in trips, enter regional and national competitions, and join our student council and much more. All of these activities will look great on your CV, but don’t forget, it’s lots of fun too.


Supportive environment with a strong study ethic

You will have no problem finding support at Bedford College. The doors of our strong guidance and support network are always open and are of ‘outstanding’ status, as awarded by Ofsted. You will have a personal tutor who will give you continual one-to-one support throughout your time at the College and you will always have the opportunity to discuss your work through regular meetings.


The very best facilities

The sixth form here at Bedford College is a key part of a highly successful further education college, meaning that we are able to offer you some of the best learning environments and facilities around. We have a learning resource centre with over 30,000 books, DVDs, and journals, over 1,500 computers with internet access, a dedicated arts centre www.southbankarts.com and a sports centre.


£1,000 bursary availableBEE supported with a £1,000 bursary

Do you expect to achieve 5 GCSEs at grade A*-B? Would you like to study our full-time A-Level programme or a BTEC Level 3 qualification? Are you in Year 11 at school?

If the answer to these questions is YES you could be eligible to receive a £1,000 Bursary for Educational Excellence (BEE). If you do qualify you will receive £500 spread over three instalments each year for two years.

To find out more about this call us on 01234 291000.