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!

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.

Learn more

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The children are very excited to have cast their vote to name our newest addition to the kindness carrot family! The winning name will be revealed on Friday during our achievement assembly!

The children are very excited to have cast their vote to name our newest addition to the kindness carrot family! The winning name will be revealed on Friday during our achievement assembly!

Searching for the perfect beginning or fresh start for your child’s early years?

At Polam School & Nursery, every child is welcomed into a warm and nurturing environment where they can grow, learn, and thrive in a rapidly evolving world.

Here’s what one of our new families had to say:
“We couldn’t have asked for a better start for our child. From day one, the staff have been so kind and supportive. Our little one comes home full of stories about their day and can’t wait to go back each morning. We’ve already seen them grow in confidence and thrive in this environment!”

Give your child the foundation they need to succeed today and in the future.

📩 Get in touch today to arrange a visit or find out more!

Searching for the perfect beginning or fresh start for your child’s early years?

At Polam School & Nursery, every child is welcomed into a warm and nurturing environment where they can grow, learn, and thrive in a rapidly evolving world.

Here’s what one of our new families had to say:
“We couldn’t have asked for a better start for our child. From day one, the staff have been so kind and supportive. Our little one comes home full of stories about their day and can’t wait to go back each morning. We’ve already seen them grow in confidence and thrive in this environment!”

Give your child the foundation they need to succeed today and in the future.

📩 Get in touch today to arrange a visit or find out more!

Happy Bedfordshire Day!

At Polam, we’ve been learning all about what makes our county special; from its history to its iconic symbols. The children have enjoyed exploring the meaning behind the Bedfordshire flag, which is now flying proudly on our flagpole.

Did you know the seashells on the flag are upside down? This design comes from the Russell family coat of arms, and the orientation follows traditional heraldic styling. It’s a unique nod to Bedfordshire’s rich history and the Russell family’s influence in the county.

It’s wonderful to celebrate the place we call home and help the children connect with their local heritage.

Have a great day everyone!

#bedfordshireday #bedfordshire #bedford #polam #bedfordschools

Happy Bedfordshire Day!

At Polam, we’ve been learning all about what makes our county special; from its history to its iconic symbols. The children have enjoyed exploring the meaning behind the Bedfordshire flag, which is now flying proudly on our flagpole.

Did you know the seashells on the flag are upside down? This design comes from the Russell family coat of arms, and the orientation follows traditional heraldic styling. It’s a unique nod to Bedfordshire’s rich history and the Russell family’s influence in the county.

It’s wonderful to celebrate the place we call home and help the children connect with their local heritage.

Have a great day everyone!

#bedfordshireday #bedfordshire #bedford #polam #bedfordschools

Painting at Polam Nursery 🎨

At Polam, we love combining creativity with learning! Our little artists have been busy painting as they transform simple boxes into festive Christmas trees.

For our 1 and 2 year-olds, activities like this aren’t just fun, they’re essential for their development. From the focus of holding a brush to the excitement of creating.

We can’t wait to see their creations take pride of place this Christmas! 🎄

#nursery #preschool #bedford #bedfordnurseries #bedfordschools #painting #children #creating

Painting at Polam Nursery 🎨

At Polam, we love combining creativity with learning! Our little artists have been busy painting as they transform simple boxes into festive Christmas trees.

For our 1 and 2 year-olds, activities like this aren’t just fun, they’re essential for their development. From the focus of holding a brush to the excitement of creating.

We can’t wait to see their creations take pride of place this Christmas! 🎄

#nursery #preschool #bedford #bedfordnurseries #bedfordschools #painting #children #creating

Polam Christmas Fayre

Saturday 30th of November

10:30 - 1:30

We are excited to see the children enjoying the games, food, Santa’s Grotto and more that the Friends of Polam have organised

Polam Christmas Fayre

Saturday 30th of November

10:30 - 1:30

We are excited to see the children enjoying the games, food, Santa’s Grotto and more that the Friends of Polam have organised

Last week, the winner of the Week to Be Well poster competition was announced! A huge congratulations to Jenny for her superb poster entry. Jenny’s poster has been printed and is on display in all of the major areas around school. A huge congratulations to Bonnie and Leo who also secured 2nd and 3rd place! Well done to you all!

Last week, the winner of the Week to Be Well poster competition was announced! A huge congratulations to Jenny for her superb poster entry. Jenny’s poster has been printed and is on display in all of the major areas around school. A huge congratulations to Bonnie and Leo who also secured 2nd and 3rd place! Well done to you all!

Do you know a child (from outside the Polam community) that might benefit from a free visit to see Santa this year?

We are holding an event on Friday the 6th of December where the jolly guy himself will be visiting Polam to spread a bit of Christmas joy.

There are only 8 places available, so if you know someone who would really appreciate something like this, then please keep reading!

To nominate someone to attend, please tag them below, they will then need to email us at Admissions@PolamSchool.co.uk with the following:

- Adult’s Full Name
- Phone Number
- Child’s Name
- Child’s Age

Bookings are not confirmed until we have replied. Only those named (child and maximum 2 adults) will be able to attend Santa’s Library. Attendees will be chosen at random from those that apply and contacted by Thursday 28th of November.

Details:
• Santa’s Library is from 5:00pm-5:30pm
• Please arrive ready to come in at 5pm via the School Office. Unfortunately late arrivals will not be admitted.
• There is on-street pay and display parking available if needed, please do not use the school carpark.
• Santa will read a couple of stories to the children.
• Adults can watch and enjoy a hot drink & mince pie.
• There will be an opportunity to take a picture.
• Each child will receive a small gift.

We thought we would try something a bit different this year to help give back to our local community and may look to expand this in the future if it is a success. There is a separate event at the Christmas Fayre for Polam pupils to meet Santa. Thank you for your kindness and support 🎄

#bedford #christmas #santa #santasgrotto #santaslibrary

Do you know a child (from outside the Polam community) that might benefit from a free visit to see Santa this year?

We are holding an event on Friday the 6th of December where the jolly guy himself will be visiting Polam to spread a bit of Christmas joy.

There are only 8 places available, so if you know someone who would really appreciate something like this, then please keep reading!

To nominate someone to attend, please tag them below, they will then need to email us at Admissions@PolamSchool.co.uk with the following:

- Adult’s Full Name
- Phone Number
- Child’s Name
- Child’s Age

Bookings are not confirmed until we have replied. Only those named (child and maximum 2 adults) will be able to attend Santa’s Library. Attendees will be chosen at random from those that apply and contacted by Thursday 28th of November.

Details:
• Santa’s Library is from 5:00pm-5:30pm
• Please arrive ready to come in at 5pm via the School Office. Unfortunately late arrivals will not be admitted.
• There is on-street pay and display parking available if needed, please do not use the school carpark.
• Santa will read a couple of stories to the children.
• Adults can watch and enjoy a hot drink & mince pie.
• There will be an opportunity to take a picture.
• Each child will receive a small gift.

We thought we would try something a bit different this year to help give back to our local community and may look to expand this in the future if it is a success. There is a separate event at the Christmas Fayre for Polam pupils to meet Santa. Thank you for your kindness and support 🎄

#bedford #christmas #santa #santasgrotto #santaslibrary

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 🦡 🍁 ☀️ 🌙

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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