Features

A Sincere Vision

At just 28 years old, John Badley established Bedales School, determined to create a kinder alternative to the harsh, authoritative education systems dominating the late Victorian epoch. In 1898, Bedales broke the mold by becoming entirely co-educational, challenging the conventions of its era.

In the present day, Bedales remains steadfast in its forward-thinking principles, constantly adapting to the complexities and fluidity of the modern world. The school’s guiding phrase, “Work of Each for Weal of All,” encapsulates its fundamental values of collective responsibility and mutual respect, integral to its educational ethos.

An Inclusive and Respectful Atmosphere

Bedales School is celebrated for its ethos of inclusivity and mutual regard. The elimination of a traditional school uniform and the use of first-name addresses cultivate a strong sense of individuality and parity among both students and faculty. This one-of-a-kind atmosphere nurtures the open exchange of ideas, fostering a lively and intellectually stimulating milieu.

Outside the classroom, this philosophy is further highlighted by the custom of students and teachers shaking hands at the conclusion of each school day. This modest act underscores the mutual respect and tightly-knit communal spirit that are the hallmarks of Bedales.

Groundbreaking Educational Innovation

Educational innovation has always been a defining feature of Bedales School. Dissatisfied with the limited scope of traditional GCSEs, the school developed its own rigorous qualification system known as Bedales Assessed Courses (BACs), which complement the IGCSE syllabus.

Crafted by Bedales educators and acknowledged by universities, BACs empower students to select their study materials, focusing more on coursework than examinations. This strategy polishes critical research abilities, fosters creative thinking, and promotes self-directed learning, equipping students for triumph in higher education and beyond.

In essence, Bedales School continues to lead with a sincere vision, an inclusive and respectful atmosphere, and a steadfast commitment to groundbreaking educational innovations.

At just 28, John Badley founded Bedales School with a vision of offering a kinder, more compassionate alternative to the strict, authoritative education systems of the late Victorian era. In 1898, Bedales made history by becoming fully co-educational, challenging the norms of its time.

Today, Bedales continues to embrace its progressive values, evolving to meet the challenges of the modern world. The school’s guiding phrase, “Work of Each for Weal of All,” reflects its core beliefs in shared responsibility and mutual respect, which remain central to its educational approach.

Bedales School is known for its welcoming and respectful environment. By getting rid of traditional uniforms and using first names, the school promotes individuality and equality among students and teachers. This unique approach encourages open discussions and creates a lively, intellectually stimulating atmosphere.

Unhappy with the limitations of traditional GCSEs, the school created its own challenging qualification system called Bedales Assessed Courses (BACs) to enhance the IGCSE syllabus.

This reflects their strong commitment to innovative education.