Kingsley School Devon: The Earth-Centred School

Set on a hill overlooking the Torridge Estuary, Kingsley School Devon feels fundamentally different from the typical independent school. Located within a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the school has placed ecology and sustainability at the core of its identity. It serves a broad range of abilities, from academic high-flyers to those requiring specialist support in the renowned Centre for Advanced Student Support (CASS). With around 400 pupils, the atmosphere is intimate and famously supportive.

The sweeping drive up to the main building reveals a mix of Victorian grandeur and mid-century additions, surrounded by 25 acres of playing fields and woodland. Formed in 2009 from the merger of Edgehill College and Grenville College, the school's history stretches back to the 19th century. Today, the vibe is less about tradition and more about individuality.

Mr Robert Pavis, Headteacher since 2022, has sharpened the school's focus on sustainability and wellbeing. The ethos here is inclusive rather than exclusive. You are as likely to find students planting trees or surfing at Westward Ho! as you are to find them in the library. The school motto, Spiritus Intus Alit (The Spirit Feeds Within), captures the focus on inner confidence rather than outward show.

A defining feature is the Earth Centre. This is not just a building but a philosophy that threads through the curriculum, teaching students about agriculture, ecology, and sustainable living. It signals to parents that this is an institution preparing children for the planetary challenges of the future, not just the next set of exams.

Kingsley is proudly non-selective, and results should be viewed in the context of its broad intake and significant SEN provision.

In 2024, the school's performance at GCSE placed it in the national lower band, reflecting outcomes below the England average. Specifically, the school ranked 3,071st in England and 2nd in Bideford for GCSE metrics (FindMySchool ranking).

At A-level, the picture is similar. The school ranked 2,063rd in England, placing it in the national lower band. However, these headline figures mask significant individual successes, particularly for students who have overcome learning barriers to achieve university entry.

Value-added is the key metric here. Small classes allow staff to support students to exceed their baseline predictions. While not an academic hothouse, the school facilitates access to top universities for its most able students. In 2024, one student secured acceptance to Oxbridge, a significant achievement for a small, non-selective cohort.

The curriculum is broad, covering traditional GCSEs and A-levels alongside BTECs and vocational options. Teaching groups are small, rarely exceeding 15, which allows for genuine personalisation.

The approach is holistic. Teachers are accustomed to working with neurodiverse students, meaning that strategies often reserved for SEN departments, such as multi-sensory learning and clear scaffolding, are standard practice in mainstream lessons. The Earth Centre curriculum adds a practical dimension, with students engaging in horticulture and environmental science.

Destinations are diverse, reflecting the mixed-ability cohort. In 2024, 33% of leavers progressed to university. Others moved into employment (6%), apprenticeships (6%), or further education.

University destinations include Russell Group institutions for the academic high-flyers, but there is also a strong trend towards creative arts, sports science, and land-based degrees. The 2024 cohort saw successful applications to Cambridge, demonstrating that the top end of the ability range is well catered for.

Kingsley is non-selective. The process is designed to find a fit rather than filter by academic score. It begins with a visit or open day, followed by a taster day where the child joins their year group.

While there are no entrance exams for the main school, students sit a Cognitive Abilities Test (CAT4) to establish a baseline for setting and support. Reports from the previous school are essential.

For families seeking a place in the CASS (dyslexia and SEN provision), the process involves a detailed review of educational psychologist reports and an assessment by the SENCO to ensure needs can be met.

Pastoral care is the school's backbone. The House system provides a vertical family structure where older students mentor younger ones.

Wellbeing is proactive. The location plays a huge role; the "Surf School" and outdoor education programme are used therapeutically to build resilience. Mental health support is robust, with counsellors available and a culture that encourages openness. The 2023 ISI inspection rated the quality of the pupils' personal development as Excellent, highlighting the school's success in nurturing self-knowledge and resilience.

The Centre for Advanced Student Support (CASS) is a jewel in the school's crown. It supports around 15-20% of the school population, particularly those with dyslexia, dyspraxia, and dyscalculia.

This is not a unit tucked away in a portacabin. CASS is central, staffed by specialist teachers who provide 1:1 lessons and in-class support. For many families, this provision is the primary reason for choosing Kingsley, offering mainstream education with specialist backing.

The extracurricular programme is shaped by the landscape. With the Atlantic Ocean minutes away, the Kingsley Surf Academy is a major draw, allowing students to train with elite coaches.

Music and drama are strong pillars. The theatre hosts regular productions, from musicals to serious plays. The Judo academy is another distinctive strength, training students to national competition level.

Traditional team sports (rugby, netball, cricket) are played, but the "sports for all" ethos means the focus is on participation. The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is popular, utilising the nearby Exmoor National Park for expeditions.

For the 2025-2026 academic year, Senior School day fees are £7,152 per term. Full boarding fees for Year 10 and above are £14,865 per term. Prep School fees range from £3,205 to £5,315 per term depending on the year group.

Significant support is available. Scholarships offer fee remission for excellence in Academia, Sport, Music, Drama, and Art. Means-tested bursaries are also available to widen access, with a particular focus on local families.

The school day runs from 8:30am to 4:00pm. Wraparound care is extensive, with breakfast club from 7:30am and after-school prep and activities extending to 6:00pm (and later for boarders).

Transport routes cover North Devon, including Barnstaple, Braunton, and Great Torrington. The nearest train station is Barnstaple (20 minutes), connecting to Exeter St Davids.

Boarding is available from Year 4 upwards, with a mix of full, weekly, and flexi-boarding. Three boarding houses accommodate around 100 students, creating a cosmopolitan community with a significant international contingent.

The houses are comfortable and family-oriented. Weekends are busy, capitalising on the location with trips to the beach, surfing, cinema visits, and shopping in Exeter. Flexi-boarding is popular with local families needing support during busy weeks.

The nursery accepts children from age 2. It operates a "forest school" approach, with toddlers spending much of their time outdoors in the school's woodland.

The setting is integrated into the Prep School, allowing for a seamless transition to Reception. Specialist teachers from the main school deliver sessions in music and PE even for the youngest children. Nursery fees and government funding details are available on the school website.

Non-selective academic profile. The school ranks in the national lower band for raw exam results. This reflects its inclusive intake and SEN commitment. Families seeking a highly academic, pressure-cooker environment will not find it here.

Location. Bideford is beautiful but remote. For families outside the South West, travel times are significant. The nearest motorway (M5) is an hour away.

Fees for specialist support. While the mainstream education is competitively priced, the CASS provision attracts additional charges. Parents should budget for these if their child requires intensive learning support.

Kingsley School Devon offers a rare commodity; a genuinely holistic education that prioritises mental health, environmental awareness, and individual progress over league table position. It is a sanctuary for children who might struggle in larger, sharper-elbowed schools, and a launchpad for those who thrive on surfing, drama, and ecological science. Best suited to families seeking a nurturing, inclusive boarding or day school where dyslexia is supported expertly and character is valued above grades.