West Buckland School
Secular, Founded 1858
Updated July 2026
National Curriculum (England)
IGCSE
IB DiplomaWest Buckland School is a coeducational independent day and boarding school for pupils aged 3 to 18, located on a 100-acre rural campus in North Devon. It is a non-investor-owned independent school that focuses on providing a personalised, high-quality education.
Teaching approach
Founded in 1858, the school blends tradition with a future-driven agenda, prioritising adaptive teaching, kindness, intellectual discussion, and debating skills. It operates under the motto 'Read and Reap' and emphasises character values, sustainability, and community engagement. The school is committed to placing the child at the heart of the educational experience to empower them to discover their unique excellence.
Programmes
The school offers a continuous education from Nursery (ages 3-5) through to the Sixth Form. The curriculum for Years 7-9 includes a broad range of subjects such as mathematics, sciences, humanities, and arts. At the GCSE level, the school offers a flexible curriculum that allows for specialisation, while the Sixth Form provides pathways including the IB Careers Programme and A-level studies.
Outcomes
The school maintains high academic standards, with exam results placing it among the highest-performing schools in the South West. It provides dedicated support for university applications, including preparation for Oxbridge, medical, and veterinary courses.
Student support
Learning support
The school provides learning development lessons for small groups in Years 7 to 9, focusing on literacy, study, and organisational skills. In Years 10 and 11, students may choose to continue with learning development in place of a GCSE subject to receive extra time and support for their studies. 1:1 support for literacy and numeracy is also available.
Frequently asked questions(6)
- What curriculum does West Buckland School offer?
- West Buckland School offers National Curriculum (England), IGCSE, Cambridge A-Level and IB Diploma.
- How much is tuition at West Buckland School?
- Annual tuition at West Buckland School is £7.7K–£55.4K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
- What ages does West Buckland School teach?
- West Buckland School enrolls students aged 3 to 18.
- Is West Buckland School a day or boarding school?
- West Buckland School is a day school.
- Is West Buckland School co-educational?
- West Buckland School is a co-ed school.
- Where is West Buckland School located?
- West Buckland School is an international school in Barnstaple, United Kingdom.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
2026-2027| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Nursery (Day) | 3–? | — |
| Reception (Day) | 4–5 | £10.4K |
| Prep 1 - 2 (Day) | 5–7 | £11K |
| Prep 3 - 4 (Day) | 7–9 | £14K |
| Prep 5 - 6 (Day) | 9–11 | £17.8K |
| Senior 7 - 13 (Day) | 11–18 | £24.2K |
| Years 5 - 6 (Full Boarding - UK) | 9–11 | £30.6K |
| Years 7 - 8 (Full Boarding - UK) | 11–13 | £36.3K |
| Years 9 - 11 (Full Boarding - UK) | 13–16 | £44.5K |
| Years 12 - 13 (Full Boarding - UK) | 16–18 | £47.4K |
| Years 7 - 11 (Full Boarding - International) | 11–16 | £51.4K |
| Years 12 - 13 (Full Boarding - International) | 16–18 | £55.4K |
| Weekly Boarding Y5-11 (UK) | 9–16 | £7.7K |
| Weekly Boarding Y12-13 (UK) | 16–18 | £8K |
Other fees(9)
| Registration fee· Registration Fee (non-refundable) | £100 |
|---|---|
| Deposit· UK Day Pupil (refundable when pupil leaves) | £540 |
| Deposit· UK Boarders (refundable when pupil leaves) | £1.6K |
| Depositterm· International Short term boarders (refundable on pupil leaving) | £1.6K |
| Deposit· International Long Term Boarders (refundable on pupil leaving) | £4.8K |
| Mealsday· Prep Lunches | £4.9 |
| Mealsday· Senior Lunches | £5.9 |
| Bus / transportterm· Transport fee for BNO students | £200 |
| Registration fee· Compliance management fee for visas | £450 |
Discounts
- Sibling discount: generous discounts
Admissions
The school welcomes day students and boarders aged 3 to 18. Prospective families can request a prospectus, book a tour, or register for a place through the admissions office. The school offers scholarships and bursaries, and provides specific guidance for military families and international applicants.
Calendar
The school operates on a termly basis, with specific term dates and calendar events published on the school website. The academic year includes various school events, such as Speech Day and seasonal activities.
Facilities
About the campus
Set on a 100-acre rural campus, the school features modern facilities including the Michael Morpurgo Library, the 150 Building for Art and Design Technology, and the Jonathan Edwards Sports Centre. Sports facilities include a 25-metre indoor pool, floodlit AstroTurf, and various courts and pitches. The campus also incorporates sustainable features like biomass boilers and solar panels.
Co-curriculars
The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sport, music, drama, and outdoor learning. Notable programmes include the Combined Cadet Force (CCF), dance lessons, and various clubs. Students also participate in charity work, sustainability initiatives, and competitive sports such as rugby, tennis, cricket, basketball, and athletics.
Mrs H LoweHeadHelen Lowe is the Head of West Buckland School. She emphasizes the importance of adaptive teaching, kindness, and intellectual discussion in the modern educational landscape.
- Mrs C ConnellyChief Operating Officer
- Ms S PhillipsHead of the Preparatory School
- Mr M BrimsonDeputy Head Academic
- Mrs K CorbinDeputy Head Pastoral and Interim Head of Boarding
- Mr J Hart PrietoDirector of Digital Innovation & Systems
- Ms K HillAssistant Head & Head of Middle School