Admissions Enquiries: 01234 261864

Welcome to Polam School

Polam School is an independent pre-preparatory school and nursery, with a heritage spanning 100 years.

Located in the heart of Bedford, our school provides the perfect home from home environment for your child to begin their educational journey, from the age of 1 to 7 years.

With art, swimming and IT all introduced in small groups from an early age, our curriculum goes way beyond national expectations.

The majority of our children progress to the local Harpur Trust, but destinations also include other Cognita Schools, as well as a number of highly regarded state primary schools in Bedfordshire.

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Small & Nurturing

Our small class sizes ensure that each child receives personalised attention, giving a sense of belonging and encouraging their confidence to soar.

Facilities & Location



Immersive Learning

Our immersive learning rooms offer children the ideal spaces to fully engage with their learning.

At Polam School, education is not just taught; it's experienced, in our dynamic atmosphere where imagination flourishes.

Academic Excellence



Physical & Mental Wellbeing

Our dedicated approach to physical education and well-being programmes ensures that every child learns the importance of a healthy body and a peaceful mind from an early age.

Your Child's Journey
Meet our Headteacher
"We want to instil a love of learning that will stay with them and prepare them for the next steps...

...Academically we get the results our parents want, whilst giving our children the kind of childhood they’ll remember fondly."

- Headmaster, Darren O'Neil

Award winning!

We were thrilled to be awarded winner of Independent Pre-Prep of the Year for 2021 at the Independent Schools of the Year awards!

We were commended particularly for our outstanding commitment to pupil wellbeing and for our innovative immersive learning programme.

We couldn’t be more proud!

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Wonderful, family oriented, child focused & loving environment. Extremely supportive school for both students & parents.

– Parent, Polam School

Inspection Report

Double Excellent

We are incredibly proud to have successfully achieved the highest possible accreditation of ‘Double Excellent’ by the ISI (Independent Schools Inspectorate).

Inspectors commented that the quality of the pupils' academic and other achievements is excellent. Pupils' achievements are excellent as a result of teaching that combines high expectations with encouragement, imagination and fun.

EYFS children make rapid progress and achieve highly, with the vast majority reaching at least the expected level of development. By the time pupils leave they attain excellent results in externally standardised test and curriculum assessments.

Inspection Reports

Join us for a Private Tour


On a Private Tour you will have the opportunity to tour the school, meet key members of staff, and learn more about what a Polam education looks like.

Please click below to register for a Private Tour. We can’t wait to meet you!

Book a Private Tour

FACILITIES & LOCATION

A welcoming atmosphere that embraces everyone

Polam is an award winning prepreparatory school located in the heart of Bedford for ages 1 to 7.

In 2023/2024, the school celebrates it's 100th year.

Set inside two large Victorian houses, with multiple staircases, high ceilings and plenty of character - it has a real home away from home feel.

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Follow Polam School on Social Media

🌟 Happy Diwali from Polam School & Nursery! 🌟

Wishing a joyous Diwali to everyone celebrating! May your homes be filled with light, happiness, and the warmth of togetherness. We hope this Festival of Lights brings you prosperity, love, and new beginnings.

From all of us at Polam, Happy Diwali! ✨🪔

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🌟 Happy Diwali from Polam School & Nursery! 🌟 Wishing a joyous Diwali to everyone celebrating! May your homes be filled with light, happiness, and the warmth of togetherness. We hope this Festival of Lights brings you prosperity, love, and new beginnings. From all of us at Polam, Happy Diwali! ✨🪔

🎃 Happy Halloween from Polam School & Nursery! 🎃

We’re wishing all our wonderful children and families a fantastic Halloween, whether you’re out trick-or-treating, carving pumpkins, or just enjoying a cozy evening at home! However you choose to celebrate (or not!), we hope your day is filled with fun, creativity, and maybe a little magic. ✨🧙‍♂️

Stay safe, enjoy the treats, and share any favorite Halloween moments with us using #PolamHalloween. We’d love to see the costumes and all the festive fun! 👻

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🎃 Happy Halloween from Polam School & Nursery! 🎃 We’re wishing all our wonderful children and families a fantastic Halloween, whether you’re out trick-or-treating, carving pumpkins, or just enjoying a cozy evening at home! However you choose to celebrate (or not!), we hope your day is filled with fun, creativity, and maybe a little magic. ✨🧙‍♂️ Stay safe, enjoy the treats, and share any favorite Halloween moments with us using #PolamHalloween. We’d love to see the costumes and all the festive fun! 👻

Curiosity, Imagination, Resilience.

Join the award winning and Outstanding rated Polam Nursery and see firsthand why our children thrive.

Now admitting 2-4 year olds from January 2025 with limited places still available for September 2025.

Visit our website to learn more and book a tour.

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Curiosity, Imagination, Resilience. Join the award winning and Outstanding rated Polam Nursery and see firsthand why our children thrive. Now admitting 2-4 year olds from January 2025 with limited places still available for September 2025. Visit our website to learn more and book a tour.

Are you ready for Halloween? 🎃

Our children take part in lots of arts and crafts activities throughout the year for all the major holidays, but it goes deeper than that, we ensure they are learning in other ways too, developing fine motor skills for example 🧙

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Are you ready for Halloween? 🎃 Our children take part in lots of arts and crafts activities throughout the year for all the major holidays, but it goes deeper than that, we ensure they are learning in other ways too, developing fine motor skills for example 🧙

At Polam, we believe in nurturing young minds through personalised attention and a caring environment. Every child is given the support they need to build confidence and reach their full potential. From our Nursery to Year 2, we create a space where learning is exciting, and every child thrives.

Come and see how we are shaper brighter futures - book a personal tour and experience Polam.

#bedfordschools #nursery #preschool #reception #school #education #bedford #independentschools #privateschool

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At Polam, we believe in nurturing young minds through personalised attention and a caring environment. Every child is given the support they need to build confidence and reach their full potential. From our Nursery to Year 2, we create a space where learning is exciting, and every child thrives. Come and see how we are shaper brighter futures - book a personal tour and experience Polam. #bedfordschools #nursery #preschool #reception #school #education #bedford #independentschools #privateschool

Here’s a little seasonal themed quiz to try with your little ones this half term - can you guess all the Bedford based places below? Pop your answers in the comments (if you dare 🎃)

Clue 1:
In a park with green grass and plenty of space,
A play castle stands, a magical place.
With swings and slides and laughter so bright,
This spooky spot is a Halloween delight! 🎃👻

Clue 2:
At a site where knights once stood proud,
Among the ruins, the ghosts may crowd.
Wander the grounds where history’s found,
This eerie place will make your heart pound! 🏰👻

Clue 3:
In a place where stories are told,
Tales of witches and ghosts unfold.
Find your fright if you dare to look,
Among the shelves of this spooky nook! 📚🕸️

Clue 4:
Candy and sweets are here to be found,
Where spooky treats surely abound.
Step inside for a ghastly surprise,
With sugar and fun before your eyes! 🍬🎃

Clue 5:
Near a river where swans do glide,
Pumpkins drift on the flowing tide.
The breeze is cool, but don’t be scared,
For here’s where Halloween fun is shared! 🏞️🦢

Clue 6:
Now for the last stop, here’s your goal,
Where little witches and wizards stroll.
A friendly school, where fun is seen,
Come find us here—it’s Halloween! 🏫🧙‍♀️🎃

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Here’s a little seasonal themed quiz to try with your little ones this half term - can you guess all the Bedford based places below? Pop your answers in the comments (if you dare 🎃) Clue 1: In a park with green grass and plenty of space, A play castle stands, a magical place. With swings and slides and laughter so bright, This spooky spot is a Halloween delight! 🎃👻 Clue 2: At a site where knights once stood proud, Among the ruins, the ghosts may crowd. Wander the grounds where history’s found, This eerie place will make your heart pound! 🏰👻 Clue 3: In a place where stories are told, Tales of witches and ghosts unfold. Find your fright if you dare to look, Among the shelves of this spooky nook! 📚🕸️ Clue 4: Candy and sweets are here to be found, Where spooky treats surely abound. Step inside for a ghastly surprise, With sugar and fun before your eyes! 🍬🎃 Clue 5: Near a river where swans do glide, Pumpkins drift on the flowing tide. The breeze is cool, but don’t be scared, For here’s where Halloween fun is shared! 🏞️🦢 Clue 6: Now for the last stop, here’s your goal, Where little witches and wizards stroll. A friendly school, where fun is seen, Come find us here—it’s Halloween! 🏫🧙‍♀️🎃

Happy Half Term!

Holiday club is in full swing at Polam and our Admissions team is also here if you have any questions.

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Happy Half Term! Holiday club is in full swing at Polam and our Admissions team is also here if you have any questions.

Begin an unforgettable adventure

Our aim at Polam School is to give the children the perfect start. We want to instil a love of learning that will stay with them and prepare them for the next steps.
Your child's learning journey
...
Nursery & Preschool

1 - 4 yrs old

...
Reception

4 -5 yrs old

...
Years 1 to 2

5 - 7 yrs old

Next Steps:
Open Days & Visits
Academic Excellence
Facilities & Location

Polam School