West Buckland School
School summary
Founded in 1858, West Buckland School has grown into a co-educational day and boarding school in Barnstaple, drawing pupils from age three through to the sixth form. With around 510 pupils, it stays comfortably on the smaller side of medium, and its Christian character underpins a strong emphasis on pastoral care. The Independent Schools Inspectorate rated the school good overall in its most recent inspection, and judged personal development excellent, with all compliance standards met. A notable 37% of pupils receive means-tested support, including 15 on fully funded places, which signals a genuine commitment to widening access.
Where every mark matters.
Places are limited and demand is high, so exam performance is what sets candidates apart. Passmate turns the months ahead into ten focused minutes a day on the exact topics this school tests.
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Latest results
GCSE grade 9-7
44%
National average 23%
A-level A*-A
39%
National average 28%
A-level A*-B
71%
National average 55%
Inspection reports
- ISI rating
- good
- ISI personal development
- excellent
- Last inspected
- 24 November 2023
Teaching & academics
Results sit well above national benchmarks: 44% of GCSE entries reached grades 9-7 against a national average of 23%, and at A-level 39% achieved A*-A and 71% A*-B, both ahead of the national picture. The sciences and mathematics are particularly popular at every stage, alongside English, business studies and psychology. The school offers an unusually broad qualifications mix, with GCSE, A-level, BTEC, the International Baccalaureate and the EPQ all available, giving families real choice in how pupils are stretched. Around 31% of pupils receive some form of SEN support, a sizeable proportion that suggests a school used to working with a range of learners.
Languages
GCSE subjects
Head · Helen Lowe
Sixth form
- Sixth-form pupils
- 122
A-level subjects
Qualifications offered
Beyond the classroom
Languages extend beyond the usual, with French, Spanish and Chinese on offer. Mobile phones are handed in on arrival, with sixth-formers permitted use in designated areas, pointing to a measured approach to screen time during the school day.
School life & ethos
- Founded
- 1858
- Religious character
- Christian
- Boarding
- Yes
- SEN support
- 31.51%
- EHC plans
- 0.66%
Mobile phone policy
Phones are handed in on arrival at school. Sixth Form students may use them in designated areas.
Fees & bursaries
- 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
Schools nearby
Blackford Education (Schools) Ltd t/a the Libra School
South Molton, South West
On Track Education Services Ltd
Barnstaple, South West
On Track Education Barnstaple
Barnstaple, South West
Kingsley School
Bideford, South West
Kingsley School Devon
Bideford, South West
Acorn School
Winkleigh, South West
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A historic Devon school that pairs strong academic outcomes with broad qualification options and meaningful financial support. Likely to suit families wanting day or boarding flexibility in a smaller, pastorally focused setting.
That’s where Passmate comes in. Tutoring is the most effective thing in a child’s preparation - a well-tutored child can outperform the vast majority of their peers. Passmate works alongside your tutor, not instead of them: it learns how your child thinks, finds the gaps, and shows the tutor exactly where to spend each session - so the limited time you have lands on what actually decides a place.
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West Buckland School 11+: frequently asked questions
Compiled from public data. Last checked 5 June 2026.