Orchard School & Nursery
11+ Admissions Guide 2026

Orchard School and Nursery is an independent day school located near Bedford, established in 1991 by the headmistress and her daughter, who remain the joint proprietors. The school welcomes children from birth through to nine years of age, with provision spanning a nursery, an Early Years setting, Reception, pre-preparatory, and preparatory stages. The school places great importance on nurturing the individual strengths, skills, and needs of every child. It aims to foster a genuine love of learning within a considerate and caring community, so that pupils leave ready and eager to continue discovering as they move on to the next stage of their education. Most pupils come from families with a range of professional backgrounds, living within roughly 15 miles of the school. Where individual educational needs are identified, focused support is provided within the classroom, and the curriculum is also adapted to meet the needs of the most able pupils.