A progressive, liberal education
Academic excellence and creativity
We became dissatisfied with GCSEs, believing they had become narrow, dull and unfit for purpose.
Instead, we developed our own ambitious qualification programme – Bedales Assessed Courses (BACs) – to complement a core IGCSE programme of Maths, English, Sciences and Modern Languages. Designed by Bedales teachers, externally moderated and recognised by universities, BACs give students a say over what books they study, mainly involve coursework as opposed to exams, and focus on outdoors, Arts and Humanities subjects.
Our approach encourages inquiry, creative thinking and independent learning – vital requirements for further education and beyond. We start developing these skills early with our youngest children as they progress through our Prep and Pre-prep schools. Our pupils can enjoy – and be inspired by – a much more expansive curriculum as we are not stifled by the Common Entrance syllabus, which we feel is ineffective in educating young people.