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Read MoreSupport for home based learners from Reception up to GCSE
WHO WE ARE
PLACE is a Bedford Local Authority funded support service for home educating families supported by parents and in partnership with Biddenham International School and Sports College.
To be eligible to register with the scheme, children should be Bedford Borough residents on the elective home education (EHE) register of the Bedford Borough local authority.
The PLACE Programme is based in an independent building on the site of Westfield School, Chester Rd and provides significant support for all PLACE registered learners, including part-time specialist support for a number of GCSE subjects and entrance for public examinations.
PLACE is a welcoming, friendly community of home educators. We offer a busy enrichment programme for all enrolled youngsters. Activities include music, parkour, sports, French, art and swimming groups; as well as regular trips and workshops.
BOOK AN EVENT
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Bedford Park
When: September 16, 2026 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm Where: Bedford Park, Park Ave, Bedford, UK Join Paul Nicholson for a leisurely stroll around the oldest and largest park in Bedford. Learn about the history of the park and...
Fun Fitness
When: September 30, 2026 @ 10:00 am – 11:30 am Where: The PORTAL, Chester Rd, Bedford MK40, UK Fitness Pilates for Kids and Teens brought to you by Taras Active Groups, brings children and teens of all ages together to...
FISHING
When: September 23, 2026 @ 9:30 am – 3:00 pm Where: The Embankment, The Embankment, Bedford, UK To fit in with our “Wellbeing Theme ” this term, PLACE Children between the ages of 6-16 years will have the opportunity for...
CLAY GROTTO – Mental Health Workshop
When: September 9, 2026 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm Where: The PORTAL, Chester Rd, Bedford MK40, UK Local Artist Anne-Marie will be back in September to run a Clay Grotto Mental Health workshop. Students will make grottos out of...
CHELLINGTON Residential
When: September 1, 2026 @ 5:00 pm – September 4, 2026 @ 12:00 pm Where: The Chellington Centre, Felmersham Rd, Carlton, Bedford MK43 7NA, UK Come Join us for a 3 night stay in a recently converted Church, now called...
Term Dates – 2026/27
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Autumn Term 2026 – (Theme – Wellbeing) Monday 7th September – Friday 11th December (half term: 19th October – 30th October)
Spring Term 2027 – (Theme – Planet Earth) Monday 4th January – Friday 26th March (half term: 15th February – 19th February)
Summer Term 2027 – (Theme – TBC) Monday 12th April – Friday 9th July (half term: 31st May – 4th June)
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HOW TO MAKE AN APPLICATION
We make our application process easy for you
Email the PLACE Manager
Interested? What to know more? We will email back as soon as we can.
Email us at info@place-programme.org
Come and visit us
We will arrange a meeting date to discuss how we may be able to help you further
Complete all necessary paperwork
Start your introductory period
OUR LATEST NEWS
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AIRSHIPS XR – Virtual Reality and Mixed Reality Educational Workshop
June 29, 2026
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WHAT OUR STUDENTS & ALUMNI SAY
Arron
I wouldn’t be where I am today without PLACE
Emi
I benefited a lot from PLACE in my time there from 2015-2021; it helped me pass my GCSEs and prepare me socially and academically for my current A-levels at the Bedford 6th Form.
Molly
Hi, I’m Molly. I was part of PLACE from 2014-2021. I loved learning in small groups where there was lots of discussion, I enjoyed our Wednesday trips – always so much fun and so lovely to be with friends more socially
Jonathan
I thoroughly enjoyed my 11 years at PLACE and graduated last year after studying music at Durham University. I enjoyed being part of a friendly community and I have lots of great memories from my time with PLACE.
Andrew
I am in my 9th year at PLACE and it’s been a really good experience. I enjoy music and sport. It’s great to be able to come to the Portal for lessons, meet friends and go on some amazing trips. My favourite was trip Go Ape last term.
Robert
I really enjoyed being home schooled through PLACE, which meant I could learn at home without missing out on the social and community aspects of school. Learning through PLACE was really rewarding and prepared me well to move onto sixth form, and later a job and university study.