Fees: £16,920 – £28,515 (Day), £24,930 – £36,285 (Boarding)
Description: Surrounded by the beautiful landscape of the South Downs, the Bedales Schools teach by creating curiosity and setting challenges.
Bedales comprises three co-educational schools situated in Steep, near Petersfield, Hampshire: Bedales Pre prep, Dunannie (ages 3-8); Bedales Prep, Dunhurst (ages 8-13); and Bedales itself (ages 13-18).
Throughout a child’s school journey, we ensure confidence grows as the child grows, and with it their desire to question and discuss. This distinctive approach to learning helps children excel academically.
Every opportunity is taken to explore: learning at the three schools extends far beyond the classroom. Whether it is a lesson in Outdoor Work or Mathematics, outdoor learning is very much part of the ethos of educating through ‘head, hand and heart’.
Bedales prides itself on the creative nature of teaching and learning, maintaining as much freedom as is practically possible from the pressures of testing whilst underpinning a rigorous and high quality curriculum. We have introduced our own more challenging and interesting GCSE alternative in 12 subjects including English Literature, Design, Global Awareness and Philosophy, Religion & Ethics.
Pupils at Dunannie and Dunhurst adopt the Bedales approach of a more inquisitive way of learning very early on. They relish the challenge of embracing new topics and enjoy the journey of learning in partnership with their teachers. Day and boarding is offered, with flexi-boarding available up to the end of year 8.
There are regular open mornings and taster days; scholarships and a limited number of bursaries (up to 100%) are also offered from year 7.
Results: The vast majority of Bedales students secured places at their first choice university in 2017, with 18 (2017 cohort) and 14 (2016 cohort) starting courses at QS 2018 World Top 50 universities – including Cambridge, Oxford, King’s College London, Edinburgh, Manchester, McGill Canada, London School of Economics and Bristol – and another five students (4 from 2017 cohort and 1 from 2016 cohort) taking up places at prestigious music conservatoires – the Royal Academy of Music, the Royal College of Music, Royal Northern College of Music and Trinity Laban. Read more and view photos. In the Bedales Assessed Courses (BACs), GCSEs and IGCSEs, half of grades in 2017 were A* or A. BACs create a rigorous, imaginative and enjoyable curriculum, as well as preparing students for A Level study and subsequent application to university.
Arts: Music: Over 60% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 16 musical groups including chamber and symphony orchestras, choirs, instrumental ensembles. Pupils are members of National Youth Wind Orchestra, County Youth Orchestra and junior chamber ensembles. Drama and dance: Both offered as Bedales Assessed Courses (in place of GCSE); also A-level theatre studies, LAMDA exams may be taken. Majority of pupils are involved in school productions. Dance troupe to international exchange in Dubai. Art and design: On average, 45 take GCSE, 25+ A-level. Design, pottery, textiles, photography, printmaking, etching, screenprinting also offered.
Sport: Large choice including swimming, volleyball, basketball, athletics, badminton, dance, tennis, judo, aikido, karate, martial arts, hockey, football (boys and girls), cricket (boys), rugby, sailing, horse-riding. County level netball and rounders players. Also bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award; outdoor work on the 120-acre estate; importance of community service emphasised. Up to 50 clubs, eg cinema, drama, chess, photography.
Boarding: Small, mixed-age dormitories in single-sex houses. Upper sixth (in rooms for 1-3) in co-ed house as preparation for student life. Pupils can provide and cook own snacks. Exeats allowed on all but 1-2 weekends per year. Flexi-boarding available up to age 13.
