Confidence, competence and enjoyment

Bedales founder John Badley insisted that the School should educate the whole person – ‘head, hand and heart’. Accordingly, a Bedales education encompasses not only academic study but also the development of character and practical abilities. Sport and PE is an important part of our curriculum which provides distinctive opportunities for students to learn about themselves and others, alongside skills development.

We want students to:

• Develop the competence and confidence to enjoy and succeed in a wide range of sports and physical activity, both in and out of school.

• Enjoy a lifelong passion for sport, and to be aware of the benefits of an active and healthy lifestyle.

• Learn how to be effective in competitive, creative and challenging situations, as an individual and as part of a team.

• Develop personal, social and emotional skills, including concepts of fairness, responsibility and commitment. 

Impressive facilities

• Full-size floodlit astroturf pitch

• Large sports hall

• Indoor swimming pool

• Multi-gym

• Six outdoor floodlit netball and tennis courts

• 17 acres of playing fields

Distinctive, inquisitive, innovative, independent thought

• In the primary years, students are exposed to a variety of sports and taught the basic skills required to participate and succeed, and so develop confidence.

• At senior school age, students are given more freedom to select from activities within the PE programme.

• Competitive sport is important at Bedales. We participate in national and regional competitions, whilst taking great care to produce a fixture list that supports our aims and provides the best learning experience for our students. We do not promote a 'win at all costs' mentality; rather we work hard to create a positive, engaging and, most importantly, an enjoyable sporting environment. However, we also make sure that we give our excellent athletes what they need from us.

• Ultimately, we want all of our students to leave the school having enjoyed sport in some way, and minded to continue some kind of participation in their adult lives.

• No matter the student, they get a warm welcome from specialist staff, and we always try to find something for them that is suited to their abilities and preferences.