West Buckland School
West Buckland School
West Buckland, England
West Buckland School is set deep in the countryside, close to the stunning Exmoor National Park in the South West county of Devon. The school’s standout feature is undoubtedly its Art and Design department, designed by renowned British artist Damien Hirst. And with the coast nearby, it’s no surprise that watersports are hugely popular here – especially surfing.
The Details
The Academics
West Buckland School is not especially selective, yet achieves very strong exam results. In 2024, 49% of GCSE grades were 9–7 and over 40% of A levels were awarded at grade A or above.
The school provides excellent learning support, including for pupils with dyslexia and dyscalculia. Boarding numbers are low – only around 5% of the pupil body – but West Buckland makes a big effort to integrate day and boarding pupils, something our families say it does with great success.
Languages Taught
French and Spanish.
The Boarding
There are three boarding houses: one for girls in Years 7–11, one for boys in Years 7–11, and a Sixth Form house with separate wings for boys and girls. The Sixth Form house is made up entirely of single rooms with en-suite bathrooms – one of the best boarding set-ups we’ve seen!
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
We love West Buckland’s wonderful Art Department. The so-called 150 Building was designed in collaboration with the English artist Damien Hirst, whose son attended the school. The studio itself is bright, welcoming and beautifully laid out – and the artwork we saw there was truly outstanding.
Outdoor opportunities here are as good as you’ll find at any school in the South West. With its unique rural setting between Exmoor and the Atlantic coast, pupils can go hiking, climbing, surfing, sailing, bouldering and horse riding.
Sport is another real strength, with rugby, cricket and hockey leading the way. The school also offers excellent programmes in both dance and tennis.
Weaknesses
Yes, the number of boarders could certainly be higher. But West Buckland integrates day and boarding pupils better than almost any other school in the South of England.
Location
West Buckland School is set in the idyllic North Devon countryside, nestled between the rolling hills of Exmoor National Park and the Atlantic coast. Despite its rural setting, the vibrant university city of Exeter is only an hour away – and the beaches are right on the doorstep.
Exeter - 1 hr by car
Tiverton - 35 min by car
A lovely rural school, perfect for pupils with creative interests as well as a passion for outdoor pursuits and watersports.
Just 20 minutes away lies Woolacombe Beach – three miles of golden sand, a top surfing spot and regularly voted one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe.
Take a look at similar schools
Gordonstoun School
Mount Kelly School
Truro School
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