Welcome to Polam School
Polam School is an independent pre-preparatory school and nursery, with a heritage spanning over 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.
...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!
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.
Join us for a Personal Tour
On a Personal 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 Personal Tour. We can’t wait to meet you!
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, the school celebrated its 100th year. The original Headmistress, Mrs Crump, would be so proud to see where the school is now,
Set inside two large Victorian houses, with multiple staircases, high ceilings and plenty of character - it has a real home away from home feel.
Learn more
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Preschool snapshot
Our Preschoolers (aged 3–4) pack so much into their day at Polam that it’s hard to keep up! These clips were all taken within just five minutes and gives a little glimpse into how busy, varied and joy-filled their time with us truly is.
From hands-on learning to imaginative play, there’s always something happening. Now imagine what the rest of the day looks like…
#polam #preschool #bedfordnursery #nursery #bedford #childcare
Easter!
Apologies for the delay in these pics, instagram didn’t post on the last attempt!
The children had great fun hunting for eggs and in turn solving a puzzle to save the golden egg! This was organised by ‘Friends of Polam’ our parents association and was such a big hit!!
There’s something really special about seeing our Reception children learning through creativity.
This week they made their own Union Jack flags as part of our VE Day activities - not just to remember history, but to understand it in a way that feels real to them.
It’s a gentle reminder that even at this young age, children are capable of so much thought, empathy and pride in their work.
#VEday #receptionclass #polamschool #earlyyearslearning #creativeclassroom #bedfordschools
Nursery snapshot!
Just so happened to be in our Nursery (Saplings room) earlier and caught all these lovely moments happening in the space of a few minutes ☺️. People always say our children seem calm and happy when visiting on tours, and I can say that it is most certainly true - a testament to our amazing staff throughout Polam!
#polam #bedfordnursery #nursery #preschool #play #fun
Big builders at work today!
Our nursery children have been busy exploring construction play - complete with diggers, trucks, and plenty of imagination. It’s all hands on deck as they scoop, build, and learn through play!
#polamschool #polamnursery #learningthroughplay #earlyyears #bedfordnursery #nurserylife #constructionplay #polamlife
As part of their RISE topic; contribution, Year 2 have been learning about how their own words and actions can contribute to the lives and experiences of others. The children made a list of acts of kindness and considered how they could show kindness for others in school. They created little positive notes and placed them around the school in envelopes for others to find and hide again. Year 2 are hoping their kindness will spread and that the rest of the school will enjoy hiding them again for others.
Spreading kindness not only cultivates empathy and compassion, which are vital for positive relationships, but also encourages a sense of connection and purpose that bolsters children’s resilience in the face of challenges, These important life skills are why we feel R.I.S.E enhances our curriculum offer to our children.
#kindness #bedford #bedfordschools #cognita
Our Reception children are very excited to welcome some new tiny visitors to their classroom – tadpoles! They’ve been learning all about the fascinating life cycle of frogs and have been busy writing about the amazing changes these little creatures will go through. We can’t wait to watch them transform over the coming weeks!
#frogs #tadpoles #bedford #preprep #bedfordschools
Disappointed with your primary school allocation? You’re not alone.
If the outcome wasn’t what you were hoping for, there’s still time to make a change with a space waiting for your child at our award-winning independent school.
At Polam, we offer so much more than just a curriculum. Our unique setting, with its beautiful natural environment and nurturing, family feel, supports children’s wellbeing, confidence and curiosity from day one.
Small class sizes. Specialist teaching. Outstanding Early Years provision. A warm, inclusive community. Come and see why so many parents choose Polam.
Get in touch today to book a tour - your child’s perfect start on their education journey awaits.
#primaryschool #primaryallocation #bedfordschools #cognita #polamschool #infantschool
