MixedIndependentBoarding

West Buckland School

Barnstaple, Devon, South West · EX32 0SX

Founded in 1858 and set in Barnstaple, West Buckland School educates around 510 pupils from age three through to eighteen, with both day and boarding places available. This medium-sized Christian school was rated good overall by the Independent Schools Inspectorate, which judged its pupils' personal development to be excellent. Its commitment to access is notable: 37% of students receive means-tested support, and 15 hold fully funded places.

510

Pupils

good

ISI

£23,517

Day fees / yr

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Overview & data

Gender: Mixed
Type: independent (fee-paying) school
Age range: 3-18
Pupils: 510
Location: Barnstaple, Devon, South West
Website: http://www.westbuckland.com
Telephone: 01598 760000

Entrance & admissions

Entry age: 11

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Headteacher

Head Helen Lowe

Latest results

Attainment 8

54.1

National average 46.9

GCSE grade 5+ (English & Maths)

69%

National average 47%

GCSE grade 9-7

44%

A-level A*-A

39%

A-level A*-B

71%

Teaching & academics

Results sit comfortably above national benchmarks, with an Attainment 8 score of 54.1 against the national average of 46.9, and 69% of pupils securing grade 5 or above in English and Maths compared with 47% nationally. At GCSE, 44% of grades fell in the 9-7 range, while 39% of A-level entries reached A*-A and 71% A*-B. The breadth of qualifications - GCSE, A-level, BTEC, the IB and the EPQ - gives families genuine choice, and the sciences and Maths feature strongly among popular subjects at both levels.

Sixth form

Sixth-form pupils: 122

Popular A-level subjects

MathematicsBiologyChemistryPhysicsEnglish LiteratureBusiness StudiesPsychology

Qualifications offered

GCSEA-levelBTECIBEPQ

Learning support & SEN

SEN support: 31.51%
EHC plans: 0.66%

Arts & extracurricular

Languages

FrenchSpanishChinese

Popular GCSE subjects

MathematicsEnglish LanguageEnglish LiteratureBiologyChemistryPhysicsGeographyBusiness StudiesDrama & Theatre Studies

Beyond the classroom

Languages on offer include French, Spanish and Chinese, broadening horizons beyond the core curriculum. Drama and Theatre Studies and Business Studies are among the well-subscribed subjects, pointing to a programme that mixes the creative with the practical.

Ethos & heritage

Founded: 1858
Religious character: Christian
Boarding: Yes

Mobile phone policy

Phones are handed in on arrival at school. Sixth Form students may use them in designated areas.

Money matters

Day fees (per year): £10,611 - £23,517
Boarding fees (per year): £24,720 - £53,814
Bursaries up to: 100% of fees

Means-tested bursaries available; 37% of students receiving support including 15 on fully funded places

Inspection reports

ISI rating: good
ISI personal development: excellent
Last inspected: 24 November 2023

Read the full inspection report ↗

The last word

A long-established Devon school combining strong academic outcomes with a serious commitment to bursary support. Worth a close look for families wanting boarding or day options and a route through GCSE, A-level or the IB.

The Passmate verdict