Shebbear College

The school’s ethos is built upon the values of creativity, curiosity, compassion, courtesy, courage, and confidence. It focuses on a pupil-centered approach, aiming to build confidence and enjoyment of learning while helping every individual achieve their personal best. The school prides itself on its small size, which allows for tailored learning and a nurturing, family-like atmosphere.

The school offers a continuous education from Nursery and Reception through to the Sixth Form. The curriculum is designed to be pupil-centered, with recent additions such as Environmental Education, which blends science and geography. Sixth Form pupils follow A-Level and BTEC pathways, supported by the 'Horizons' department for UCAS and careers guidance.

The school emphasizes a 'value-added' approach, with pupils often surpassing their predicted grades. In 2025, the majority of Sixth Form students secured places at their first-choice universities, including prestigious Russell Group institutions, to study subjects ranging from Medicine and Computer Science to Drama and Politics. GCSE results also show strong performance, with a high percentage of grades 9-4 achieved across a broad range of subjects.

The school provides personalized learning support, including dedicated staff for SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) and EAL (English as an Additional Language) intervention. Support is available on a one-to-one or small-group basis to ensure all pupils can access the mainstream curriculum.

Shebbear College is a non-selective school that welcomes pupils at any stage of their education, from Reception through to Sixth Form. The admissions process involves a visit or tour, a meeting with the Head, and a Taster Day, during which prospective pupils are informally observed. For entry into the Senior School, pupils sit a Cognitive Ability Test (CAT4) to help staff understand their academic potential, while Sixth Form applicants are assessed based on their GCSE results and a school reference.

The school year is divided into terms, with key events including sports days, celebration days, and speech days held in the summer term. The calendar also features academic enrichment opportunities, such as Model United Nations, and various co-curricular activities throughout the year.

The 85-acre campus in rural North Devon features a mix of historical buildings and modern facilities, including an indoor sports hall, gymnasium, dance studio, and multiple sports fields and tennis courts. Academic resources include modern science laboratories, a dedicated Sixth Form Centre, an ICT suite, and a music centre equipped with a recording studio and Steinway pianos. The Life Skills Centre houses dedicated rooms for cookery, pottery, and art, while boarding is provided in two refurbished, co-educational houses, Ruddle and Pollard.

The 360@Sheb programme offers a wide range of activities, including surfing, the Ten Tors Challenge, and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Pupils can also participate in music, drama, and art, with opportunities for private music lessons, speech and drama coaching, and various sports clubs. The school also maintains a house system and organizes regular trips, expeditions, and exchange programmes.