Shebbear College
Shebbear College
Shebbear, England
Founded in 1841, Shebbear College is one of the oldest schools in the county of Devon. Shebbear College is renowned beyond the borders of the UK for its excellent music program, which accommodates all musical genres. The modern music center features a recording studio and Steinway pianos. The small boarding school is also highly recommended for sports—especially surfing—as well as for its fine and performing arts programs. Thanks to its rural location, Shebbear College offers an outstanding range of outdoor activities. Sustainability and environmental protection are a top priority here, with the school’s biomass power plants and solar panels forming part of its education in resource-efficient living.
The Details
The Academics
Shebbear College offers GCSEs and A-Levels as qualifications.
There are no academic entry requirements at Shebbear College. Thus, the 2024 exam results, with 25.5% A-grades in A-Levels and 20% 9-7 grades in GCSEs, are respectable.
The school's approach focuses on unlocking each student’s potential. As such, Shebbear is non-selective in admissions. Every student is inspired to achieve personal excellence, whether in the arts, sports, or academics.
Languages Taught
German, French and Spanish
The Boarding
30% of students live at the boarding school, with most sharing rooms with one or two other students.
Shebbear College spans a 350,000 m² campus with four boarding houses. Thorne and Way are for day students, while Pollard and Ruddle house full-time boarders. Pollard Boys' boarding house, located in the school's historic main building. Ruddle Girls' boarding house, a modern facility on the opposite side of the campus.
Each house features spacious common rooms, Wi-Fi, and house parents trained in first aid, always ready to support students. Meals are freshly prepared using locally sourced ingredients.
On weekends, the school organizes trips to cultural and sports events, camping excursions, and creative workshops.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
The range of outdoor activities at Shebbear College is diverse and appealing. Students can use the grounds for mountain biking, canoeing, climbing, caving, and sailing. The standout highlight is undoubtedly surfing!
The school’s music program is particularly strong. As a certified Steinway School, Shebbear College exclusively features Steinway pianos in its concert and practice rooms.
The small size of the school fosters a warm, family-like atmosphere, ensuring close social bonds between students and staff.
Weaknesses
Currently, only 30% of the student body consists of full-time boarders. However, the school is committed to promoting connections between boarders and day students to strengthen relationships within the community.
Location
A fantastic boarding school for outdoor enthusiasts, surfers, and passionate musicians.
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