Bedales > Introduction

Bedales was founded in 1893 by J H Badley as a liberal alternative to the rigid and authoritarian regimes prevalent in independent schools of the time.

Bedales still holds to Badley’s values, although the way in which they are pursued has changed over time (obligatory cold baths were dropped years ago).

• Students take GCSEs and A-levels, but we want them to develop an enquiring mind, not just the ability to pass tests. We have replaced several GCSEs with courses of our own making that encourage independent thinking and allow students to pursue their own intellectual interests.
• There is a school rule book, but it is applied with a light touch; self-discipline, achieved through discussion and persuasion, is preferred to the imposition of arbitrary conformity.
• There is a timetable, but students are given a high degree of responsibility from an early age for organising their private study.
• Competitive sport thrives, but competitiveness is not prized for its own sake: competition is the opportunity for individuals to test and stretch themselves and develop team skills. Non-sporting students do not lose status here; they may, for instance, be equally enthusiastic or adept at Outdoor Work on our 120-acre estate, a speciality of Bedales.
• Bedales is known for the creative and performing arts. Quality is not the only reason (we gain outstanding results in the sciences as well), but the arts pervade the life of the school: for instance, every assembly starts with a recital.
• Bedales is not explicitly religious, let alone denominational (the library is our closest equivalent to a chapel), but we devote a thoughtful programme of activity to spiritual, moral and ethical development.
• Hierarchy is necessary but minimal. We work on the basis of mutual respect, symbolised by using first-name terms for everyone, and by the shaking of hands after every assembly.

One outcome is that our students do not suffer culture shock when they go on to university (Oxbridge, Russell Group, 1994 Group and many others). Bedales has prepared them for the outside world academically, socially and personally.

Bedales has been coeducational since 1898. It has just over 450 students, two thirds of whom are boarders.

A ten-year plan to invest in new facilities has already resulted in a stunning new building for teaching and administration (containing about 60% of the teaching space), and further improvements are planned, notably in music, and in art and design.

For more information about the events for this term, please click on the Bedales calendar in the Bedales area.  

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