As our students grow older, they take on more responsibility for organising their life and learning. This can be demanding, when there are so many choices to be made of academic and other activities, so we look also for the intellectual capacity, determination and enthusiasm that allow a student to make the most of these choices. All these characteristics are personal and individual: they have nothing to do with race, creed or background.

A wonderful place to develop a strong sense of self, stretch minds, develop a love of learning and make lifelong friends

Good Schools Guide

Although one in eight of our students have a brother or sister in the school, many others have siblings elsewhere, because Bedales is right for one child but not the other. Bedales does not adhere to any religious denomination, but we can arrange for students to follow their own religious observances. Most of our families are based in London or the south-east of the UK. About ten percent work or live overseas. At the Senior School, two thirds of the students are boarders, even though a number live locally.

 Main Entry Points
Bedales Pre-prepAge 3+ Nursery; day only; Children start in the term that they turn three. For Nursery the minimum number of sessions is two.
 Age 7+ (Year 3): Further places are available, as we divide Year 3 into two classes.
Bedales PrepAge 8+ (Year 4): From Bedales Pre-prep, or as an external candidate; full or flexi-boarding or day.
 Age 11+ (Year 7) boarding or day
Bedales SeniorAge 13+ (Year 9) From Bedales Prep, or as an external candidate; boarding or day
 Age 16+ (Year 12) boarding or day.

From long experience, it is best for students to join Bedales Prep and Senior School in the September following their eighth, eleventh, or thirteenth birthday. However, we will consider applicants for other years if places are available (with the exception of Block 5 (Year 11) and 6.2 (Year 13)). Bedales is different: we want to be sure it is right for your child so please do visit the school before sending in an application by attending an open morning or arranging a visit. You can also view the prospectus here or request to receive a prospectus.

When we have received your completed application form and a registration fee and depending on the entry point, we enter your child's name on the lists for the entrance tests at the appropriate time. This does not constitute a guarantee of a place in the school, which can only be determined by the entrance tests. Preliminary details of the tests are generally sent out to the parents during the autumn term preceding the January in which the tests are held.

To read Bedales policies, including the Admissions Policy and Bursary Policy, please click here.