Oxford Spires Junior Centre - Bedford School Bedford, England UK
De Parys Ave - MK40 2TU Bedford - see on mapPay less than booking at the school
What we like about the school
- Bedford School is within walking distance to the centre of the old market town of Bedford.
- Spires Plus options available at Bedford School.
- Indoor swimming pool
- Lessons are for 60 minutes, much longer than in most schools.
- Tennis courts.
What we dislike about the school
- Older students should consider that the average age of students at the school is significantly younger than at most other schools.
Venue: Oxford Spires Junior Centre - Bedford School is a junior summer camp located in the old market town of Bedford, about an hour from London and Cambridge, and close to most London airports. Bedford School is a historic private school, one of the oldest in the UK, and is considered one of the most prestigious in England. It has an excellent reputation for both its top quality education and its impressive sports programmes.
The programme: During the summer months Oxford Spires Junior Centre at Bedford School provides immersive junior camp programmes as well as day programmes. The programmes include 15 weekly hours of General English tuition. Students on the programmes can also participate in the Oxford Spires’ Plus Options, for an additional fee. All Spires+ options consist of six hours of learning experience per week, whether that be academic, sport, or creative. At Bedford school these options include Entrepreneurship, STEAM, Horse riding, Intensive English, and Public Speaking & Interview Techniques.
Social and cultural: Oxford Spires junior programmes are filled with social opportunities for students to get to know their peers whilst practising English. Activities and outings are a big part of the social programme. These activities can include sports, music, dance, drama, and more, such as karaoke nights, movie nights, talent/fashion shows, and walking tours. All programmes also include one full-day excursion per week to places such as Oxford and London.
Accommodation: Students on the residential programme stay on campus, in Bedford School dormitories and eat in the dining hall. Rooms can be single, double or larger and all have shared bathroom facilities.
English Courses
General Language
Summer Vacation General English Programme: Residence (8 to 17 years old)
For the summer, only limited places left!15 lessons per week | 15 students (max)Offer!from£1,208£1,178 / week Includes accommodationMore
Summer Vacation General English Programme: Residence (8 to 17 years old)
For the summer, only limited places left!
15 lessons per week | 15 students (max)
Offer!from
£1,208£1,178 / week
Includes accommodation
More
FREE changes
| Weeks | 1 | 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price at school (£) Our price (£) | 1,208 1,178 | 2,382 2,323 |
| Price in US$ | 1,589 | 3,134 |
See Availability
- Starting dates
- For all levels except of absolute beginners:2026: 05 Jul 2026, 12 Jul 2026, 19 Jul 2026, 02 Aug 2026, 09 Aug 2026See starting dates for absolute beginnersStarting dates for absolute beginners who have not taken an English course before:
12 Jul 2026, 19 Jul 2026, 05 Jul 2026, 26 Jul 2026, 02 Aug 2026, 09 Aug 2026
Prices
- Course price includes accommodation
- Apartment - shared / Residence, Double room, Breakfast, lunch & dinnerInterested in this course without accommodation? Please contact us.
- Price includes
- Supervision 24/7
Course specific data
- General course schedule
- 3 daily lessons of 60 minutes will take place within the following possible time slots. The exact schedule will be assigned on the first day of class according to your level:
Morning: 9:00 - 13:00
Afternoon: 14:00 - 18:00 - Possible course durations
- 1, 2 weeks
- Minimum required student age
- 8 years
- Age range:
- 8 - 17 years
Students per class- Maximum: 15 / Average: 11
Lesson duration- 60 min
Additional information for all courses
See Availability
Our prices for Oxford Spires Junior Centre - Bedford School include
- INCLUDED Organized activities
- INCLUDED Internet access and use of school computers
- INCLUDED Wireless LAN zone at school
- INCLUDED Free certificate of course attendance
- INCLUDED Language level placement test before arrival
Oxford Spires Junior Centre - Bedford School
- Accreditations and Quality seals
- English teacher qualifications
- 100% hold a university degree100% hold a recognised language teaching qualification
- Languages spoken by school staff (cannot be guaranteed by school)
- Student gender mix
- 45% male / 55% female
- Offer for returning students
- When you book here, you will be refunded/waived the school's administration fee if you have already attended a course previously at Oxford Spires Junior Centre - Bedford School.
General school facilities
Kitchen for student use
Fridge for student use
Cafeteria
Library
Movie room
Lounge
Auditorium
Self-study areas
Indoor swimming pool
Table soccer / football
Table tennis
Tennis courts
Basketball court
Volleyball court
Free water dispenser
Free WIFI
Free parking
Non-smoking (all indoor and all outdoor areas of school)
Classroom equipment
TV in all classrooms
Electronic whiteboard in some classrooms
Heating in all classrooms
Ample natural light in all classrooms
- Number of classrooms: 20
- Number of public PC workstations: 5
Facilities for disabled students
Disabled car park
Wheelchair access to classroom
Accessible Toilet
Wheelchair access to reception
Wheelchair access to cafeteria
Student Age / Nationality
Top student nationalities
| Student Nationality | Percentage of students |
|---|---|
| China | 30% |
| Italy | 20% |
| Turkey | 10% |
| Spain | 10% |
| Japan | 5% |
| Germany | 5% |
| Korea | 5% |
| Other nationalities | 15% |
Age of students
| Percentage of students | |
|---|---|
| 1-18 years | 100% |
| 18-24 years | 0% |
| 25-34 years | 0% |
| 35-50 years | 0% |
| >50 years | 0% |
- Average number of students
- Junior courses - In summer: 60
- Minimum age of students
- 8 years for specific Junior courses
- Average age of students
- In summer: 12 yearsThroughout the year: 12 years
Information for all courses offered by Oxford Spires Junior Centre - Bedford School
- Lesson duration
- 60 minutes
- School's administrative fee
- £60
- Course material
- Generally course material is distributed free to students and will stay in student property.
- Comments about courses
Arrivals and departures are on Wednesdays.
Additional expenses:- A supplement of GBP 65 per single journey will apply when students are travelling on an Unaccompanied Minor (UM) service.
- Transfers commencing after 21:00 and before 6:00 are an additional GBP 40 per single journey.
- Insurance: GBP 12 per week.
This programme is a good opportunity for students for whom this may be their first experience abroad. The carefully planned lessons are based on a communicative approach, with student confidence at the core of the syllabus and methodology.
The activity programme makes use of the school’s safe and stunning campus within walking distance to the centre of Bedford and just 60 minutes from London. Bedford School offers extensive sports facilities, including; indoor swimming pool, outdoor sports facilities, sports hall, pavilion, art room, theatre and well-equipped classrooms.
- A supplement of GBP 65 per single journey will apply when students are travelling on an Unaccompanied Minor (UM) service.
- Days without class
- In 2026 (including national and regional bank holidays):
01 Jan 2026 - 04 Jul 2026, 17 Aug 2026 - 31 Dec 2026.In 2027 (including national and regional bank holidays):
01 Jan 2027, 26 Mar 2027, 29 Mar 2027, 03 May 2027, 31 May 2027, 30 Aug 2027, 27 Dec 2027, 28 Dec 2027. - Level test
- A test to assess your exact language level takes place at the school on the first day of the course.
Lessons needed per English language level
The data above gives some guidance. For more details consult our page How long does it take to learn a language or reach a specific level.
Leisure activities
Activities
View
Spires Plus Information Sheet
View
Examples of leisure activities organized by the school
Adults - Free activities
- Not offered.
Adults - Paid activities
- Not offered.
Junior - Free activities
- On-site activities such as:
- Arts & crafts
- Swimming
- Football
- Basketball
- Mini Olympics
- Team building games
- Cricket
- Treasure hunts
- Photography
- Nature walks
Evening activities such as:
- Quizzes
- Movie nights
- Discos
- Talent shows
- Team building games.
Students will enjoy one or two full day excursions (London, Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon, Cambridge), depending on their programme.
Junior - Paid activities
- There is an option for an additional paid half-day excursion to the surrounding areas of Bedfordshire.
FAQ about Oxford Spires Junior Centre - Bedford School, Bedford
I am looking for an English course for my 11-12-year-old daughter in Bedford.
“Our partner Oxford Spires offers English programmes in this destination for 8-17-year-olds (2025). We will be happy to provide you with all the details! ”
Veronica Romualdi, Language Travel Consultant from LanguageCourse.Net - Oct 14, 2025
Is it possible to take a course at Oxford Spires Junior Centre - Bedford School as an absolute beginner?
“Yes. The following courses can be attended as an absolute beginner: Summer Vacation General English Programme: Residence ”
Which countries are students of Oxford Spires Junior Centre - Bedford School from?
“The highest Nationality percentage at Oxford Spires Junior Centre - Bedford School comes from China with a 30% representation, followed by students from Italy (20%) and Spain (10%).”
Oxford Spires Junior Centre - Bedford School offers courses for which ages?
“Oxford Spires Junior Centre - Bedford School offers courses from 8 years to 17. The average age is 12 during the summer and 12 the rest of the year.”
Terms of Oxford Spires Junior Centre - Bedford School
- First day of course
- Written and oral level test is performed. Students should arrive at 9:00
- Payment methods accepted for payments made directly to the school
- Legal name/parent company
- Tax registration ID: 8635559
Visa Documents
Nationals from USA do not require a visa to study short term courses up to 180 days. A valid passport and an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is required to enter the UK. The application for the ETA is done online https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta. The answer is expected within 3 working days, costing GBP 20. The ETA allows multiple entries in the country for up to 6 months for a maximum of 2 years or until the passport used when applying expires.
Check visa requirements for nationals from other countries.
Nationals from countries that require a visa will receive documents from the school, related to booking confirmation, which is required for the visa application.
- Full payment of all fees required before school dispatches documents required for visa application
- No
- Free shipment via regular mail
- Yes
- Preferential cancellation terms in case of visa refusal
- School agreed that students booking online on this site will benefit from preferential cancellation fees in case of visa refusal, and in this case will never exceed EUR 180.
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Bedford
Find more information about Bedford, including climate data and events, on our Bedford page, which includes a list of all 2 English schools in Bedford.
Spire Plus options can be booked for an additional cost per week. These optional classes are held in the afternoon, generally just after lunch. Students will still able to participate in organised afternoon activities before dinner.
Options include: