Bedales Senior

Cultivating curious minds

Explore boldly, think deeply, express freely - Bedales helps you
grow your voice and stretch your mind every day.

Academic excellence

Learning is personal and purposeful, with expert staff guiding students through rigorous, interdisciplinary study. Curiosity is nurtured across subjects, encouraging independent thought, deep inquiry and meaningful connections.

Innovative Bedales Assessed Courses

BACs replace non-core GCSEs with dynamic, coursework-based learning that’s internally assessed (with presentations, project work, vivas, journals, artefacts as well as exams), externally moderated and recognised by universities. Students explore real-world topics creatively, gaining confidence and following their passions.

Inspiring and vibrant arts

Creativity thrives through hands-on experiences in Drama, Dance, Music, Art and Design which are at the core of the Bedales offer. Students perform, exhibit and collaborate in inspiring spaces, supported by expert practitioners and a vibrant co-curricular programme.

Inclusive and varied sport

Sport at Bedales is inclusive, varied and student-centred. From weekly team fixtures to tournaments and individual pursuits, students enjoy top facilities, expert coaching and develop a lifelong love of movement, health and fair play.

Academic excellence and creativity

Academic excellence is inseparable from creativity at Bedales. Our unique curriculum is designed to inspire independent thought, deep inquiry and imaginative expression. Central to this are our pioneering Bedales Assessed Courses (BACs) - rigorous, university-recognised qualifications that replace many traditional GCSEs. BACs prioritise broader assessment methods, collaboration and real-world relevance over rote learning and high-stakes exams. Students explore subjects like Philosophy, Religion & Ethics, Global Perspectives and Digital Game Design, guided by expert teachers who foster curiosity and confidence. This innovative approach reflects our belief that education should be personal and humane – qualifying young people not just for the next stages in their educational journey, but preparing them for life.

Doing well in academic subjects
has made me believe in myself.
Shaping future pathways

Bedales students finish their journey with us to go on to the most prestigious academic and artistic institutions in the UK and internationally, joining a host of alumni who are distinctively Bedalian for life. Our annual list of destinations features QS Top 100 global universities in courses spanning the science, arts and humanities. While we take a kinder, more ‘child-centred’ approach, our students are ambitious and go on to contribute to society in remarkable ways. They leave us with a strong sense of purpose, ready to give back to their communities and make a meaningful impact on the wider world.

A journey of inspiring, purposeful learning
Bedales Senior nurtures creativity and independence through innovative
Bedales Assessed Courses and focused academic depth.
Bedales is a place where young people flourish as themselves. Come and see how our community inspires learning, creativity and critical thinking - you’ll feel the difference the moment you arrive.
Will Goldsmith, Head of Bedales School
Will Goldsmith, Head of Bedales
A wonderful place to develop a strong sense of self, stretch minds, develop a love of learning and make lifelong friends.
Good Schools Guide
Bedales Senior
Pastoral care was arguably
invented at Bedales.
Good Schools Guide
Bedales Senior
A unique place where interesting people do interesting things and creativity and academia exist in perfect harmony.
Good Schools Guide
Bedales Senior
Students are not only allowed, but actively encouraged, to be their authentic selves and they told us that they felt ‘nourished’ by the culture.
Good Schools Guide
Bedales Senior
Browse our prospectus

See our detailed prospectuses to understand our innovative curriculum, vibrant school life, and supportive community.