Bede's Senior School
Bede's Senior School
Upper Dicker, England
Bede’s is nestled among sports fields, meadows, and a small lake — with the English south coast seemingly within arm’s reach. The surroundings may appear unassuming at first — but don’t be fooled! Bede’s is a vibrant mix of architectural styles and radiates warmth, lightness, and confidence. The extracurricular offering is exceptionally diverse. From Animal Management at the school’s own zoo, to kayaking, cooking, and the renowned Legat Dance Academy — students who want to explore new interests will find every opportunity here. In terms of sport, Bede’s is very strong: the training facilities for tennis, football, and cricket are excellent, with a high level of performance that remains accessible to all.
The Details
The Academics
Bede’s Senior School delivers consistently solid academic results: in 2024, 33% of students achieved top grades at GCSE, and 25% earned A grades in their A-Levels. The school takes an academically inclusive approach and stands out particularly for its personalised support — including for students with dyslexia or dyspraxia.
Languages Taught
German, English as a Foreign Language, French, Latin, Mandarin and Spanish.
The Boarding
There are five boarding houses available to students. They are bright, modern, and thoughtfully designed — not traditional hallways, but open spaces that encourage interaction. The atmosphere is friendly, busy, and genuinely family-like. International students quickly find their place here — and often make friendships that last a lifetime.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
Bede’s Senior School is a top-tier school when it comes to sport. The range of activities is vast, with football, hockey, tennis, swimming, cricket, and netball being particular strengths. The sports facilities are extensive — enough to serve a small town. A true flagship of the school is the Legat Dance Academy, which combines high-level professionalism with genuine artistic depth, attracting talent from across Europe. For young people considering a career in dance, Bede’s offers an outstanding foundation.
The Art and Design departments are also exceptional. Students can learn virtually everything here — from photography and furniture making to design and even building electric cars.
Bede’s Senior School also offers an extensive range of extracurricular activities. Whether it’s sustainable gardening or restoring classic cars, there is something here for everyone to discover and enjoy.
Weaknesses
Bede’s has so much to offer that, as a pupil, you really have to be careful not to take on too much. But the teachers are used to that — and they’ll help however they can
Location
Bede’s Senior School is clearly the heart of the small town of Upper Dicker in County Sussex
A fantastic school for active, well-rounded, and curious students.
After a long school day, the school’s own zoo is the perfect place to unwind, observe, and lose track of time.
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