About us:

Bedales School is a distinguished co-educational independent day and boarding school located in Petersfield, Hampshire, England, catering to children aged 3-18 years. Founded in 1893 by Amy Badley and John Haden Badley, Bedales was established in response to the limitations of conventional Victorian schools and has been co-educational since 1898. It is situated in the village of Steep, near the market town of Petersfield in Hampshire​​​​.

The school is recognized as one of England's top-tier public schools, gaining its reputation through its strong international profile, above-average academic performance, and class-leading whole child development programs. It's known for a liberal alternative approach to education, emphasizing a relaxed but respectful environment where creative arts and outdoor work are strong. In this unique setting, students are encouraged to be disciplined but not rule-bound, as evidenced by the absence of a school uniform and the use of first names for everyone, fostering a more personal and respectful atmosphere​​​​.

Academically, Bedales offers GCSEs, A-Levels, and its own curriculum called BACs. Despite not being overly selective, the school achieves consistently good academic results. In 2021, 65% of GCSE and BAC grades were 9-7 grades, and 21% of A-Level grades were A grades. This indicates a strong academic foundation coupled with a commitment to fostering individual student growth and development​​.

Bedales is noted for being forward-thinking and removing unnecessary restrictions to students. This approach includes allowing pupils to dress casually and starting the school an hour later so that students are more well-rested and can better engage with their education. This philosophy is indicative of the school's broader commitment to considering the holistic well-being of its students, not just their academic success​​.

With a pupil population of around 470 students and 196 sixth formers, Bedales School offers a unique and enriching environment for its students, combining a strong academic focus with a nurturing and innovative approach to education. The head of the school is Will Goldsmith, who has been in the role since 2022, and the school's term fees for day students are £10,515, and for boarding students, they are £13,380​​​​.

In summary, Bedales School stands out for its liberal and innovative approach to education, strong academic performance, and commitment to the whole child development. Its unique ethos, coupled with its picturesque setting and forward-thinking policies, make it a notable and appealing option for families seeking a comprehensive and nurturing educational environment for their children.

Head's name: Mr Will Goldsmith (Head)

Boarding fees per term: £9,915 to £13,380

Day fees per term: £6,920 to £10,515

Scholarships & bursaries: Available

Day/boarding type: Day and Full Boarding

Gender profile: Coeducational

Size: 477

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