Bedales is unique, and we want to be sure it’s the right fit for your child. Whether you're considering the Nursery at Bedales Pre-prep or the Sixth Form at Bedales Senior, we strongly recommend that you visit us before applying; we hold regular open mornings and taster days throughout the year, and our Admissions team can arrange individual visits.
Before your visit, please take a look at our prospectuses. Detailed information about our Pre-prep, Prep and Senior schools is available on the website, and our Admissions team are always happy to answer any questions you may have.
Main entry points
Our main entry points are as follows:
| Bedales Pre-prep | Age 3+ (Nursery) | Day only | Children can join the Nursery in the term that they turn three. The minimum number of Nursery sessions is two. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age 7+ (Year 3) | Day only | Additional places are available as we divide Year 3 into two classes. | |
| Bedales Prep | Age 8+ (Year 4) | Day or boarding | Entry from Bedales Pre-prep or as an external candidate. |
| Age 11+ (Year 7) | Day or boarding | Progression from Bedales Prep or as an external candidate. | |
| Bedales Senior | Age 13+ (Year 9) | Boarding or day | Entry from Bedales Prep or as an external candidate. |
| Age 16+ (Year 12) | Boarding or day | Progression from Bedales Senior or as an external candidate. |
From long experience, we recommend that students join Bedales in the September at the standard entry points. However, we will consider applicants for other year groups if places are available. Please note that entry into Block 5 (Year 11) and 6.2 (Year 13) is not possible. To discuss the availability of places in a particular year group, please contact our Admissions team.
What we look for in applicants
Bedales offers an academically rigorous, holistic and progressive programme for students aged 3-18, and our approach encourages inquiry, creative thinking and independent learning. At all stages of the Bedales journey, we look for students who will take initiative and responsibility for themselves, who can work collaboratively with other students and staff, and who can take advantage of the variety of activities and opportunities on offer.
Candidates at 13+ or 14+ (Years 9 and 10) should be capable of attaining a minimum average of grade 6 in Bedales Assessed Courses (BACs) and GCSE subjects, with higher projections in potential A Level subjects.
Sixth Form applicants at 16+ (Year 12) should be capable of achieving at least three A Level passes at grade C or above, and should also be predicted a minimum average of grade 6 at GCSE, including grade 6 in Maths or English Language. Specific entry requirements for A Level subjects are available on our Sixth Form page.
However, when assessing students for entry, our main focus is on understanding the whole person, and determining how well they are likely to adapt, contribute to, and benefit from the educational experience at Bedales.
More information about our entry procedure is available in our Admissions Policy.
The application process
If you would like to apply for a place at Bedales Pre-prep, Prep or Senior, please speak to our Admissions team to request the link to our registration form. A non-refundable deposit of £200 is required to register your child.
We use OpenApply to manage and simplify the application process for families. Through our OpenApply portal, you can easily complete and submit forms online, upload and manage required documents, and track your application to stay informed every step of the way.
When we have received your completed application form and registration fee, depending on entry point, we enter your child’s name on the lists for the entrance tests at the appropriate time. This does not constitute a guarantee of a place in the school, which can only be determined by the entrance tests. Preliminary details of entrance tests are sent out to parents in the Autumn term preceding the January in which the tests are held (please check our Key Dates page for specific dates).