Bedford School case studies (8)

Impact of partnership work done in 2025 (ISC annual Census 2026)

• 31 state schools involved
• 501-1000 state school pupils involved
• 500 staff hours given

Impact Statement

Partnership Projects in form of Impact Statements
Bedford School are in partnership with Mark Rutherford Secondary School in Bedford, and also with Bedford Academy via our own membership of The Harpur Trust.

With Mark Rutherford, we have engaged in a number of different projects and initiatives during 2018 including:
• During the summer of 2018, 16 Bedford School pupils and 10 Mark Rutherford School pupils worked collaboratively on the pioneering Whipworm Genome project in association with IRIS (Institute for Research in Schools) and the Sanger Institute in Cambridge. They worked with scientists from the Wellcome Genome Campus to identify all of the genes in the Human Whipworm genome. Human Whipworm is a tropical disease which affects millions of children in third world countries who suffer from poor sanitation, and the information the students gathered will help scientists look at drug targets to treat the parasite. This project was not only an amazing experience for the students who were able to take part in real live laboratory research, but their work could also help sufferers of the infection. Tracy Jakins, Second in Department in Science at Mark Rutherford, said, “The partnership regarding this project, in particular, is proving to be a rewarding and positive experience for all students involved.”
• A total of 135 Mark Rutherford School pupils joined a series of 17 webinars organised by Bedford School’s Head of Careers in conjunction with Channel Talent, a live and interactive videoconferencing/webinar service which links universities and businesses to schools. These webinars were held with representatives from various universities regarding studying a variety of different subjects at university, in order to help inform the students’ decisions about their education beyond school. Nine students from Biddenham International School and 16 from Sharnbrook Upper School also took part in these sessions.
• A cohort of Mark Rutherford School pupils attended a series of life drawing classes at Bedford School, creating extra opportunities for them to enhance their learning.
• In January, 15 Mark Rutherford pupils took part in a drama workshop led by the creative director of Badac Theatre Company. After the workshop they stayed to watch a performance of Ashes to Ashes by this professional theatre company. Caroline Millington, Teacher of Drama at Bedford School, said, “The workshop was a real eye opener for the students. They started to really think about important issues, and consider how they could stage their ideas in an immersive way. Steve had such a straightforward approach, that he made it accessible for the students involved. It was brilliant!”
• In February 2018, three Mark Rutherford students were selected for pivotal roles in the Bedford School production of Romeo and Juliet which took place at our Quarry Theatre. This was of benefit to pupils in both schools, as they learnt to work together on this production.
• In November 2018, one Mark Rutherford student was a member of a 10-cast production of The 39 Steps which also took place in our Quarry Theatre. The pupils from the different schools worked closely and tremendously well with each other, and the production was a great success, selling out the run of four performances.
• Regular meetings took place between the Heads of Careers of both schools in order to share knowledge, contacts and best practice in order to enhance the careers advice being provided to students of each school.

We have engaged with Bedford Academy in various ways during 2018:
• In January 2018 staff from the Academy were invited to the Harpur Trust inset day at Bedford School, where three members of staff from the Academy presented on the work that they were doing with their pupils at our Teaching and Learning marketplace. They then either ran – or were involved in the joint running – of sessions for all teachers from within The Harpur Trust.
• Bedford School’s Director of Teaching and Learning met with the Gifted and Talented coordinator from Bedford Academy to discuss options for their gifted and talented pupils. This meeting resulted in a group of 10 Year 8 pupils from Bedford Academy visiting Bedford School on a fortnightly basis, after school, to learn some Latin and Greek as well as build an understanding of Greek and Roman culture. Head of School at Bedford Academy, Chris Deller said, “We are delighted to have made the link with Bedford School and are excited about the opportunities the programme will provide for our students. It is great that students are developing their understanding of a language that they have very little experience of, and we hope the knowledge they gain will help them to be successful in other subjects.” These pupils benefited by learning subjects that were otherwise unavailable to them at Bedford Academy.
• In September 2018, Bedford School staff reviewed and provided feedback on UCAS applications for Bedford Academy students applying for courses in subjects such as Computer Science, Medicine and Law, in order to maximise the pupils’ chances of success in their applications.
• Bedford School’s Head of Careers had regular meetings throughout the academic year with Bedford Academy’s Head of Careers, as well as attending CEIAG (Careers Education Information and Guidance) run by Bedford Borough Council.

Also in 2018, both Mark Rutherford and Bedford Academy were invited, along with many other local state schools, to the following:
• 8 art exhibitions featuring a variety of artists and media
• 9 lectures on a range of subjects including the sciences and the arts
• 2 careers evenings, one centring on careers in the creative arts, the other offering contacts with our wide ranging group of Old Bedfordians, in a variety of careers.