Bede’s Senior School: Explore Reviews, Rankings, Fees, And More
Embark on a journey through the halls of Bede’s Senior School, where academic excellence meets holistic development. In this article, we delve into a comprehensive exploration of Bede’s, from insightful reviews to detailed rankings, providing a glimpse into what sets this esteemed institution apart in the realm of education.
Table of Contents
Key Features of Bede’s Senior School
- Local authority: East Sussex
- Pupils: 804 ; sixth formers: 323
- Age: 13-19
- Religion: Non-denominational
- Fees: Day £26,970; Boarding £39,750 – £42,240 pa
- Open days: September
Bede’s Senior School Results
2023 Results:
- GCSE: 45% achieved grades 9-7.
- A Level: 42% achieved A*/A grades, with 65% achieving A*-B grades.
2019 Results (pre-pandemic):
- GCSE: 39% achieved grades 9-7.
- A Level: 48% achieved A*/A grades, with 70% achieving A*-B grades.
Boarding Experience in Bede’s Senior School
The boarding experience at Bede’s Senior School is characterised by a strong sense of community and camaraderie, creating an atmosphere akin to a family or brotherhood. Here’s a detailed description based on the provided information:
Family Atmosphere: Pupils describe the boarding houses as fostering a real sense of family and brotherhood. Within the large boarding houses accommodating around 80 pupils, students are organised into smaller family groups of 10, spanning different year groups. This arrangement encourages students to look out for each other, forging strong bonds across age barriers.
Inclusive Environment: Boarding houses are run in a very inclusive manner, with various events and activities designed to bring students together. The school boasts a vigorous house system with fierce competition, ranging from sports like cross-country to creative activities like pumpkin carving.
Boarding Options: Approximately 40% of senior pupils are boarders, with options for weekly and full-time boarding at the same cost. Day pupils can also participate in boarding activities on weekends by booking in advance.
Diverse Boarding Houses: Boarding houses range from converted houses to modern purpose-built facilities. Each house has its own unique character, with the girls’ house decorated in pink and bunting, and the boys’ adorned with flags representing different nationalities. The boarding houses are well-maintained, providing comfortable living spaces for students.
Accommodation and Facilities: Accommodation varies, with younger pupils typically sharing rooms with four or five peers, while upper sixth formers may have one or two to a room. Kitchens are equipped with toast and fruit for students to enjoy freely. Technology usage is regulated, with devices handed in at 9.30 pm and WiFi turned off at night, fostering a balanced approach to technology use.
Support and Communication: Parents praise the support provided by tutors and housemasters, ensuring students feel secure in the boarding environment. Effective communication channels are in place, with parents encouraged to be proactive partners in their child’s boarding experience.
Extracurricular Activities in Bede’s Senior School
At Bede’s Senior School, the co-curricular programme offers an extraordinary array of activities catering to diverse interests and passions. Here’s a detailed overview of the available activities based on the provided information:
Wide Range of Activities: Students have the opportunity to participate in activities three times a week, choosing from a vast range of options. From the BEden project focusing on sustainability to wine-making (exclusive to sixth formers) and UK space design, there is something to pique the interest of every student.
Arts and Design: Art and Design Technology (DT) are highly regarded at Bede’s, with fine art, photography, and furniture design among the most popular subjects. Students consistently achieve top grades in art and photography, receiving encouragement and support to pursue their artistic interests further.
Drama: The school’s drama department is another strength, with productions described as fantastic by parents. While the on-site theatre is small, the school utilises larger venues like the Devonshire Park Theatre in Eastbourne for major productions, showcasing exceptional talent and commitment.
Music and Dance: While not as popular as other subjects, music is still a vibrant part of school life, with choirs, orchestras, and bands offering opportunities for musical expression. Additionally, Bede’s is home to the Legat dance school, providing a platform for aspiring dancers to hone their skills.
Sports: The school offers a wide range of sports, including hockey, cricket, football, and tennis. Both mixed and single-sex teams are available, attracting students with varying levels of interest in sports. The sports facilities are extensive and well-equipped, with outstanding coaching and opportunities for participation in sports like rugby 7s and BTEC sport.
Admissions Process: Entering Bede’s Senior School
At Bede’s Senior School, the admissions process is designed to be inclusive and comprehensive, prioritising diversity and balance. Here’s a description based on the provided information:
Not Academically Selective: Bede’s Senior School does not employ academic selection as a criterion for admission, fostering an inclusive environment open to students from diverse academic backgrounds.
Entry to Prep School (except for Year 6): Admission to the preparatory school involves an interview and screening for Special Educational Needs (SEN), ensuring that each student’s unique needs are addressed from the outset.
Entry to Year 6 and Senior School: Prospective students applying for Year 6 and the Senior School are required to participate in the Bede’s Experience Day. This comprehensive assessment includes the MIDYIS test, discussions, and problem-solving tasks facilitated by prefects. Additionally, applicants have the opportunity to engage in various activities, allowing them to showcase their interests and talents beyond academic performance.
Emphasis on Diversity and Balance: The head of the school actively seeks diversity and balance within each year group. Admission decisions are not solely based on academic scores or the loudest voices. Instead, the school aims to create a well-rounded student body, considering various factors to ensure a vibrant and inclusive learning community.
Bede’s Senior School SEN Support
Here is a list of special educational needs support at Bede’s Senior School:
- Autistic Spectrum Disorder
- Aspergers
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders
- Dyscalculia
- Dysgraphia
- Dyslexia
- Dyspraxia
Bede’s Senior School Testimonials and Reviews
Both kids there, great school. academically, pastorally and on the sports side too!
Love this school!!
Frequently Asked Questions about Bede's Senior School
Bede’s is an independent, co-educational school located on two stunning sites, one by the sea in Eastbourne and one in the heart of the Sussex countryside. We offer education from the age of 3 months through to 18 years old and pride ourselves on discovering and developing the talents of each and every pupil.
Bede’s Senior School is an independent HMC day and boarding school for boys and girls aged 13-18. Located in the rural Sussex village of Upper Dicker just outside the South Downs National Park, the School currently educates 760 pupils, 300 of whom board in our five boarding houses.
No, boarding schools in the UK welcome students from all over the world. Many schools have a diverse student body with students from various countries.
Boarding schools prioritise the safety and well-being of their students. They have trained staff, supervision protocols, health services, and designated staff members to address students’ emotional and social needs.
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