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A recent inspection by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) has confirmed that Bedales School meets all required standards across leadership and management, the quality of education, students’ wellbeing, contribution to society and safeguarding. The inspection report has also highlighted the Outdoor Work curriculum as a strength that reflects the very best of the school’s ethos and practice.
Inspectors confirmed leaders and governors at Bedales Senior, Prep and Pre-prep know the school exceptionally well, with students’ wellbeing firmly at the centre of all decision making. The school’s self-evaluation was described as “rigorous”, and the safeguarding culture as effective across all areas. Staff across the school work closely together to ensure students feel safe, supported and known.
Will Goldsmith, Head of Bedales commented:
“This report is a strong endorsement of our students, staff and community, and it celebrates the distinctive Bedales way of doing things. The identification of a significant strength is a rare accolade in the inspection process. We are delighted with such positive external validation, although we continue to place greater value on intrinsic motivation - the curiosity, kindness, independence and love of learning that is difficult to measure by an inspection.”
Clare Kirkham, Head of Bedales Prep added:
“We extend heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed during the inspection - students, staff, governors and particularly the many parents and students who completed surveys or interacted with the inspection team. Your thoughtful engagement helped inspectors gain a genuine and rounded picture of life at Bedales.”
Teaching across the Pre-prep, Prep and Senior was judged by the inspectors to enable good progress by students. Inspectors highlighted well-planned lessons that match students’ needs; effective assessment and tracking of progress; a co-curricular programme that enables students to develop skills and interests in areas of their choice, spanning drama, music, sport, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and extensive clubs and societies; effective academic support for boarders; good progress for students with SEND (Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities) and those with English as an Additional Language.
The design and implementation of the curriculum - running from the Early Years through the Prep to Bedales Assessed Courses, A Level and the Extended Project Qualification - was described as “well-planned and structured”.
Inspectors found students to be “confident and articulate”. They highlighted thoughtful teaching about healthy relationships, ethics and current issues; high participation in sport and physical activity; respectful behaviour and an effective anti-bullying strategy; strong pastoral care and supportive boarding houses, offering a “welcoming experience”.
Students were commended for their sense of responsibility, their democratic engagement through the school council, and their inclusive and respectful relationships.
Inspectors praised the school’s effectiveness in preparing students for the wider world, highlighting: leadership opportunities and democratic participation; impartial teaching on political issues; “well developed and effective” careers education and guidance; real-world economic education; community service and partnerships with local charities and schools
In recognising Outdoor Work as a “significant strength” of the school, the inspectors praised the “very high” quality of students’ work and the breadth of their skills.
Andrew Martin, Director of the Outdoor Work Faculty commented:
“Outdoor Work has been central to Bedales since its founding, rooted in the belief that education should be practical, humane and connected to the real world. This longstanding tradition has continued to evolve in ways that speak to today’s priorities and opportunities, incorporating aspects of environmental science, biodiversity and research. Together, these elements ensure that Outdoor Work remains a uniquely Bedalian blend of tradition, inquiry, ingenuity and relevance to the world our students will enter.”
The report highlighted the “diverse range of vocational and physical skills and knowledge” fostered through Outdoor Work. Students learn to take projects from concept to creation - designing, making, producing, marketing and selling what they create. Whether restoring buildings, baking, forging tools or managing livestock, students develop “a sophisticated understanding of crafts that support the natural world and the need for sustainability”.
In addition, safeguarding across all phases was described as effective and fully embedded in school culture. Training, reporting, record keeping and recruitment checks were all found to be robust.
Inspectors identified three areas for further development, which the school has already begun addressing: publishing updated safeguarding and attendance policies more promptly; making more effective use of assessment in Relationships and Sex Education; promoting mutual trust and respect through mentoring by students in mixed-age boarding.
The full report is available here.
The ISI is appointed by the Department for Education (DfE) to inspect independent schools in England. Its inspections report to the DfE on the extent to which the statutory Independent School Standards are met. Schools undergo a scheduled inspection, on average, every three years. Bedales’ previous inspection was in 2022.
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