Founded in 1552, it lies in 50 acres of peaceful and extensive grounds in the centre of Bedford. All but two boarding houses are on site; two within 5 minutes' walk. The interior of the main school building was gutted by fire in 1979. All has been rebuilt and there have been many modern additions. Its facilities are now excellent and include a new music school. It provides continuous education for boys from 7, with a mix of full boarders, weekly boarders and local day boys. Strong in all academic disciplines with very good examination results. The International Baccalaureate (IB) was introduced in addition to A-levels in 2003. Also very good at a range of sports. It has a fine range of extra-curricular activities, plus CCF, Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme, community service unit and outdoor pursuits. Vigorous local support and good back-up from alumni.

Pupils: Total age range 7-18; 1104 boys (842 day, 262 boarding). Senior department 13-18, 645 boys. Entrance: Main entry ages 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13 and 16. Common Entrance and own entrance exams used. For sixth-form entry, exam and/or interview plus 6 GCSEs at least grade C (grade B in sixth-form subjects). No special skills or religious requirements. Many senior pupils from own junior (enquiries to the Admissions Secretary, Bedford Preparatory School, same address).

Scholarships totalling 1million, for academic, sporting or music potential, to provide many opportunities for boys irrespective of background. Also means-tested bursaries.

60% live within 30 miles, 14% live overseas.

Head Master: Dr I Philip Evans OBE, in post from 1990. Educated at Ruabon Grammar School and at Cambridge University (natural sciences), Imperial College (PhD) and Australian National University, Canberra (post-doctoral fellowship). Also former member QCA and Chairman of HMC Universities Sub-committee; former Chief Examiner A-level Chemistry. Teaching staff: 114 full time, 5 part time. Annual turnover 10%. Average age 35.

GCSE: 126 in fifth form; 98% gained at least grade C in 5 + subjects. Average GCSE score 64 (59 over 5 years). A-levels: 122 in upper sixth. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 402.

99% of sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course (several after a gap year), 6% to Oxbridge. 30% take courses in sciences (including medicine), 4% in engineering, 28% in business and administration, 16% in social sciences, 16% in languages and humanities, 15% in arts and education.

GCSE, AS-levels, A-levels and the IB Diploma. 24 AS/A-level subjects. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 or 4 at A-level. 25% take science A-levels; 38% take arts and humanities; 37% combinations. Key skills taught (but not examined) and addressed in subject areas. Languages: French, German, Spanish and Latin offered at GCSE, AS and A-level and IB. Regular exchanges to France, Germany and Spain. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. 200 computers for pupil use (6+ hours a day), all networked and with email and internet access.

Music: Over 50% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Musical groups including 3 orchestras, dance, school bands, chamber groups. Drama: Drama offered and GCSE, AS and A-level drama may be taken. Many pupils are involved in school productions and majority in house/other productions. Recent appearances at the Edinburgh Festival. Art and design: On average, 40 take GCSE, 12 A-level. Design, pottery, photography also offered. Regular exhibitions of students' work and outside artists.

Sport: Rugby, hockey, cricket and rowing are main sports. Also athletics, badminton, basketball, canoeing, clay-pigeon shooting, croquet, cross-country, fives, fencing, shooting, soccer, squash, swimming, table tennis, tennis, sub-aqua, volleyball, water polo, weight training, golf, mountaineering. Indoor hockey, regional and occasionally national champions (U16, U18); national and county representatives at various sports. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. CCF and community service both optional for 4 years at age 14. Wide range of alternative activities for boys aged 16 +. Over 30 clubs eg computing, charities, bridge, all academic activities, mountaineering, wine appreciation, music, photography, printing, public speaking, Young Enterprise, all sports.

Uniform: School uniform worn throughout. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects, head boy, head of house and house prefects appointed by the Head with housemasters. Various advisory committees. Religion: Christian school. Compulsory assembly and chapel on Sunday for boarders (unless inappropriate on valid religious grounds). Social: Joint debates, choral productions, theatrical productions, dances with sister schools. Numerous organised trips abroad. Pupils allowed to bring own car, bike or motorbike to school with permission. Canteen system for meals. School shop. No tobacco allowed. Limited beer for over 18s at weekends.

Any pupil failing to produce homework once might expect detention; mild anti-social behaviour would lead to one hour detention, serious disciplinary breaches would result in suspension or expulsion. The school aims to inculcate self-discipline by fostering a sense of judgement and personal accountability, combined with respect and responsibility for others, within a framework of clear guidelines governing essential matters of routine; minimal need for, and minimal resort to, punishment.

is run by OB Club Office, 2 Burnaby Road, Bedford MK40 2TT; tel 01234 362262