Bedales School, Hampshire, England

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Parents: do you want your children to be just like you? Or just like everyone else a... read more

Parents: do you want your children to be just like you? Or just like everyone else at their school? Then Bedales is not for you (although it may be perfect for your children).

There is no uniform 'product' at Bedales. For a start, there is no uniform. Yes, we have rules, a timetable, and a detailed curriculum, but our students must learn to organise their own time and their methods of study. In effect, we start preparing them for university well before GCSE (or our own Bedales Assessed Courses, which have replaced the duller GCSEs). We want our students to develop a mind of their own, to become their own person - and to be happy with who they are. To help them, there is an network of intensive but subtle support and guidance from teachers, personal tutors and housestaff. Bedales students are renowned for their relaxed relationship with others. Everyone is on first-name terms - a reminder that respect is earned by the individual, not by their position. We devote a lot of time and care to getting these relationships right.

As a result, Bedalians typically go into the world with confidence. They settle quickly into university because they are already used to studying independently, debating with their elders, and juggling academic and other interests. We maintain discipline, but we believe it arises best from self-discipline and care for others. We resort to rules only if education and discussion fail. It isn't easy, but it's certainly exciting. We balance 'head, hand and heart' - the creative and practical as well as the intellectual and spiritual. Typically over half our students go on to top universities (11 offers from Oxbridge last year, with five in sciences, and 11 more from leading art and design colleges). There is more than one way to encounter spiritual and ethical values and religious faith. Traditional schools have their chapel: we have our oak-beamed library, our theatre, our Quiet Place, our beautiful 120-acre estate, and opportunities for reflection prompted by visiting speakers and assemblies as well as classroom teaching.

Dozens of creative and practical activities are part of the timetable. Many are optional (though doing nothing is not an option). Competitive sport is pursued by enthusiasts, not conscripts (sports range from karate and cricket to hockey and girls' football). Music permeates the school. Outdoor work could mean hedge-laying, bread-making, weaving, or tending the sheep.

Life at Bedales is intense and demanding, creative and inspiring. Are you up for it?

School Criteria
Independent private co-educational day/boarding school in Hampshire, England. 13 to 18, 451+ pupils, Non-denom.

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Address
Bedales School

Church Road,
Petersfield,
Hampshire,
GU32 2DG
England
Local Roadmap | Aerial Photo

Tel: 01730 300100

Fax: 01730 300500

E-mail: E-mail Bedales School | Request Prospectus

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Bedales School Reviews

a great school

I have very much enjoyed my experience at Bedales, but overall it comes down t ... read review

My experience of Bedales and Bedalian life is excellent. I am extremely fortun ... read review

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