Bedales Podcast

A journey through the school’s most characterful spaces to uncover how architecture shapes life and learning at Bedales. Old Bedalian Sofia walks the campus with illustrator, author and former Chair of Governors Matthew Rice, exploring the stories, craft and philosophy behind the buildings and the handmade structures born from outdoor work.

In the second half, architect and Old Bedalian Katie Shannon reflects on how growing up at Bedales sparked her passion for inclusive and sustainable design. She shares how spaces can influence creativity, confidence and wellbeing, and how Bedales’ values continue to inspire her work.

Together, their reflections offer a vivid picture of how the school’s built environment has evolved while staying rooted in its ethos of head, hand and heart. It’s a thoughtful look at how buildings can enable community, curiosity and the freedom to learn.

This Beyond Bedales podcast episode explores how STEM education is being transformed at Bedales School. Head of Science Faculty Liz Stacy discusses her journey from the chemical industry to teaching, highlighting Bedales' unique approach that emphasises creativity, autonomy, and real-world relevance over rote memory. The school is developing an exciting new science curriculum to replace the outdated GCSE system, focusing on critical thinking, inquiry-based learning, and continuous assessment in addition to terminal exams. Alumni and parents then discuss Bedales’ influence in fostering their fascinating STEM careers in fields ranging from AI and engineering to digital education, emphasising that creativity and human connection remain essential skills in an increasingly automated world.

This episode is produced by Old Bedalian Sofia GM.

Welcome to Life@Bedales - Finding home far from home, conversations with Bedales international students about what it’s like to join a UK boarding school and build a life here.

In this episode, students reflect on their experiences of settling into Bedales School - from discovering British food to becoming part of a small, close‑knit community that quickly starts to feel like a second home. They talk about the friendships they’ve formed across different year groups, the fun of weekend BBQs and celebrations like Thanksgiving, and the confidence they’ve gained from trying new things and finding their strengths across the curriculum.

Sport features strongly too, with students loving the facilities and the chance to get involved in activities they’d never tried before. They also speak about the freedom to express themselves, whether that’s through their work, their interests or simply by wearing their own clothes.

A recurring theme is the authentic relationships students build with teachers. First‑name terms and a culture of mutual respect help create an environment where they feel genuinely cared for and understood. It’s a place where they’re encouraged to “be yourself and have a go” - advice they’re keen to pass on to anyone joining the school for the first time.

You’ll hear honest reflections on how Bedales has shaped our students: how they’ve grown more confident, more open and more at home in themselves.

This is life at Bedales, told through the voices of those who travelled farthest to find it.

Music performed by Bedales students. Interview recordings by George Purves and edited by Old Bedalian Sofia GM.  

Welcome to this Christmas episode of the Bedales Podcast featuring interviews, carols and readings from members of the Bedales School community. We hear from Clare Kirkham (Head of Bedales Prep) and Will Goldsmith (Head of Bedales) in conversation with Sixth Form students Orlando and Aaron.

We then enjoy highlights from the Bedales Service of Carols and Readings for Advent and Christmas, recorded from All Saints’ Church, Steep in December 2025, led by Doug McIlwraith, Director of Music, and featuring the Bedales Senior Choir and readings from students and staff. Thank you to Harry Boulton, Assistant Director of Music, for the recording of the service, Rev Canon Dr Susie Collingridge for taking the service and making available the church, The congregation for joining in so heartily with the singing, and to Sofia GM, Old Bedalian, for producing this episode.