Bedales School, located at the heart of Petersfield, is a co-educational institution that stands out for its distinctive approach to education. With a non-denominational ethos, the school fosters an environment where individuality, initiative, and an enquiring mind are highly valued. This philosophy is deeply rooted in its history, having been founded as a humane alternative to the authoritarian regimes typical of late Victorian public schools. Today, it continues to uphold these principles by placing emphasis on collaboration and care for others.
The school caters to both boys and girls aged eight to 13, offering a variety of boarding options including day, weekly/flexible boarding, and full boarding. This flexibility accommodates the diverse needs of its students and their families. The Head of Bedales School since 2022, Will Goldsmith, brings a wealth of experience from his international upbringing and educational background. His leadership style is characterised by a commitment to fostering strong relationships based on mutual respect, with everyone on first-name terms.
One of the school’s most innovative features is its curriculum. Bedales led the country in replacing many GCSEs with its own Bedales Assessed Courses (BACs), which are designed to be more interesting and demanding. These courses allow students to explore a broad range of subjects in depth and are recognised by universities alongside traditional GCSEs. In 2024, 67% of students achieved grades 9-7 at GCSE, while 31% attained A*/A at A level. The BACs cover both traditional subjects like Geography and History as well as unique offerings such as Ancient Civilisations and Digital Game Design.
The arts play a central role in the school’s identity. Creativity permeates every aspect of life at Bedales, with a wide array of extra-curricular activities available. The music department offers opportunities ranging from classical training to contemporary genres like pop and jazz. Drama is equally vibrant, with major performances held in the 320-seater Olivier Theatre. The art department encourages freedom of exploration with facilities for clay work, multi-media projects, and fashion design.
Sports at Bedales are tailored towards student interests rather than conforming to traditional expectations. While there are options for football, hockey, and cricket, students can also engage in yoga, Pilates, and fitness activities. The school’s philosophy is to encourage pupils to find a sport they love and pursue it beyond their time at Bedales.
Boarding life at Bedales is designed to foster close-knit communities across different year groups. The boarding houses are described as cosy and comfortable, with house parents who provide strong pastoral support. The school is gradually moving towards fully co-ed boarding for all age groups by 2031.
Pastoral care is a cornerstone of the school’s approach, ensuring that each student’s educational welfare and happiness are prioritised. Staff hold regular meetings to discuss each child’s progress and provide necessary support. Inclusivity is a key focus, with pupils feeling accepted and encouraged to be their authentic selves.
Bedales School has a rich heritage dating back to its founding in 1893 by John Badley. It moved to its current site near Petersfield in 1900 and has been co-educational since 1898. The school is known for its lack of uniformity; students are free to express themselves through their clothing choices.
In terms of admissions, pupils will be selected from Year 6 starting January 2025 to join in Year 9. This process involves assessing applicants’ skills across various activities alongside traditional academic subjects. Around 30 students join at sixth form each year, with contributions to the school’s extra-curricular life being a major consideration.
The school is committed to broadening access through means-tested bursaries and scholarships in various disciplines such as art, music, drama, sport, and academia. These initiatives ensure that talented students from diverse backgrounds can benefit from the unique educational experience offered by Bedales.
Overall, Bedales School offers an exceptional blend of creativity and academia within an environment that nurtures individuality and personal growth. Its progressive approach to education prepares students not only for university but also for life beyond academia.
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