Admissions Enquiries: 01234 261864

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.

Small & Nurturing

Our small class sizes ensure that each child receives personalised attention, giving a sense of belonging and encouraging their confidence to soar.



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.



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.

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.

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

Follow Polam School on Social Media

Break the Rules Day at Polam!

Today is no ordinary day at Polam - it’s Break the Rules Day!

Our children have been filling the Kindness Jar with acts of good deeds, and their incredible efforts have earned them this well-deserved reward. They voted for a day where the usual school rules take a back seat… within reason, of course!

From wacky hairstyles to wearing PJs to school, the children are having a blast messing with the rules of school. A huge well done to them for showing kindness, teamwork, and generosity in the lead-up to today - it’s been wonderful to see how much they care for one another.

We can’t wait to see what creative ideas they come up with next time!
Your Voice Matters!
Our Voice of the Parent Survey is now live!

This is your chance to share your thoughts, feedback, and ideas. Why do we do this? Because your voice shapes Polam.

	•	Help us celebrate what we’re doing well.
	•	Highlight areas where we can grow.
	•	Ensure we’re meeting the needs of your children.

We’re committed to providing the best for our families, and your feedback makes that possible. If there is anything you’d like to discuss before completing the survey, then please email the team or come and speak to us. 

Check your email for the survey link – it only takes a few minutes, but the impact lasts far longer!

Thank you for helping us make Polam even better!
Building Strong Foundations in Early Writing

Writing is more than just putting pen to paper - it’s about developing fine motor skills, confidence, and a love for language. At Polam, we support every step of the journey, from mark-making to mastering letter formation, helping children build the skills they need to express themselves.

In this video, one of our Reception children is learning to write the word wing with the support of the amazing Miss Walker - a small but important step in their writing journey! With our nurturing approach and engaging phonics lessons, we give children the tools they need to soar.

#Writing #BedfordSchools #Reception #Phonics #Literacy #Cognita #IndependentSchool
Racing to success!

Our Year 1 pupils have been zooming ahead on jet skis in a thrilling maths challenge on their iPads. Each correct answer powers their jet ski forward, adding a fun, competitive twist to practicing their sums.

This is a great example of active screen use - where technology is a tool for learning and engagement - versus passive screen time like watching videos. It’s hands-on, interactive, and supports the fantastic progress they’ve been making in maths all year.

#Maths #BedfordSchools #PrePrep #Year1
🌙🐍 Happy Lunar New Year from all of us at Polam!

As we welcome the Year of the Snake, we wish you a year filled with wisdom, transformation, and success. At Polam, we celebrate the rich traditions of Lunar New Year, teaching our children about the beauty of different cultures and their stories.
🌿 Welcome to Amazonia, Polam’s incredible Rainforest Room! 🌏

This immersive learning space is so much more than just a room - it’s a gateway to adventure, creativity, and discovery. From yoga and meditation to lessons about the planet, geography, and creative writing, Amazonia inspires children to connect with the world around them in imaginative ways.

One moment, they might be exploring where the bamboo path leads with a writing prompt, and the next, they’re diving into discussions about our planet’s incredible ecosystems. Teachers love bringing lessons here, turning every session into an unforgettable experience.

Check out our reel to see the full room!

What would you do at the end of the path? 🎍

If you’d like your child to experience this and much more during their early years education, get in touch and come for a personal tour!

01234 261 864

#ImmersiveLearning #ThePerfectStart #BedfordSchools  #RainforestRoom #PolamSchool #ImaginationUnleashed #CreativeEducation
🌿 Welcome to Amazonia, Polam’s incredible Rainforest Room! 🌏

This immersive learning space is so much more than just a room - it’s a gateway to adventure, creativity, and discovery. From yoga and meditation to lessons about the planet, geography, and creative writing, Amazonia inspires children to connect with the world around them in imaginative ways.

One moment, they might be exploring where the bamboo path leads with a writing prompt, and the next, they’re diving into discussions about our planet’s incredible ecosystems. Teachers love bringing lessons here, turning every session into an unforgettable experience.

What would you do at the end of the path? 🎍

If you’d like your child to experience this and much more during their early years education, get in touch and come for a personal tour!

01234 261 864

#ImmersiveLearning #ThePerfectStart #BedfordSchools #RainforestRoom #PolamSchool #ImaginationUnleashed #CreativeEducation

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.
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1 - 4 yrs old

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4 -5 yrs old

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5 - 7 yrs old

Polam School

Admissions Enquiries:01234 261864