Question 1

Is Blundell's School a good school?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Blundell's sits in the top 7% of schools nationally for GCSE results (rank 312 in England), with 57% of entries achieving grades 9-7 (FindMySchool ranking). At A-level, it ranks in the top 10% nationally (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 42% of sixth form leavers progress to university. The school combines strong academics with exceptional co-curricular provision including 31 music ensembles and competitive sports programmes.

Question 2

What are the fees at Blundell's School?

Accepted Answer

Day fees for Years 9-13 range from £10,110 per term (local day) to £11,202 (standard day), equating to approximately £30,330-£33,606 annually. Boarding fees range from £12,972 per term (flexi-boarding, 11 nights) to £19,128 (international boarding), equating to approximately £38,916-£57,384 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.

Question 3

How competitive is entry to Blundell's School?

Accepted Answer

The school is described as non-selective, meaning it welcomes pupils of varying academic ability and aims to support each pupil to achieve personal excellence. 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.

Question 4

Does Blundell's School offer boarding?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Blundell's is predominantly a boarding school with roughly 55% of the senior school boarding. Boarding arrangements include full boarding, weekly boarding, and flexi-boarding options (11 or 22 nights per week). Day places are available for local families. Boarders live in named houses with live-in housemasters and are integrated into vertical communities alongside day pupils, with exeats every three weeks.

Question 5

What sports and activities does Blundell's School offer?

Accepted Answer

The school offers 50+ clubs and societies. Major sports include rugby (145 fixtures annually, links to Exeter Chiefs), hockey (238 fixtures), netball (17 teams, links to Team Bath), and cricket (18 teams, tours to Sri Lanka). Other options include football, basketball, equestrian, kayaking, golf, fencing, sailing, yoga, and pickleball. Co-curricular includes 31 music ensembles, three annual drama productions in the Ondaatje Theatre, Duke of Edinburgh (Bronze, Silver, Gold pathways), CCF programme, and academic societies.

Question 6

What is the music provision at Blundell's School?

Accepted Answer

Over 40% of pupils receive individual music tuition, an exceptionally high proportion. The school maintains 31 music ensembles, including Chapel Choir, Symphony Orchestra, string groups, jazz bands, and wind ensembles. Pupils achieve 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 including Albert Hall and Carnegie Hall.

Question 7

What is the religious character of Blundell's School?

Accepted Answer

Blundell's is Church of England in character, established in 1604 under founder Peter Blundell's will to maintain 'sound learning and true religion.' The school has a full-time chaplain and chapel at its centre. Regular chapel services are part of school life, with frequency varying by year group. The school welcomes pupils of all faiths whilst explicitly maintaining its Christian identity and values.

Question 8

When was Blundell's School founded and what is its history?

Accepted Answer

Blundell's School was founded in 1604 under the will of Peter Blundell, a prosperous cloth merchant who died in 1601 and left £20,000 to establish a school in Tiverton. The original school building, now a Grade I listed building maintained by the National Trust, operated until 1882 when the school relocated to its present 100-acre campus. Famous alumni include R.D. Blackmore (author of Lorna Doone), A.V. Hill (Nobel Prize winner), and Field Marshal Douglas Haig. The school is a member of the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference.

GCSE Performance

Grade Distribution