)
From the outset, founder John Badley was determined to shape the school around what was considered best for the individual child’s educational welfare and happiness. This is still as important today as we strive to deliver a balanced, holistic education. We believe that happy young people work hard and achieve, so learning about wellbeing is a key part of ensuring your child is well supported during their time here. Our nurturing environment encourages children to thrive.
Our guiding principle is simple: everyone contributes, and everyone benefits. Students are encouraged to consider how their actions affect those around them, growing into thoughtful, responsible members of our community.
We believe that a happy school life isn’t just a right - it’s something we create together. Individuality is celebrated, but so is the shared responsibility of shaping an inclusive, respectful environment. Through active participation and reflection, students gain a deeper understanding of what it means to belong and discover the fulfilment that comes from contributing to something bigger than themselves.
)
Learning life skills
Every student at Bedales receives dedicated weekly wellbeing education designed to build emotional resilience and life skills. In Prep, students attend timetabled Wellbeing lessons in The Nest - a calm, comfortable space at the heart of the school where they develop empathy, self-worth and emotional intelligence. Senior students participate in PSHE Life Skills lessons (Blocks 3-5) that focus on critical thinking, resilience and decision-making.
Both programmes use a spiral curriculum approach, building skills progressively to help students recognise and manage emotions, understand difference and change, and communicate constructively. These lessons provide students with a practical wellbeing toolkit they can draw upon throughout their lives, supporting them to thrive both academically and personally.
)
From the moment a student joins Bedales, a strong partnership is formed between staff, parents and students - working together to support academic progress and personal development. Teachers take time to understand each child’s strengths and needs, fostering a culture where individual growth is championed.
Communication is open and collaborative, with regular updates, conversations and events that keep parents involved. The use of first-name terms reflects the atmosphere of mutual respect and connection that underpins all relationships. This simple but powerful triangle - student, teacher, parent - is key to the sense of trust, belonging and shared purpose that defines Bedales.
)
Pastoral care was arguably invented at Bedales.
)
Matrons provide medical care and support for all students.
Any child can call or be referred to a matron is available and on duty, 24 hours a day. Matrons administer basic medical care, can refer students to a doctor or ask parents to pick up their child.
We have a school doctor, who is based at the Swan Surgery in Petersfield. We also have the support of the Health Centre at Bedales Senior, which can support students and staff with medical needs.
13th September 2025
Come and experience the school for yourself as you look around the campus and meet some of the staff and students that make Bedales so unique.
)