When Peter Blundell died in 1601, the cloth merchant left behind an extraordinary legacy. His will established a school in Tiverton to educate young people "to maintain sound learning and true religion." Over four centuries later, that vision endures. Blundell's occupies 100 acres of Devon countryside, a sprawling landscape that has hosted generations of students and produced remarkable alumni. In 1604, the school opened beside the River Lowman with 150 boys. It relocated to its present site in 1882. Today it educates 360 boys and 225 girls across its senior school, with a thriving preparatory school alongside. The blend of heritage and innovation is palpable here. The school's ISI inspection in 2022 confirmed exceptional standards. With GCSE grades placing 57% of entries at 9-7, and A-level results seeing 49% at A*-A, Blundell's consistently outperforms national averages. The school ranks 312th in England for GCSE performance (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the top 7% and first locally. At A-level, it ranks 270th in England (FindMySchool data), securing its place in the top 10% and first in its area.
The school occupies grounds that feel genuinely remote despite proximity to the motorway. Red-brick Victorian buildings nestle among mature trees. The Chapel dominates the skyline, a reminder that Church of England values remain central to school identity, though the community welcomes pupils of all faiths. A pass through the gates reveals an immediate sense of purpose. Students move purposefully between lessons. The tone is serious but not oppressive. Staff are visible and engaged.
Boarding life permeates the culture here. Roughly 55% of the senior school board, creating a genuinely residential community. The house system organises boarding pupils and day pupils alike into vertical structures where older students mentor younger ones. Boys and girls mix freely throughout, though boarding arrangements reflect practical considerations. The result is a community where social bonds run deep and genuine friendships form across year groups.
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Disclaimer: The FMS Inspection Score is an independent analysis by FindMySchool. It is not endorsed by or affiliated with Ofsted or ISI. Always refer to the official Ofsted or ISI report for the full picture of a school’s inspection outcome.
Mr Bart Wielenga has led the school through this period. His appointment signals confidence in continuity. The incoming headmaster, Gareth Pearson, arrives in September 2026 from Christ College, Brecon, where he has led since 2017. Pearson comes with experience from Millfield, Lord Wandsworth College and Wellington College, and is positioned as someone to steer the school’s evolution while keeping its character intact.
GCSE results demonstrate consistent strength. In 2024, 57% of entries achieved grades 9-7 (the highest bands), compared to 54% in England. This places Blundell's marginally above the England average. The school reports 41% at grades 9-8 specifically, indicating depth at the very top of the grading scale.
The FindMySchool ranking of 312th in England reflects this positioning. The school sits comfortably in the top 7% of comprehensive secondary schools in England and holds first place among Tiverton schools. This ranking matters because it reflects genuine comparative performance against the full range of English schools, accounting for pupil progress and school context.
A-level results are notably strong. The school reports that 49% of all A-level entries achieved grades A*-A in 2024. This exceeds the England average of approximately 24% at A*-A, demonstrating that Blundell's delivers excellence at the upper end of sixth form. The FindMySchool A-level ranking positions the school at 270th in England, placing it in the top 10% of all sixth form provision and first locally. The school has now achieved over 80% A*-B grades for the second consecutive year, indicating sustained excellence rather than a single-year anomaly.
University progression reflects strong outcomes. The school reports that 42% of sixth form leavers in the 2023-24 cohort progressed to university. A further 32% entered employment directly, while 2% continued to further education. Four students secured Oxbridge places in the measurement period. Beyond Oxbridge, the school regularly places students at Russell Group universities. Partnerships with Balliol College, Oxford and Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge, established in Peter Blundell's original will, remain active, reflecting the school's enduring relationship with elite universities.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
A-Level A*-B
76.45%
% of students achieving grades A*-B
GCSE 9–7
57%
% of students achieving grades 9-7
Academic teaching follows clear structures. The curriculum offers GCSEs and A-levels, with Computer Science and Music Technology among optional A-level offerings. The school does not run IB or other alternative frameworks, positioning itself as a conventional academic school. For international students, the school offers a one-year pre-A-level programme and an English Language Immersion Programme, broadening access.
Teaching quality emerges as a consistent strength. Staff demonstrate expertise in their subjects. The school reports strong focus on active learning, with pupils encouraged to ask questions and engage critically rather than passively receiving information. One ISI report noted that teachers successfully create stimulating environments that encourage pupils to engage fully with tasks. Class sizes average 28 in lower years, dropping below 10 for some A-level sets, allowing closer interaction between staff and pupils.
Learning support is genuinely available. The school is certified as a finalist in the Muddy Stilettos Best Schools Awards for learning support provision. English as an Additional Language support is available for international pupils. The school describes itself as non-selective in entry terms, meaning it welcomes pupils of varying abilities, though expects engagement and a willingness to work. Personalised targets and achievable milestones frame academic progression, rather than expectation that every pupil will reach the same absolute standard.
The co-curricular programme represents one of Blundell's defining strengths and occupies substantial time and resource. This is the realm where the school's 100-acre campus and residential culture yield greatest benefit.
Music occupies a privileged place. Over 40% of pupils receive individual music tuition, an exceptional proportion that reflects genuine embedding of music within school culture rather than peripheral provision. The school maintains 31 music ensembles. These include the Chapel Choir, which performs at Winchester Cathedral and Westminster Abbey alongside school concerts. A symphony orchestra, string orchestra, string groups and quartets, wind ensembles, and chamber music groups offer pathways for pupils of varying abilities and specialisms.
Jazz bands provide performance opportunities within an informal tradition. A Blundell's Christmas album was released on Spotify, featuring choirs from Years 4-13 performing carols recorded across the year. The collection includes performances at Exeter Cathedral, Bath Abbey, a summer tour to Italy, and Choral Evensong at Westminster Abbey. These aren't token concerts; they represent genuine collaborations with professional venues and showcase serious musicianship.
Music tuition is staffed by teachers who are themselves performing musicians. The school emphasises this explicitly, noting that several teach for the National Children's Orchestra and have performed at Albert Hall, Carnegie Hall, and Covent Garden. This positions music not as an academic subject alone, but as a lived art form within the school community.
Sport at Blundell's occupies a central position, with rugby as the flagship. The school first recorded a formal rugby match in 1868 against Tiverton Rugby Club, making it one of the oldest schools formally to play the game. The Blundell's crest still hangs in the main room at Twickenham as recognition of this heritage. Tony Yapp, a former England A, Barbarians and Exeter Chiefs player, leads rugby. The 1st XV plays 145 fixtures annually and has established pathways to Exeter Chiefs and Bristol Bears.
Hockey fields 449 pupils across 238 fixtures yearly, led by Will Abell through WA Sports Coaching. The school links to national academies, providing clear progression for the most ambitious players. Netball is equally prominent, with 17 teams and links to Team Bath Athlete Development Centre and Devon Academy. Dean Headley, a former England international cricketer, leads cricket provision. The school fields 18 cricket teams and organises tours; Sri Lanka is on the schedule for 2025.
Football, basketball, equestrian provision, touch rugby, fencing, kayaking, golf, sailing, mixed martial arts, ultimate frisbee, yoga, and pickleball round out team and individual options. The programme champions multi-sport participation, encouraging pupils to experience breadth before specialising. Recent team successes include the Rugby 1st XV reaching national semi-finals in 2022 and 2023, the Girls' U18 team winning the Millfield 7s in 2024, and the Cricket 1st XI securing the National Cup in 2021.
The Ondaatje Theatre, a state-of-the-art performance space, anchors drama provision. The school stages three major productions annually, showcasing acting, directing, technical theatre, and costume design roles. Over 80 pupils are enrolled in the Speech and Drama programme, achieving national recognition. Regular theatre trips, workshops, and Q&A sessions with industry professionals provide context and mentorship. The school recognises talent beyond acting, offering meaningful roles for those interested in set design, lighting, sound, and costume.
Duke of Edinburgh Award participation is substantial. In recent years, 56 pupils achieved Bronze, 49 Silver, and 38 Gold. The school hosted the first U13 South West Development Camp for county pathway cricket, extending expertise beyond its own pupils. Ten Tors sees all 2024 teams place in the top three in England. The Combined Cadet Force programme enrolls 112 cadets with 30 senior volunteers and won the South West Tri-Service Championship. Activities such as rock climbing, kayaking, and multi-day hikes develop resilience and leadership. Several alumni have progressed to military careers and prestigious leadership roles.
Academic societies support aspiring medics, veterinary students, and Oxbridge applicants. The school funds a Gold Arts Award programme and community volunteering opportunities. Dance, badminton, photography, rugby sevens, table tennis, theatre technology, garden club, and astronomy clubs provide entry points for specific interests. With 50+ clubs listed, there is genuine breadth, though the school wisely avoids overwhelming pupils by promoting balance across activities.
Day fees for Year 9-13 pupils start at £10,110 per term for local day pupils and rise to £11,202 for standard day pupils (academic year 2025-26, inclusive of VAT). Boarding fees range from £12,972 per term for flexi-boarding (11 nights) to £19,128 for international boarders.
Annually, day fees approximate £30,000-£33,000; full boarding approximately £55,000. This positions Blundell's at the mid-to-upper range among independent boarding schools, but below the most elite establishments.
The school offers meaningful scholarships and bursaries. Academic, Sport, Art, Music, Drama, and Design Technology scholarships are available, worth up to 30% of basic fees. Recipients can apply for means-tested bursaries on top, which can cover up to 100% of basic fees. This dual structure allows the school to recruit talented pupils regardless of means whilst rewarding merit.
Fees data coming soon.
The school offers entry at 11+ (Year 7), 13+ (Year 9), and 16+ (Year 12). Registration typically occurs a year in advance. The admissions process includes assessment but is described as non-highly-selective, meaning the school welcomes pupils of varying academic ability provided they engage with learning. Entrance exams assess fundamental competency, but entry is not restricted to the highest-achieving primary pupils.
International students can apply for the Year 11 programme (age 15+) and occasionally for other years depending on availability. The school runs dedicated English Language Immersion and GCSE pre-A-level programmes for international pupils, reflecting the cohort's growth (approximately 12% of total enrolment, predominantly from China, Germany, India, and Thailand).
The house system organises the school. Named boarding houses create vertical structures where pupils aged 11-18 live and socialise together, building cross-year bonds. Housemasters live on-site with their families, ensuring 24-hour oversight. Tutors provide academic guidance within smaller groups (typically 6-8 pupils per tutor). The school has invested in the Wellbeing Hub by Teen Tips, a comprehensive resource for mental health support, indicating explicit commitment to pupil social-emotional development beyond academics.
The Chapel serves as spiritual centre, though attendance at chapel services varies by year group and religion. The school is Church of England in character but respects other faith traditions. A full-time chaplain supports pastoral work and co-curricular provision.
The school operates on a traditional boarding calendar with exeats every three weeks, allowing families time together. A minibus service provides transport to and from local train stations and airports. The school day begins at 8:50am and concludes at 3:20pm for day pupils; boarders follow longer structures including evening activities and structured independent study.
Located on the edge of Tiverton, Devon, the school sits within easy reach of Dartmoor and Exmoor. London Paddington is approximately 2 hours by train; London Heathrow is a 2.5-hour drive. This positioning offers access to cultural opportunities whilst maintaining a genuinely rural setting.
Boarding commitment. For boarders, the school operates a genuine boarding culture requiring pupils to spend weeks away from home. While exeats provide regular breaks, this demands maturity and genuine readiness for independence. Pupils adapting poorly to boarding may feel isolated.
Entry selectivity. Whilst the school describes itself as non-selective, competition for places can be intense at some entry points. Families should enquire directly about current demand and realistic chances.
Cost. Independent school fees represent significant family commitment, particularly for boarding. Scholarships and bursaries are available and can be substantial, but not every family will qualify.
Church of England ethos. The school is genuinely Anglican in character. Regular chapel attendance, Christian values embedded in curriculum, and explicit links to church life mean families uncomfortable with this context should consider alternatives.
Blundell's delivers what independent boarding schools aspire to: strong academics, exceptional breadth beyond the classroom, genuine community, and clear values. The school balances ambition with accessibility, selecting pupils of varying abilities and supporting them to achieve personal excellence rather than absolute conformity to a single standard. Four centuries of history create traditions that bind the community, yet the school remains genuinely focused on preparation for contemporary futures. GCSE and A-level results sit comfortably above national averages. Co-curricular opportunities are exceptional, from 31 music ensembles to elite rugby pathways to expedition programmes. Boarding life, though demanding, creates bonds and resilience that day-only education cannot replicate.
Best suited to families seeking strong academics within a boarding environment, with genuine breadth of opportunity and values-driven culture. For boarders ready to embrace independence and engage with community living, Blundell's represents exceptional value within the independent sector. For day pupils within local catchment, the school offers access to boarding-school ethos at day rates, though they miss full immersion in residential culture.
The main considerations centre on boarding readiness, cost, and fit with Church of England values. Families should visit, spend time on campus, and honestly assess whether boarding suits their child's temperament. For those who thrive in this environment, Blundell's provides transformation.
Yes. Blundell's sits in the top 7% of schools in England for GCSE results (rank 312), with 57% of entries achieving grades 9-7. At A-level, it ranks in the top 10% in England (rank 270), with 49% of entries at A*-A. The ISI inspection confirmed high standards. Four students secured Oxbridge places in the recent measurement period, and over 40% of sixth form leavers progress to university. The school combines strong academics with exceptional co-curricular provision.
Day fees for Years 9-13 range from £10,110 per term (local day) to £11,202 (standard day), equating to approximately £30,000-£33,000 annually. Boarding fees range from £12,972 per term (flexi-boarding, 11 nights) to £19,128 (international boarding), equating to approximately £39,000-£57,000 annually for full boarding. All fees are inclusive of VAT. Scholarships (worth up to 30% of fees) and means-tested bursaries (up to 100% of fees) are available.
The school is described as non-selective, meaning it welcomes pupils of varying academic ability. However, demand for places, particularly at boarding entry points and for 11+ entry, can be significant. Assessment includes entrance exams and interviews, but the school judges suitability on engagement and attitude to learning rather than absolute academic performance alone. Families should register a year in advance and contact the school directly to assess realistic chances.
Yes. The school operates a predominantly boarding community, with roughly 55% of the senior school boarding. Boarding arrangements include full boarding, weekly boarding, and flexi-boarding (11 or 22 nights per week). Day places are available. Boarders live in named houses with housemasters and are integrated into vertical communities alongside day pupils.
The school offers 50+ clubs and societies. Major sports include rugby (145 fixtures annually), hockey (238 fixtures), netball (17 teams), and cricket. Other options include football, basketball, equestrian, kayaking, golf, fencing, sailing, yoga, and pickleball. Co-curricular activities include 31 music ensembles, three annual drama productions, Duke of Edinburgh (Bronze, Silver, Gold), Combined Cadet Force, outdoor pursuits, and academic societies for medics and Oxbridge aspirants.
Over 40% of pupils receive individual music tuition, an exceptionally high proportion. The school maintains 31 music ensembles, including Chapel Choir, Symphony Orchestra, jazz bands, wind ensembles, and chamber groups. Pupils are encouraged to take ABRSM and Trinity College London qualifications. Notable performances include tours to Westminster Abbey, Bath Abbey, and Exeter Cathedral. Staff include professional musicians who perform at prestigious venues.
Blundell's is Church of England in character. The school has a chaplain and chapel at its centre. Regular chapel services are part of school life, though frequency and attendance vary by year group. The school welcomes pupils of all faiths whilst explicitly maintaining its Christian identity and values. Families uncomfortable with this context should discuss expectations during the admissions process.
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