Our Values,
Ethos & History
Our CORE Values
At Polam, our CORE values sit at the very heart of school life - they are the foundation on which everything else is built. Curiosity, Optimism, Resilience, and Empathy shape how we teach, how we care for children, and how our community works together each day.
By living these values in everyday experiences, children develop not only strong learning habits, but also the character, confidence, and kindness that help them grow into thoughtful, capable individuals. These values support children throughout their time at Polam and continue to guide them as they move on, helping them succeed both academically and personally beyond our school.
Curiosity
Optimism
Resilience
Empathy
History of Polam
From the 1920s to today, Polam’s history reflects a consistent commitment to care, community, and confidence in every child.
Polam School is Founded
Polam School was founded in 1923 by Miss Crump in her home on Chaucer Road. From the very beginning, the school focused on providing a caring, personal approach to early education. After the Second World War, Polam moved to its current site on Lansdowne Road, where it continues to grow today.
A new chapter
In 1962, Polam was acquired by Mr and Mrs Poole, who arrived with their four children. Under their leadership, Polam became well known for its warm, family atmosphere - a defining feature of the school that remains central to its identity.
Joining the Cognita Group
After many years as a family-run school, Polam joined the Cognita Schools Group in 2004. This marked an important step in the school’s development, providing additional support and resources while preserving Polam’s close-knit, nurturing ethos.
Polam Oaks and returning to our roots
In 2008, Cognita acquired Acorn School, a small family-owned nursery based in St Andrews Road. The two schools merged, and for a period became known as Polam Oaks. In 2012, the school proudly returned to its original name, Polam School, reaffirming its heritage and values.
Immersive learning begins
In the early 2020s, Polam embarked on a programme of immersive learning, transforming classroom spaces to inspire curiosity and engagement — including themed environments that support both wellbeing and deep learning.
Independent Pre-Prep School of the Year
Polam was named Independent Pre-Prep School of the Year, recognising both pastoral care and innovative learning - a national commendation of the school’s community ethos and educational approach.
100th Anniversary
In 2023, Polam celebrated its 100th year - a milestone recognising a century of care, achievement, and community at the heart of Bedford.
Joining Redshift Education
In 2025, Polam proudly joined the Redshift Education family. This new chapter supports Polam’s commitment to delivering exceptional education while nurturing every child’s potential. The school continues to uphold its welcoming ethos, strong academic standards, and close-knit community, while embracing the opportunities this next phase brings for pupils, families, and staff.
Continuing to grow and improve
Polam was shortlisted for Independent Pre-Preparatory School of the Year, recognising the continued strength of the school’s approach. Since winning the award previously, Polam has remained committed to reflection and improvement, ensuring the school continues to evolve while staying true to its values and ethos.
Polam Today
Today, Polam is the strongest and most confident version of itself. Led by Mr O’Neil and supported by Redshift Education, the school continues to build on its long history while looking clearly and thoughtfully to the future.
Polam is a small, close-knit school of around 100 pupils, with a balanced mix across nursery and school. Our community reflects the world around us – with a broad range of backgrounds, cultures, abilities and personalities – and families often choose Polam for more than one child, creating a genuine sense of continuity and belonging.
Our pupils are curious, kind, resilient and confident. They are encouraged to think for themselves, to try, to reflect, and to care for others. Wellbeing sits at the heart of school life, providing the conditions children need to flourish academically and socially.
We are guided by research and best practice, but never follow trends for the sake of it. Instead, decisions are made carefully, always with the child in mind – blending experience, evidence and professional judgement. The result is an education that feels purposeful, balanced and deeply personal.
When children leave Polam, they do so as confident learners and thoughtful individuals – ready for their next school, and ready for what comes beyond.
