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West Buckland School

Barnstaple, Devon, England EX32 0SX
Tel: +44 (0) 1598 760281
Web: https://www.westbuckland.com

Private School (Fee Paying) Co-Educational 3 - 18 Years Day & Boarding (Flexi, Full, Weekly)

West Buckland School was founded in 1858 to bring education to rural families and it is these principles of inclusion and social mobility which are at the heart of the West Buckland ethos. We have a strong history of internationalism, attracting students from all over the world. We take pride in our multi-cultural community in which everyone feels like family, with life-long friendships being formed which span the globe.

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What We Offer

  • Business studies
  • Design Technology
  • Drama/Theatre
  • Economics
  • ICT
  • Painting/Sculpture
  • Philosophy/Ethics
  • Photography
  • Psychology
  • Theology
  • English As Foreign/2nd Language
  • French
  • Spanish
  • Athletics
  • Badminton
  • Basketball
  • Cricket
  • Cross-Country
  • Fitness Training
  • Football
  • Golf
  • Gymnastics
  • Hockey
  • Martial Arts
  • Netball
  • Rounders
  • Rugby
  • Squash
  • Swimming
  • Tennis
  • Volleyball
  • Adventure Training
  • Astronomy
  • Ballet
  • Brass
  • Cadets
  • Canoeing
  • Chess
  • Coding
  • Dance
  • Debating
  • Drama
  • Duke of Edinburgh
  • Eco Club
  • First Aid/Life Savers
  • Gaming
  • Horse Riding & Management
  • Jazz
  • Language Club
  • LGBTQ
  • Orchestra
  • Public Speaking
  • Rock Climbing
  • Rowing
  • Shooting
  • A Level - Advanced Level Examinations
  • BTEC - Business and Technology Education Council
  • EPQ - Extended Project Qualification
  • GCSE - General Certificate of Secondary Education
  • IBCP - International Baccalaureate Career Related Programme
  • LAMDA - London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art
  • All denominations welcome
  • Christian
  • Dyslexia or Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD)
  • Epilepsy
  • Hearing Impairment (HI)
  • Moderate Learning Difficulties (MLD)
  • Physical Disabilities
  • Visual Impairment (VI)
  • Airport Services
  • Armed Forces Children
  • Coeliac/Gluten Intolerance
  • Dairy Intolerance
  • Expatriate Children
  • Gifted Children
  • International Students
  • Rail Services
  • School Bus Service
  • Special Diets
  • Vegan
  • Vegetarian

Word From The Head

Head Photo

Helen Lowe, Interim Head of School


Founded in 1858 to serve the children of local farmers, West Buckland is a school rich in tradition and driven by innovation. With strong ties to its heritage, celebrated through its Foundation and President, Lady Arran, the school also embraces a forward-thinking approach to education and opportunity.

As Interim Head, my focus is on balancing tradition with progress - honouring our roots while evolving to prepare pupils for success in the 21st century. In a world where knowledge is instantly accessible, our priority is to nurture adaptive teaching, kindness, intellectual curiosity, and debate.

Guided by our motto Read and Reap, we champion character, sustainability, community engagement, and outstanding teaching and pastoral care. With the support of dedicated staff, governors, parents, trustees, and pupils, West Buckland is poised for a vibrant future.


Helen Lowe, Interim Head of School

Fees

Annual Day Fees *£9816 to £22290
Annual Weekly Boarding Fees *£23685 to £29236
Annual Full Boarding Fees *£31320 to £37500
* Currency: GB Pound

Number Of Pupils

254Day247
33Full Boarding24
28Weekly Boarding19
Boys Girls

Admissions

Scholarships and Bursaries

  • Academic
  • Armed forces discounts or bursaries
  • Art
  • Drama
  • Financial Assistance
  • Music
  • Siblings
  • Sixth Form
  • Sport

Admissions Process

  • Assessment
  • Entry test or exam
  • GCSE results
  • Interview
  • Report from previous school
  • Trial day at school

Open Days, Visits & Events

01-01-2026 - Personal Tour

When thinking about an Independent education for your child, it is important to invest in the best.
You are very welcome to come for a personal tour and also attend an Open Day event. Visit and talk to us as many times as you need, to make this important decision.

Get in touch to arrange a personal tour.

% Pupils Gaining
GCSE/IGCSE Passes 7 - 9

% Pupils Gaining
A Level Grades A – C

IB Score
 

School Reviews

Muddy Stilettos


... the school has bagged numerous environmental awards, including the Eco School Green Flag (with Distinction), the Green Environment Award from Independent School of the Year, as well as being Highly Commended in the Giving Something Back category of the inaugural Muddy Schools Awards.  

Muddy Stilettos


The last inspection was 2019 when inspectors found the quality of the pupils’ personal development to be excellent and that pupils of all ages show excellent self-confidence, resilience and self-understanding ...  

International Student


My best memories at West Buckland are countless because every day is different and an opportunity to learn  

Good Schools Guide


Teachers here are upbeat and inspirational, classes feel relaxed and inclusive – neither pin-drop silence nor raucous rebellion, just a healthy sense of engagement.  

Good Schools Guide


A gem of a school in an exceptional location. West Buckland is an impressive all-rounder school with excellent facilities, great teaching and a real sense of community. Children work hard, get lots of fresh air and don’t grow up too fast. Best of all, they seem to have a whale of a time while...  

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