Head, Hand and Heart

Bedales was founded to be different. Where other independent boarding schools imposed conformity, we have always nurtured individuality, initiative and an enquiring mind.

Our founder, J H Badley, wanted to educate the whole person – 'head, hand and heart'. Pursuing this ideal, Bedales has evolved constantly. Most recently, we have led the way in replacing some GCSEs with our own more interesting and more demanding courses.

The students who will gain most from our community are those who will give most and join us wholeheartedly in this unique educational experience.

This website gives a flavour, so please browse and enjoy. But do come and visit us to experience what makes Bedales special.

Keith Budge Signature

Keith Budge
Head of the Bedales Schools

Keith Budge Talking With Students

Why Bedales?

If Bedales is the right school for your child, then it will feel right, and you and your child will know... more

Bedales Students and Teachers Shaking Hands

Approach To Learning

Our primary aim is to develop inquisitive thinkers with a love of learning who cherish independent thought... more

Frosty Lane

Feedback on new website

An introduction to our new website, and a call for members of our community to submit photos that capture Bedales' unique nature... more

Students Creating Art

Bedales Assessed Courses

The innovative Bedales Assessed Courses are designed to complement a core of GCSEs... more

Bedales Building

Open Mornings

Come and meet us. It is the only way to get a feel for the unique Bedales atmosphere... more

Bedales Arts

Bedales Arts

Music, drama, dance, jazz and lectures in the Bedales Olivier Theatre; exhibitions of art and design in the Bedales Gallery... more

Students in Park

Admissions

Relationships are important at Bedales, so we look for applicants who will benefit from, and contribute to, our mix of informality and respect for the individual... more

Students Tending the Land

Brief History

Bedales was founded by Badley in 1893 to be a humane alternative to the authoritarian regimes typical of late-Victorian public schools... more

Bedales Campus

Bedales Campus

The countryside comes right to the heart of the schools; an eclectic mix of buildings adds to the charm of the setting... more