Bedales School
Bedales School is a co-ed boarding and day school in Petersfield, Hampshire, educating pupils aged 3 - 18 and founded in 1893. Boarding fees are £6,898 - £18,999 per term. Our advice on this school is independent and free.
- Type
- Co-ed boarding & day
- Boarders from
- 8 - 18
- Ethos
- Non-denominational
- Guardian required
- Yes
About Bedales
The story, ethos and character of Bedales.
- Setting
- Village
- Ethos
- Non-denominational
- Head
- Mr Will Goldsmith
Bedales is a unique and innovative co-educational boarding and day school nestled on farmland and playing fields in the South Downs National Park in the south of England. Spanning ages 3 to 18, our students grow through a rich journey of learning, creativity and self-discovery.
We value individuality, curiosity and meaningful relationships, fostering independent thinking and confident collaboration. Students become rounded learners as a result of our diverse curriculum that encourages intellectual endeavour and creativity both in - and beyond - the classroom.
Bedales is a where students are known, supported and inspired.
What the school is known for? Founded in 1893 by John Badley, the school was built on the idea that education should be creative, independent, and prepare students for life, not just exams. From the very beginning, Bedales has embraced individuality and challenged traditional schooling.
Our stunning campus reflects that blend of creativity and tradition. Over the years, Bedales has stayed true to its roots while evolving to offer a modern, forward-thinking education. It's a where history and innovation go hand in hand. School history Bedales was founded by John Haden Badley in 1893 to be a humane alternative to the authoritarian regimes typical of late-Victorian public schools.
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Academics at Bedales
What pupils study at Bedales — and where it takes them.
exchange ideas and engage in meaningful debate beyond the classroom. Sixth Form students take the opportunity to lead some of these activities and give back to the community that benefited them. English as an additional International students are required to meet specific academic criteria and demonstrate English levels which will allow them to access the curriculum of their chosen subjects.
Entry to the Prep School is typically through assessments, interviews, and a review of academic records. Specific requirements may vary depending on the age group or level of study. Because of the extensive and bespoke EAL (English as an Additional Language) we offer, we are able to fully students who are working towards achieving fluency.
Programmes offered
Subjects offered
Where our leavers go
Top destinations include: Bristol, Edinburgh, Manchester, University of the Arts (London), Oxford Brookes, University College London, Kingston, Exeter, King's College (London), Sussex, Falmouth, Oxford, Leeds, Manchester Met, Cardiff, York, Newcastle, SOAS, Camberwell, Bath, City & Guilds, Cambridge, Glasgow School of Art.
Figures are indicative — contact us for the latest results.
Boarding at Bedales
Day-to-day boarding life and pastoral care at Bedales.
- Boarding houses
- Girls 1, Boys 1, Mixed 2
- Exeat weekends
- Yes
- Guardian required
- Yes
- Saturday lessons
- Yes
Boarding is at the heart of life at Bedales. We offer a distinctive experience shaped by our informal, inclusive ethos and emphasis on community. From Prep through to Sixth Form, our boarders enjoy a nurturing, social and purposeful environment that facilitates personal growth in both confidence and independence.
Mixed-age dorms, a strong mentoring programme and the freedom to explore interests help students form meaningful relationships across year . With weekends that combine relaxation, creativity and adventure, our boarding experience replicates the feel of home while offering opportunities that are uniquely Bedalian.
A genuine home away from home
We have the following boarding houses: Dunhurst, Bedales Prep - a coeducational boarding house with 40 beds up to Year 8. Boys' Flat - for boys in years 9-12, mixed-age Steephurst - for girls in Years 9-12, mixed age 6.2 boarding house- for students in Year 13, co-educational Sorry, there is no boarding house information available at this time...
We can arrange trusted UK guardianship for international families.
Bedales admissions
How children join Bedales, and how we make it simple.
Tell us about your child
Share their age, interests and what you're looking for. Our advice is completely free.
We shortlist & introduce
We match you to the right schools and make the introductions to their admissions teams.
Assessment, offer & enrolment
We guide you through entrance assessments and interviews, and handle visas and guardianship if needed.
What you'll typically need
- Recent school reports or transcript
- Passport copy
- English-language evidence (if applicable)
- Completed registration form
- A reference from the current school
Special notes to agents about entry to the school Application procedure and entrance tests From long experience, it is best for students to join Bedales Prep or Senior in the September following their eighth, eleventh, thirteenth or sixteenth birthday.
However, we will consider applicants for other years if places are available. Bedales is different: we want to be sure it is right for a child so we encourage a visit to the school before sending in an application. We hold Open Mornings throughout the year, booking for which is essential.
As your advisors we manage the application end-to-end at no cost.
Bedales fees & funding
What Bedales costs, what's included, and how we help with funding.
What termly boarding fees include
- Tuition
- Boarding accommodation
- All meals
- Pastoral & house care
- Most academic materials
Funding & scholarships
Registration deposits, EAL tuition, uniform and trips are usually charged separately. Many schools offer academic, sport, music and art scholarships plus means-tested bursaries — ask us and we'll send a full, current breakdown for Bedales.
Fees change year to year and by entry point. As your independent advisors we hold up-to-date figures and can compare Bedales against similar schools so you know exactly what to budget.
Figures shown are the latest we hold — we'll confirm current fees on enquiry.
Bedales location & travel
Where Bedales is, and how to get there.
Travel details Address Church Road, Steep, Petersfield, Hampshire, GU32 2DG, England Airport transfer The school is approximately one hour from Gatwick and Heathrow airports. We can recommend taxi firms for airport transfers. Travel time to London by train Less than 1 hour Telephone +44 (0)1730 300 100 Website https://www.
bedales. org. uk/ Most convenient airports Airport Distance (miles) Drive time (minutes) 1. Southampton 30 30 2. London Gatwick 50 60 3. London Heathrow 52 60 Most convenient train stations Station Distance (miles) Drive time (minutes) 1. Petersfield 2 5
Bedales — frequently asked questions
Where is Bedales?
How much are Bedales boarding fees?
What ages does Bedales take?
Is Bedales co-educational?
When was Bedales founded?
Does Bedales require a UK guardian?
How many pupils study A-levels at Bedales?
What qualifications does Bedales offer?
Does Bedales support SEN or EAL students?
How many boarding houses does Bedales have?
Are there compulsory exeat weekends at Bedales?
Does Bedales have Saturday lessons?
How do I apply to Bedales?
Does Bedales accept international students?
How much does Bedales cost?
What's included in Bedales's fees?
Are scholarships or bursaries available?
Where exactly is Bedales?
Considering Bedales for your child?
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