Life at BMS
Sport
Discover your potential
Sport is a central part of life at Bedford Modern School.
Where sport builds character
We believe that the qualities that underpin success in the classroom, commitment, resilience, teamwork and ambition, are developed just as powerfully through sport. As one of the region’s leading academic Schools, we are proud to offer a sporting programme that combines broad participation with a strong tradition of performance and success.
With more than 30 sports, over 100 teams and around 1,000 fixtures each year, students benefit from exceptional coaching, outstanding facilities and opportunities that stretch from Year 3 to Year 13.
Every student, every level
Some students represent BMS for the enjoyment of competition and being part of a team. Others compete at county, regional and national level, progressing through performance pathways and representative programmes. Both are supported with equal enthusiasm and expertise.
We are proud of the victories, championships and representative honours achieved by our students each year. More importantly, we are proud of the confidence, character and determination they develop along the way.
Because sport at BMS is about striving for excellence, together.
Our sports
Rugby
Rugby is one of BMS’s flagship sports, combining a rich tradition with a highly competitive fixture programme and ambitious performance pathways. Supported by partnerships with Bedford Blues and Northampton Saints, students benefit from professional coaching, national competition and regular success in both XVs and Sevens rugby, including appearances at the prestigious Rosslyn Park National Schools Sevens.
Netball
Netball enjoys a strong reputation locally and regionally, supported by expert coaching and a culture of high aspiration. With more than 20 teams across the School, students benefit from competitive fixtures, national competitions and specialist performance support, alongside recent county titles, regional success and an unbeaten U15 season.
Cricket
Cricket is a core sport for both boys and girls from Year 3 to Year 13. Through our partnership with Cricket East, students benefit from outstanding coaching, extensive performance pathways and opportunities to compete at county, regional and national level. The strength of the programme is reflected in the significant number of students involved in county and elite player pathways.
Rowing
Rowing is one of BMS’s premier sports and is open to students of all abilities, from beginners to athletes pursuing GB pathways and university scholarships. Based on the River Great Ouse, the programme has a proud history of success at national events, including National Schools’ Regatta, Henley Women’s Regatta and Henley Royal Regatta.
Aquatics
Aquatics is a thriving part of life at BMS, supported by our on-site pool and a programme that spans swimming, water polo, lifesaving and personal survival. Students benefit from expert coaching and opportunities ranging from curriculum swimming through to regional, national and international competition, with several students progressing to represent the East Region and Great Britain.
Hockey
Hockey is a major sport at BMS, with a thriving girls’ programme and an increasingly successful boys’ pathway. Supported by outstanding coaching and strong links with local clubs and Talent Academy programmes, students enjoy regular fixtures, regional competitions and opportunities to develop at every level of the game.
Football
Football combines a strong fixture programme with competitive opportunities at local, regional and national level. Supported by links with MK Dons, students benefit from specialist coaching and performance opportunities, while the continued growth of the girls’ programme has already delivered success in national competitions.
Athletics
Pursuing Personal Bests
Athletics and cross-country have long been strengths at BMS. Students compete successfully at district, county and national level, with regular representation at the English Schools Championships. Through training and competition, students develop perseverance, confidence and a commitment to continual improvement.
Tennis
A Sport for Life
Available throughout the year, tennis offers opportunities for students of all ages and abilities to develop their skills through coaching, competition and national schools’ tournaments. Regular fixtures and specialist coaching ensure students can enjoy the game recreationally or pursue it at a higher level.