Will Goldsmith in the Education Corner

Bedales’ unique approach to education is the focus for a discussion between Chloe Abbott of the Education Corner Podcast and Will Goldsmith, Head of Bedales.  

Will shares his diverse educational background, including international and state schools, and his journey to Bedales. He highlights the School's motto, ‘work of each for weal of all’, reflecting the balance between individual and community needs, and praises Bedales' liberal ethos, inspired by its founder John Badley, focusing on holistic education which blends intellectual and emotional development. 

In the podcast, Will discusses the Bedales educational philosophy, emphasising the balance of ‘head, hand, heart’ learning. This approach integrates intellectual, emotional, and practical skills, inspired by the Swiss education reformer, Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi. The School's continuous innovation and its informal atmosphere, which fosters individuality and strong pastoral care, are highlighted. Will argues that this environment aligns with modern professional norms and enhances student-teacher relationships. Student voice is a key element at Bedales, where students offer valuable insights. This approach fosters a sense of community and responsibility among students.  

Will highlights the strong connection Old Bedalians feel to the School, illustrated by their active participation in events. Bedales also engages with the local community and participates in national and international educational dialogues.  

Bedales Assessed Courses (BACs) are discussed, introduced in 2005 as an alternative to GCSEs to better prepare students for higher education and beyond. BACs use project-based learning and diverse assessment methods which allow more time for learning and less for narrow test preparation, benefiting students heading to both academic and creative pathways. Bedales students often progress to prestigious universities and creative institutions worldwide. 

Will outlined the School’s future plans, including an expansion of BACs, enabling a shift to a two-GCSE model (English and Maths) by 2029. The School aims to fully integrate co-educational boarding and formalise its educational outreach through a new Bedales Centre for Education Innovation. Initiatives to double the number of fully-funded bursaries and further reduce the School’s environmental impact are also underway.  

The full podcast is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Youtube.