Senior Curriculum | Senior School Curriculum | GCSEs & A-levels

The curriculum at Bedales Senior is designed to inspire curiosity, encourage independent thinking and cultivate a genuine love of learning.

True to the school’s ethos of educating the whole person – ‘head, hand and heart’ – our academic programme is complemented by a rich co-curricular offering and a strong framework of pastoral care.

From their first year in Block 3 (Year 9), through Bedales Assessed Courses (BACs) in Blocks 4 and 5, to A Levels in Sixth Form, students engage with a stimulating curriculum that promotes creativity, critical thinking and the meaningful application of knowledge. They develop the skills and confidence to debate ideas, think independently and thrive at university and beyond.

Learn more on Co-curricular

Learn more on Pastoral care

Intellectual curiosity and independent thinking

Bedales designs its curriculum to spark curiosity and develop independent, reflective and lifelong learners. Across all years, students are encouraged to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and engage deeply with ideas - developing intellectual confidence and the ability to think critically, creatively and independently.

Breadth, choice and creative expression

A unique, wide-ranging curriculum offers students meaningful choice and space to explore their interests. From bespoke Bedales Assessed Courses – such as in Outdoor Work, Global Perspectives, Digital Game Design – to enrichment options shaped by students’ interests, creativity, critical thinking and individuality are celebrated. This breadth supports diverse learning interests and helps students shape an education that reflects their passions and ambitions.

Educating the whole person

Guided by our aim to educate ‘head, hand and heart’, the curriculum balances academic study with practical skills, wellbeing, and personal development. Students grow intellectually, socially and emotionally through a rich combination of academic work, co-curricular activities, life skills, volunteering, and leadership opportunities - preparing them for further study and life beyond school.

Academic subjects

At Bedales Senior, academic subjects are grouped in 10 faculties to provide a broad and inspiring curriculum, so students can pursue their interests, develop key skills and prepare for life beyond school.

Maths & Computer Science

Students are pulled, not pushed, towards learning. This creates an environment in which they want to achieve their best. Qualifications are one part of the learning process.

Block 3 (Year 9) – a broad foundation

When students join the Senior School in Block 3 (Year 9), they engage with a broad range of subjects, including those unique to the school, such as Global Perspectives and Outdoor Work, and work collaboratively on cross-curricular projects.

This foundational year provides an opportunity to discover strengths, explore interests and develop a mindset that supports success as they progress through the school.

Blocks 4-5 (Years 10-11) – Bedales Assessed Courses (BACs) and GCSEs

In Blocks 4 and 5 (Years 10 and 11), students begin to shape their studies around their academic interests.

They take our own Bedales Assessed Courses (BACs), which are offered in a broad range of subjects, alongside a core of I/GCSEs in English, Maths, Science (Double or Triple Award) and a Modern Foreign Language (either French or Spanish). From September 2027, we plan to expand our BAC offering further and transition to a two-GCSE model, retaining only English and Maths.

This forward-thinking alternative to the traditional GCSE model balances academic rigour with creative flexibility, practical application and diverse assessment methods, to best prepare students for the demands of further education.

Sixth Form – A Levels

In the Sixth Form at Bedales, students focus on A Levels, deepening their knowledge in subjects that align with their academic interests and aspirations. This focused approach supports their intellectual development and instils a strong sense of purpose as they prepare for higher education, explore career pathways, and ready themselves for life beyond Bedales.