Admissions Enquiries: 01234 261864
Looking to start before September?

Contact us

Looking to start before September?

Contact us

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!

Find out more
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.

Find out more

Learn more

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Follow Polam School on Social Media

🖐️ Guiding Little Hands Towards Big Futures ✋

At Polam School & Nursery, we provide a nurturing environment where children aged 1-7 can thrive, explore, and grow into confident learners.

Join us on Wednesday 5th of March for our Open Day and discover how we inspire young minds every step of the way.

📞 Contact us to book your visit or find out more. We can’t wait to welcome you!

#PolamSchool #GuidingLittleHands #EarlyYearsEducation #OpenDay #Bedford #BedfordSchools #PrePrep #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool

2 0
Open
🖐️ Guiding Little Hands Towards Big Futures ✋ At Polam School & Nursery, we provide a nurturing environment where children aged 1-7 can thrive, explore, and grow into confident learners. Join us on Wednesday 5th of March for our Open Day and discover how we inspire young minds every step of the way. 📞 Contact us to book your visit or find out more. We can’t wait to welcome you! #PolamSchool #GuidingLittleHands #EarlyYearsEducation #OpenDay #Bedford #BedfordSchools #PrePrep #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool

Capturing Creativity at Polam Nursery!

Our little ones love exploring their imagination through hands-on activities. They have been working together to build their “spiky creations” using playdough and craft sticks, enhancing fine motor skills and creative thinking.

At Polam, every activity is designed to inspire curiosity, making learning fun and engaging for our children.

Want to learn more about our nurturing and creative environment? Contact us to book a tour and see the magic for yourself!

#Bedford #BedfordNursery #PolamNursery #CreativeLearning #EarlyYears

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Capturing Creativity at Polam Nursery! Our little ones love exploring their imagination through hands-on activities. They have been working together to build their “spiky creations” using playdough and craft sticks, enhancing fine motor skills and creative thinking. At Polam, every activity is designed to inspire curiosity, making learning fun and engaging for our children. Want to learn more about our nurturing and creative environment? Contact us to book a tour and see the magic for yourself! #Bedford #BedfordNursery #PolamNursery #CreativeLearning #EarlyYears

Happy New Year from all of us at Polam School & Nursery!

As we step into 2025, we’re excited for the adventures, learning, and growth that awaits us. Thank you to our wonderful Polam families, staff and children for making our community so special.
We can’t wait to see everyone back soon to start the new term (7th)🎉

If you are looking for a school or nursery place, I will be back tomorrow to take your advice enquiry either by phone, email, or web form!

Enjoy the start of 2025!

#HappyNewYear #PolamSchool

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Happy New Year from all of us at Polam School & Nursery! As we step into 2025, we’re excited for the adventures, learning, and growth that awaits us. Thank you to our wonderful Polam families, staff and children for making our community so special. We can’t wait to see everyone back soon to start the new term (7th)🎉 If you are looking for a school or nursery place, I will be back tomorrow to take your advice enquiry either by phone, email, or web form! Enjoy the start of 2025! #HappyNewYear #PolamSchool

It’s Christmas Day!!

This Christmas, we celebrate the joy of growth, learning, and togetherness. Every day at Polam, we see the spark of curiosity and the power of education shaping young lives, and we’re so proud to be part of this journey with our wonderful families.

Thank you for your support and for helping us create a community where every child can thrive. Wishing you a day filled with warmth, happiness, and unforgettable moments. Merry Christmas from everyone at Polam!

#MerryChristmas #ThriveWithPolam #BedfordSchools #GiftOfEducation #Cognita #Nursery #Preschool

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It’s Christmas Day!! This Christmas, we celebrate the joy of growth, learning, and togetherness. Every day at Polam, we see the spark of curiosity and the power of education shaping young lives, and we’re so proud to be part of this journey with our wonderful families. Thank you for your support and for helping us create a community where every child can thrive. Wishing you a day filled with warmth, happiness, and unforgettable moments. Merry Christmas from everyone at Polam! #MerryChristmas #ThriveWithPolam #BedfordSchools #GiftOfEducation #Cognita #Nursery #Preschool

🎄 Merry Christmas from Polam! 🎄

Wishing all our Polam families, staff, and friends a truly magical Christmas! Today, as we celebrate the joy of giving, we reflect on one of the most precious gifts we can offer, education.

Through learning, kindness, and discovery, we help every child thrive and create memories that last a lifetime. Thank you for being part of our wonderful community this year.

Here’s to a festive season filled with love, laughter, and hope for the future. Merry Christmas from all of us at Polam!

#MerryChristmas #ThriveWithPolam #GiftOfEducation #Bedford #Cognita #School #Nursery #Preschool

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🎄 Merry Christmas from Polam! 🎄 Wishing all our Polam families, staff, and friends a truly magical Christmas! Today, as we celebrate the joy of giving, we reflect on one of the most precious gifts we can offer, education. Through learning, kindness, and discovery, we help every child thrive and create memories that last a lifetime. Thank you for being part of our wonderful community this year. Here’s to a festive season filled with love, laughter, and hope for the future. Merry Christmas from all of us at Polam! #MerryChristmas #ThriveWithPolam #GiftOfEducation #Bedford #Cognita #School #Nursery #Preschool

𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐞𝐝 & 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝

The final letters of THRIVE, V and E, focus on ensuring every child feels valued and empowered. At Polam, we believe that when children know their worth and are equipped with confidence and resilience, they can truly thrive in all areas of life.

Valued: Every child deserves to feel valued. At Polam, we recognise each child’s unique strengths, celebrate their achievements, and create a nurturing environment where they know they are seen, heard, and cherished.

Empowered: Our wellbeing lessons (often with Ruby, our Therapy Dog) empower children with confidence and resilience, teaching them to navigate challenges and embrace opportunities. By building these skills early, we set them up for success in a rapidly changing world.

Education at Polam is more than lessons, it’s the gift of helping children discover their potential and thrive. Contact Ron in Admissions at admissions@polamschool.co.uk, visit www.polamschool.co.uk, or call 01234 261 864 to give this extraordinary gift today.

#ThriveWithPolam #GiftOfEducation #HelpingChildrenThrive #Bedford #BedfordSchools #Cognita #School #Nursery #Preschool

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𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐞𝐝 & 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 The final letters of THRIVE, V and E, focus on ensuring every child feels valued and empowered. At Polam, we believe that when children know their worth and are equipped with confidence and resilience, they can truly thrive in all areas of life. Valued: Every child deserves to feel valued. At Polam, we recognise each child’s unique strengths, celebrate their achievements, and create a nurturing environment where they know they are seen, heard, and cherished. Empowered: Our wellbeing lessons (often with Ruby, our Therapy Dog) empower children with confidence and resilience, teaching them to navigate challenges and embrace opportunities. By building these skills early, we set them up for success in a rapidly changing world. Education at Polam is more than lessons, it’s the gift of helping children discover their potential and thrive. Contact Ron in Admissions at admissions@polamschool.co.uk, visit www.polamschool.co.uk, or call 01234 261 864 to give this extraordinary gift today. #ThriveWithPolam #GiftOfEducation #HelpingChildrenThrive #Bedford #BedfordSchools #Cognita #School #Nursery #Preschool

𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐟𝐮𝐥 & 𝐈𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐝

The next two letters of THRIVE, R and I, are about respect and immersion, two principles at the heart of education at Polam. Respect builds character and strong relationships, while immersive learning sparks curiosity and academic growth. Together, they help children thrive.

Respectful: Education at Polam instills respect as a cornerstone of character. By encouraging kindness, empathy, and a strong sense of community, children learn to value themselves and others. Respect is a foundation for thriving relationships and lifelong achievement.

Immersed: Our immersive learning rooms; Amazonia, our rainforest room, and Discovery, our ICT suite, both capture children’s imaginations, making learning an exciting adventure. Immersion in hands-on activities inspires creativity and deepens understanding, helping every child reach their academic potential.

Education at Polam isn’t just about learning; it’s about thriving in a rapidly evolving world. Contact Ron in Admissions at admissions@polamschool.co.uk, visit www.polamschool.co.uk, or call 01234 261 864 to give this extraordinary gift today.

#ThriveWithPolam #GiftOfEducation #HelpingChildrenThrive #Bedford #BedfordSchools #Cognita #School #Nursery #Preschool

1 0
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𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐟𝐮𝐥 & 𝐈𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐝 The next two letters of THRIVE, R and I, are about respect and immersion, two principles at the heart of education at Polam. Respect builds character and strong relationships, while immersive learning sparks curiosity and academic growth. Together, they help children thrive. Respectful: Education at Polam instills respect as a cornerstone of character. By encouraging kindness, empathy, and a strong sense of community, children learn to value themselves and others. Respect is a foundation for thriving relationships and lifelong achievement. Immersed: Our immersive learning rooms; Amazonia, our rainforest room, and Discovery, our ICT suite, both capture children’s imaginations, making learning an exciting adventure. Immersion in hands-on activities inspires creativity and deepens understanding, helping every child reach their academic potential. Education at Polam isn’t just about learning; it’s about thriving in a rapidly evolving world. Contact Ron in Admissions at admissions@polamschool.co.uk, visit www.polamschool.co.uk, or call 01234 261 864 to give this extraordinary gift today. #ThriveWithPolam #GiftOfEducation #HelpingChildrenThrive #Bedford #BedfordSchools #Cognita #School #Nursery #Preschool

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

Admissions Enquiries:01234 261864