West Buckland School is an independent day and boarding school set in 90 acres of beautiful North Devon countryside in the South West of England. Founded in 1858, the school has always stressed the importance of all-round character development alongside good academic achievement. Our size allows pupils to receive plenty of individual care and attention to their needs and talents.
West Buckland Preparatory School educates children between the ages of three and eleven. There is strong cooperation and support between the schools which share the same grounds, so making the transition as easy as possible.
West Buckland is fully co-educational.
Situation. The school stands in 90 acres of beautiful North Devon countryside on the edge of Exmoor. Barnstaple is 10 miles away and the M5 motorway can be reached in 35 minutes. Boarders arriving by train at Exeter station are met by coaches.
Buildings and grounds. The central range of buildings, dating from 1861, still form the focus of the school, and now includes an arts centre. Other developments include a Library and Study Centre, Sixth Form boarding house, learning support centre and student cafe. The campus offers outstanding sports facilities, including an indoor heated 25-metre swimming pool, squash courts, 19 tennis courts and an Astroturf hockey pitch. The Jonathan Edwards Sports Centre opened in 2008 and the award-winning 150 Building for Art, Design Technology and the 150 Theatre opened in 2010. A new study centre for all senior school pupils and a co-educational Sixth Form boarding house with single en-suite bedrooms opened in 2015.
Admission. Boys and girls are admitted as boarders from Year 7 or day pupils from age 4 onwards. The present number of pupils is: 142 boarding, 514 day.
Entrance to the Preparatory School is by interview and assessment of school reports. Entry to the Senior School is by assessment or to the Sixth Form upon interview, GCSE results and school report.
Fees per term (2024-2025). Senior: Full Boarding £14,375–£15,325, Weekly Boarding £1,613 (5-night stay), Day £7,430. Preparatory: Day £3,272–£5,573.
Scholarships and bursaries. A number of scholarships are awarded for entry at 11+, 13+ or 16+ (value at the discretion of the Headmaster). Candidates must be under 12, 14 or 17 years of age on 1st September for entry the following year. Applications are welcomed throughout the year – see our website for details.
Academic, Music, Drama and Sports scholarships are available for entry at 11+, 13+ and 16+. At 16+ there is also an Art scholarship. Details and deadlines are available on our website.
With the support of the West Buckland School Foundation, means-tested bursaries are available for boarders and day students at all ages.
Curriculum. In the Preparatory School, the main emphasis is upon well-founded confidence in English and Mathematics, within a broad balance of subjects, including modern languages, music, IT, sciences and arts. Particular attention is given to the development of sporting, artistic and musical talents.
In the Senior School, breadth is complemented by specialisation. All students study the three separate sciences from Year 7, while both French and Spanish are the principal languages offered from Year 7. Our flexible options arrangements at GCSE respond to students’ individual strengths and preferences. A wide range of A Level subjects is offered to sixth formers whose results uphold the high academic standards of the school; the school is launching the IB Career Programme from September 2023. More information on curriculum is available on the school website.
Careers. The Careers Staff advise all pupils upon the openings and requirements for different careers. They make full use of the facilities offered by Connexions and host regular careers events, further education advice and visits and career presentations.
Games, the Performing Arts and other activities. One of the most impressive features of life at West Buckland is the quality and range of extracurricular activities, with a high level of involvement from pupils and staff.
The school has a strong sporting tradition. Rugby, hockey, cricket, netball, tennis, athletics, swimming, cross-country, squash, golf, shooting, badminton, basketball and many other sports offer opportunities for inter-school and inter-house competition and for recreation.
About a third of all pupils receive instrumental and singing tuition from specialist teachers. The wide range of choirs and instrumental groups give concerts at least once a week throughout the year. Drama is a strength of the school with productions of many kinds throughout the year. The Performing Arts are complemented by the exceptional facilities provided by the school’s award-winning 150 Building which houses an impressive studio theatre.
Music. Tuition is available on all instruments. Pupils are encouraged to perform in concerts, in choirs and instrumental groups. Music Technology is also a strong feature of the department’s work.
Outdoor education. Much use is made of the proximity to Exmoor and the coast for climbing, kayaking, mountain biking, surfing, coasteering, scuba diving and other adventurous activities. All pupils receive instruction in camp craft, first aid and map reading. The Combined Cadet Force has Army and Royal Air Force sections, and offers a range of challenging pursuits. Our students succeed at all levels in The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme each year, and there is a regular programme of expeditions in this country and overseas.
Religion. The tradition is Anglican but the school welcomes children from all denominations and faiths – or none. Services of worship are held on a regular basis at East Buckland Church.
Attitudes and values. The school sets out to be a friendly and purposeful community in which happiness and a sense of security are the foundation on which young lives are built. At all levels, members of the school are asked to lead a disciplined way of life, to show consideration for others, to be willing to be challenged and to recognise that the success of the individual and the success of the group are inextricably linked.
Charitable status. West Buckland School is a Registered Charity, number 1167545. Its purpose is the education of boys and girls from 3 to 18.
Governors & Staff:
The Governing Body:
Patron: P D Orchard-Lisle, CBE, TD, DL, LLD [hc], DSc [hc], MA, FRICS
President: The Countess of Arran, MBE, DL
Vice Presidents: Mr B Geen, Mr J M H Light
Chair of Governors: Mr Ian Blewit
Governors:
The Venerable Verena Breed
Mr M Brearey, BA Hons, PGCE
Prof D Boughey, BA, MSc, PhD, PFHEA
Dr T Brummitt, MBCHB, BSc Hons, MRCGP
Georgie Cotton
P Hevingham, LLB Hons, MRICS, FCIARB
S Pim, BSc Econ, MA
Mrs K Stewart, BA, MA
Mr J Walker
Mr J Wilson, MA
Bursar and Clerk to the Governors: C Candlish, BSc, PGCE, ACMA
Headmaster: Mr Phillip Stapleton, BSc, MA Durham, MBA, PGCE, MRSC
Acting Deputy Head Academic, Head of Sixth Form: Matt Brimson
Deputy Head Pastoral: Mrs K Corbin, MEd Exeter
Head, Prep: Mrs S Atkinson, BA Hons,
Day Houses & Housemasters/mistresses:
Brereton House: Dr E N D Grew, PhD Exeter
Courtenay House: D Brown, BSc Hons Bournemouth
Fortescue House: Mrs J Keech
Grenville House: Dr J McKerrow, PhD McMaster Ontario
Head of Boarding: Mr Richard Boyle
Admissions Manager: Kathy Perry