MixedIndependentBoarding

Blundell's School

Tiverton, Devon, South West · EX16 4DN

Founded in 1604, Blundell's School carries more than four centuries of history into its life as a mixed, Church of England boarding and day school in Tiverton, Devon. With 634 pupils across the 11-18 age range, including a substantial sixth form of around 200, it is a medium-sized school where both day and boarding families have a place. The Independent Schools Inspectorate rated it excellent at its most recent inspection, with personal development also judged excellent and compliance requirements met. Roughly one pupil in five receives some form of SEN support, suggesting a school accustomed to working with a range of learning needs.

634

Pupils

excellent

ISI

£33,606

Day fees / yr

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Overview & data

Gender: Mixed
Type: independent (fee-paying) school
Age range: 11-18
Pupils: 634
Location: Tiverton, Devon, South West
Website: www.blundells.org
Telephone: 01884 252543

Entrance & admissions

Entry age: 11

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Headteacher

Head Bart Wielenga

Latest results

Attainment 8

29.3

National average 46.9

GCSE grade 5+ (English & Maths)

National average 47%

GCSE grade 9-7

33%

A-level A*-A

38%

A-level A*-B

70%

Teaching & academics

At A-level, 38% of entries reach A*-A and 70% reach A*-B, and the broad sixth-form menu spans sciences, mathematics, humanities and applied subjects such as Business Studies and Physical Education. The reported GCSE picture is harder to read: 33% of grades fall in the 9-7 range, yet the recorded Attainment 8 of 29.3 sits well below the national average of 46.9 and the headline English and Maths measure shows 0% at grade 5 or above. Parents will want to discuss these figures directly with the school, particularly given how the cohort is assessed. Alongside GCSE and A-level, the school offers BTEC and the EPQ, and modern languages extend to French, German, Spanish and Chinese.

Sixth form

Sixth-form pupils: 200

Popular A-level subjects

MathematicsBusiness StudiesPsychologyBiologyChemistryPhysicsHistoryEnglish LiteratureEconomicsDesign and TechnologyPhysical EducationGovernment and PoliticsFrench

Qualifications offered

GCSEA-levelBTECEPQ

Learning support & SEN

SEN support: 20.62%
EHC plans: 0%

Arts & extracurricular

Scholarships

AcademicSportsDesign and TechnologyDiscretionary head's awards

Languages

FrenchGermanSpanishChinese

Popular GCSE subjects

BiologyChemistryPhysicsMathematicsGeographyDrama and Theatre StudiesMusicPhysical EducationArt and DesignComputer StudiesFrenchGermanSpanishChineseClassical Civilisation

Sport

Main sports

HockeyRugby

Beyond the classroom

Sport is a clear strength, with hockey and rugby at the centre of school life. Scholarship routes recognise more than academic talent, taking in sport, design and technology, and discretionary head's awards.

Ethos & heritage

Founded: 1604
Religious character: C of E
Boarding: Yes

Money matters

Day fees (per year): £10,386 - £33,606
Boarding fees (per year): £35,118 - £54,936

Some means tested foundation bursaries are available for successful scholarship applicants who need financial assistance

Inspection reports

ISI rating: excellent
ISI personal development: excellent
Last inspected: 2 December 2025

Read the full inspection report ↗

The last word

A historic Devon boarding school with strong A-level outcomes and broad opportunities; prospective families should look closely at the GCSE attainment data and ask the school to explain it.

The Passmate verdict