Blundell’s School: Exploring Reviews, Rankings, Fees, And More

Discover all there is to know about Blundell’s School, from insightful reviews to its prestigious rankings, insightful fees breakdowns, and much more. Unveil the essence of this esteemed educational institution in our comprehensive article.

Blundell's School Review

Table of Contents

Key Features of Blundell's School

  • Local authority: Devon
  • Pupils: 634 ; sixth formers: 200
  • Religion: Church of England
  • Fees: Day £17,340 – £26,595; Boarding £21,000 – £43,590 pa

Blundell's School Results

GCSE Results (2023): 54% achieved grades 9-7.

A Level Results (2023): 49% attained grades A* or A, with 79% achieving A*-B.

GCSE Results (2019 – Pre-pandemic): 56% secured grades 9-7.

A Level Results (2019 – Pre-pandemic): 40% achieved grades A* or A, with 68% achieving A*-B.

Boarding Facilities in Blundell's School

At Blundell’s School, the boarding process is designed to provide a supportive and enriching environment for students, fostering a sense of community and independence. Here’s an overview of the boarding setup:

  • Boarding Options: Approximately 2/3 of senior school students opt for boarding, with a mix of full, weekly, and flexi boarding arrangements available. However, boarding is not offered before the senior school years.

  • Boarding Houses: The school’s 7 houses, scattered across the grounds, accommodate both day students and boarders and are grouped according to age. School House welcomes girls and boys in their first two years, while the middle houses are single-sex. Sixth formers reside in the co-ed Westlake house for their final year, preparing them for mixed accommodations in university settings.

  • Accommodation: While the boarding accommodation is described as comfortable rather than luxurious, Westlake is noted for its higher standard, comparable to first-year university provision. Each house has its own unique style and character, but all are maintained to high standards of cleanliness and homeliness. Well-equipped kitchens are available for students to prepare snacks outside of regular dining hours.

Despite varied boarding options and accommodations, there’s a strong sense of community and support among boarders, with many students opting for boarding to enhance their overall school experience.

Extra Curricular Activities in Blundell's School

Blundell’s School offers a vibrant array of extracurricular activities that cater to the diverse interests and talents of its students:

  • Drama: The Ondaatje Hall serves as a hub for dramatic expression, hosting A-level devised pieces and whole-school plays, including musicals. The school’s commitment to the arts is evident through its range of speech and drama exams, house plays, and a play reading group. Notably, three students secured places at competitive drama schools in the past year.

  • Music: With a state-of-the-art music school equipped with top-notch recording facilities, Blundell’s nurtures musical talent through orchestras, choirs, and various ensembles across 21 instruments. Collaboration with the London Chamber Orchestra has seen Blundell’s quartet perform globally. Many students pursue music further, securing places at conservatoires and choral scholarships.

  • Art and Design Technology (DT): The art school boasts an inspiring environment, fostering creativity through various mediums, including fine art, photography, and textile work. The DT department, housed in the Popham Centre, offers cutting-edge facilities for computer-aided design and manufacturing. From gargoyle-making to woodworking, students explore diverse artistic pursuits.

  • Outdoor Activities: Positioned on the edge of Dartmoor, Blundell’s maximises its location for outdoor pursuits like the Duke of Edinburgh Award, Combined Cadet Force (CCF), and adventure activities. Whether it’s canoeing, sailing, or knitting for charity, there’s something for everyone. Trips, including excursions to Morocco and Peru, enrich students’ experiences.

  • Sport: With expansive pitches and a commitment to inclusivity, Blundell’s promotes a love for sport among its students. From conventional offerings like tennis and athletics to less mainstream activities, such as equestrianism, the school fosters enjoyment alongside competitive success. The renowned Russell cross-country race exemplifies the school’s emphasis on character-building through physical challenges.

Admissions Process: Entering Blundell's School

Navigating the admissions process at Blundell’s School is as much about finding the right fit for each child as it is about academic achievement. Here’s how the school ensures a smooth transition for its students:

  • Prep School Admission: The prep school welcomes all students, with the ethos of only turning away those who may not thrive in its environment. This inclusive approach sets the tone for the journey ahead.

  • Transition to Senior School: Transitioning to the senior school is typically seamless for existing pupils, who only sit entrance exams for scholarship purposes. However, by around year 4, any students whose suitability may be in question are identified, giving parents time to explore alternative options if necessary.

  • Admission to Year 7: Children from other schools undergo Blundell’s own entrance tests for entry into year 7. For those whose previous schools don’t offer Common Entrance at 13+, separate entry tests in maths and English are administered.

  • Sixth Form Admission: For entry into the sixth form, the minimum requirement is five GCSEs at grade 5 or above, although in practice, this standard tends to be higher for external candidates. Additionally, an interview is part of the process. Most A level choices require grades 6, while sciences and maths typically demand grades 7.

Blundell’s School ensures that its admissions process reflects both academic standards and the individual needs of each student, fostering an environment where every child has the opportunity to flourish.

SEN Support in Blundell's School

Here at Blundell’s, there are around 150 students that require additional support. The team is well prepared to cater to pupils that have the following special educational needs:

  • Dyslexia
  • Dyspraxia
  • Attention Deficit Syndrome

Do contact the school for more details. 

Blundell's School Testimonials and Reviews

Charles Evans
5/5

An incredible school full of thoroughly expert teaching and support staff. A wonderful environment where pupils shine and get so much out of their time in and out of the classroom.

Emily Cairns
5/5

Love this school very much. Teachers are fantastic and the pupils are amazing. Very close to my heart.

Alex White
5/5

The best thing ever

Dorky Thorpy
5/5

An Excellent School.

Frequently Asked Questions about Blundell's School

Former masters of Blundell’s have included: Terry Barwell, cricketer. Manning Clark, historian. Neville Gorton, Bishop of Coventry.

Blundell’s School was founded in 1604. It relocated to a new location on the edge of Tiverton in the 1880s. The old building has since been converted into flats.

Yes, the school is a registered charity.

“We want every child to feel that they belong here and the school’s motto ‘Non Sibi’ encourages values of courtesy, empathy and selflessness which combine to create a very special atmosphere.”

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