Democratic Heritage
Bedales School has a rich history of educational innovations. Many of the pioneering ideas of its founder, John Haden Badley, have become mainstream. These include co-education in boarding schools, introduced at Bedales in 1898, a focus on arts, sciences, and voluntary service, as well as the importance of pastoral care. In 1916, Bedales created one of the first school councils, showing a commitment to listening to students’ opinions.
Today, the school continues to innovate through its Bedales Assessed Courses and project-based learning.
Individuality and Respect
Bedales School’s commitment to individuality and tolerance is evident in its approach to students’ beliefs and voices. The school became fully co-educational in 1898 and gave students an official voice in 1916 by establishing a School Council. Bedales welcomes all faiths and denominations and, instead of a chapel, offers a “Quiet Place” open to everyone.
Blend of Tradition and Modernity
Bedales School, named after the house where it started in Haywards Heath, moved to the countryside in Hampshire in 1900. The preparatory school, Dunhurst, was founded in 1902, and the pre-preparatory school, Dunannie, in 1953. All three schools are located on 120 acres of farmland, woods, orchards, and playing fields.
Students at Bedales continue to follow Badley’s ideal of educating “head, hand, and heart,” with a strong practical element of outdoor work. The school’s architecture, including the Memorial Library and Lupton Hall, blends tradition and modernity, with several buildings receiving awards for their quality and originality.
