West Buckland School

Since 1858, we have created opportunities for boys and girls to fulfil their academic potential, and to develop as confident young adults through the challenges and enjoyment of sport, music, drama and many other extra-curricular activities.

We celebrate our history, as well as our stunning natural surroundings and much of our focus revolves around our heritage and location.

West Buckland School was founded in 1858 to bring education to the rural families and it is these principles of inclusion and social mobility which are at the heart of the West Buckland ethos. We have a strong history of internationalism, attracting students from all over the world. We take pride in our multi-cultural community in which everyone feels like family, with life-long friendships being formed which span the globe. West Buckland strives to help all students to be the best they can be, offering equal rights and opportunities whilst respecting different strengths, abilities and interests.

West Buckland welcomes children from 3 to 18, from the local area and worldwide, as day students and boarders into our rich, diverse and friendly school community.

The highest performing co-educational day and boarding school in the South West peninsula and a Top 40 UK Independent co-ed boarding school.

20 minutes from Woolacombe beach – one of the closest surfing beaches to London!  Mental and physical well-being are very important to us and we make the most of our stunning location to ensure our pupils have access to fresh air, space and exercise.

Forward Thinking – we are a school that has adopted a genuinely innovative approach to education, focusing beyond the classroom and developing important life skills.

Shortlisted for Boarding School of the Year – in the TES Independent School Awards 2019 and again in 2020, by Independent School magazine.

A place where children stay younger longer – It is a place where they can grow and develop at their own speed.

The place where we focus on the PIE philosophy, offering Personalised, Innovative and Excellent opportunities for our students.

A hot house school – putting children under unnecessary pressures to succeed, eroding their love of learning and reducing their self-esteem.

A school that believes that academic achievement creates the full person. We look for qualities beyond the confines of the classroom and nurture passion, drive and enthusiasm.

Old fashioned? Quite the opposite.  Our modern and state of the art facilities ensure our students benefit from contemporary teaching methods, using the most up-to-date IT systems and are exposed to a wide range of opportunities and information that will enable them to make informed decisions about their futures

Our mission is to provide a forward-thinking education consisting of personalised development, innovative experiences and excellent learning.

Our Values

• Confidence : aspiring to make a difference through effective communication and generosity of spirit
• Critical Thinking: to have the courage to question, analyse and evaluate for better understanding and informed judgement
• Creative: to innovate rather than imitate, to develop the capacity to make connections and challenge the status quo
• Courage: do what is right, realising that you all have something special to give, and embrace a full education that develops independence, integrity, resilience and strength of character
• Commitment: to be hard-working and rigorous, respecting who you are and what you are doing
• Caring: to serve your inclusive community within the context of Christian values and use empathy and reflection to maximize your own and others’ potential
• Curiosity: to be inquiring and open-minded, to know yourself