Leading Private School in Bedford UK - Polam School

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!

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!

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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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Badgers by day and badgers by night - part of one of this week’s activities in our Saplings nursery room 🦡 🍁 ☀️ 🌙

Badgers by day and badgers by night - part of one of this week’s activities in our Saplings nursery room 🦡 🍁 ☀️ 🌙

Our Reception pupils had a fantastic time in the playground, pairing up hidden socks with different patterns as part of Anti-Bullying Week! 🧦🔍

Not only was it a fun way to practice pattern recognition, but it also encouraged teamwork and kindness. Each child had a sock to find, and they helped their friends locate their matches too. It was a lovely reminder that, just like our unique socks, we’re all different, but we’re even better when we work together and support one another. 💙✨

#AntiBullyingWeek #Polam #Bedford #BedfordSchools #KindnessInAction #LearningThroughPlay

Our Reception pupils had a fantastic time in the playground, pairing up hidden socks with different patterns as part of Anti-Bullying Week! 🧦🔍

Not only was it a fun way to practice pattern recognition, but it also encouraged teamwork and kindness. Each child had a sock to find, and they helped their friends locate their matches too. It was a lovely reminder that, just like our unique socks, we’re all different, but we’re even better when we work together and support one another. 💙✨

#AntiBullyingWeek #Polam #Bedford #BedfordSchools #KindnessInAction #LearningThroughPlay

Acorns Children have been creating some artwork for Children in Need 🖊️

Acorns Children have been creating some artwork for Children in Need 🖊️

🧦 Odd Socks Day at Polam! 🧦

As part of Anti-Bullying Week, our children wore odd socks today to celebrate what makes each of us unique! It’s a fun way to remind everyone that differences are something to be proud of. By encouraging kindness and acceptance, we’re building a school community where every child feels valued and respected. #AntiBullyingWeek #OddSocksDay #BeKind #PolamCommunity #Bedford #Bedfordschools

🧦 Odd Socks Day at Polam! 🧦

As part of Anti-Bullying Week, our children wore odd socks today to celebrate what makes each of us unique! It’s a fun way to remind everyone that differences are something to be proud of. By encouraging kindness and acceptance, we’re building a school community where every child feels valued and respected. #AntiBullyingWeek #OddSocksDay #BeKind #PolamCommunity #Bedford #Bedfordschools

Year 2 Get Creative with Writing!

This week, our Year 2 children took on an exciting challenge from Miss Blake: picking from multiple short prompts to spark their imaginations and create their very own stories. From tales of adventurous animals to secret treasure hunts, the classroom was buzzing with creativity!

Why do we love creative writing so much? At this age, it’s more than just putting pen to paper. It helps children develop their confidence in expressing ideas, builds vocabulary, and encourages independent thinking. Plus, it’s a wonderful way for them to explore their feelings and the world around them.

#bedford #bedfordschools #cognita #preprep #infantschool #writing

Year 2 Get Creative with Writing!

This week, our Year 2 children took on an exciting challenge from Miss Blake: picking from multiple short prompts to spark their imaginations and create their very own stories. From tales of adventurous animals to secret treasure hunts, the classroom was buzzing with creativity!

Why do we love creative writing so much? At this age, it’s more than just putting pen to paper. It helps children develop their confidence in expressing ideas, builds vocabulary, and encourages independent thinking. Plus, it’s a wonderful way for them to explore their feelings and the world around them.

#bedford #bedfordschools #cognita #preprep #infantschool #writing

Today, we pause to reflect, remember, and show our gratitude. At Polam, we’ve been sharing stories of courage and kindness with our children, teaching them about the significance of Remembrance Day. We remember those who made sacrifices in the past so we can enjoy the freedoms we have today.

To all those who serve and have served, we thank you. Lest we forget. ❤️🌺

Today, we pause to reflect, remember, and show our gratitude. At Polam, we’ve been sharing stories of courage and kindness with our children, teaching them about the significance of Remembrance Day. We remember those who made sacrifices in the past so we can enjoy the freedoms we have today.

To all those who serve and have served, we thank you. Lest we forget. ❤️🌺

Preschool children have been exploring their space and seeing where their curiosity leads. Here they have imagined the brick cart as a train travelling to the countryside!

Preschool children have been exploring their space and seeing where their curiosity leads. Here they have imagined the brick cart as a train travelling to the countryside!

We were very fortunate to have some talented individuals come and teach us some circus skills this week! From stilts, to spinning plates, climbing, posing, balancing, and more!

We were very fortunate to have some talented individuals come and teach us some circus skills this week! From stilts, to spinning plates, climbing, posing, balancing, and more!

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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