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Ethos, Aims & History

A place for pupils to thrive

By being part of the Cognita family, we open the door to a global community of over 100 schools that’s rich in knowledge, opportunities, and best practices, ensuring every child gets an education that’s, quite literally, world class.  
 
We are proud to be part of this community and actively help to shape it. Each school within the Cognita family preserves its distinct character and remains deeply rooted in its local community. Crucially, these diverse experiences across the world foster inspiration, shared support, and growth opportunities for every school within our group.
  
Our students and teachers are more than just learners and educators; they are active global citizens. Together, they are exposed to a variety of perspectives from diverse cultures, sharing and gaining insights that transcend traditional classroom boundaries. This dynamic exchange fosters a learning space where young minds, guided by their teachers, are encouraged to express their unique ideas and talents, while instilling the value of respect and embracing the spirit of collaboration.
 
It’s an individual approach that empowers our school, every teacher, and each student to discover what they truly do best. And thrive.

Polam School Aims


To teach children to understand how to look after themselves, stay safe and make healthy choices


To ensure children are caring, kind and respectful to those around them


To give children opportunities to be curious, make good progress and enjoy their learning


To ensure children feel confident, independent and resilient

We have always been thoroughly impressed to watch the learning journey of our young children develop over time as a result of the high quality learning that takes place within Polam.

 – Parent, Polam School

Join us for an Open Day


At our Open Days you will have the opportunity to meet our Head and other key members of staff, and learn more about what a Polam education looks like.

Please click below to register to attend our upcoming Open Day. We can’t wait to meet you!

From the 1920s until today, a brief overview of our school’s history.

1923

 

Polam School is Founded

 

Polam School was founded in 1923 by Miss Crump in her home on Chaucer Road. It moved to the current site on Lansdowne Road after the end of the Second World War.

 

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1962

 

A New Owner

 

In 1962, it was acquired by Mr & Mrs Poole, who arrived with their four children and soon Polam became well-known for its special family atmosphere.

 

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2004

 

Joined Cognita Group

 

The School remained a family business, under the Headship of Mr Brown until 2004 when the school was sold. It was later acquired by the Cognita Schools group.

 

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2008

 

Merger with Acorn School – Polam Oaks

 

In 2008, Cognita purchased Acorn School which was a small family-owned nursery based in St Andrews Road. Acorns merged with Polam School, and for a while the school became known as Polam Oaks, before returning to its roots and re-embracing the name of Polam School in 2012.

 

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2013

 

90th Anniversary Celebrations

 

In 2013 Polam celebrated its 90th Anniversary with a week long programme of events and we are now looking forward to our centenary celebrations in 2023.

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TODAY

The School retains the small, family-home feel that has characterised it for 90 years and has a reputation for providing children with a caring, nurturing and happy start in life.

Our commitment revolves around empowering our children with diverse opportunities for their educational journey. Whilst many Polam students go on to take places at local Harpur Trust Schools in Bedford after their time with us, others take up places in nearby state schools after having given their children the strongest foundation to their education, by choosing Polam.

Polam School