Boys and girls learn well at West Buckland School: not just academically, though success here is at a high level, but to enjoy the richness of life, to develop their talents for their own and for others' good and to become responsible members of society.
Many people carry away memories of the friendly and lively atmosphere of the school, and of the unspoilt countryside that surrounds it, near the edge of Exmoor. There is a strong sense of community, and an emphasis on involving each individual as fully as possible. The school is co-educational at all ages, with each house containing both boarding and day members. Many of the latter choose to board in their later years, as a stage towards the independence of adulthood. The close liaison between the preparatory school (from the age of 5) and the senior school makes it easy to plan the education of a family as a whole, as day or boarding pupils.
Academic success is built by sound teaching and attention to individual needs. Pupils are taught in sets for nearly every subject, so that the pace can match their specific requirements. Numbers in each set range from about ten to a maximum of twenty four. The options system at GCSE allows individuals to develop special interests without omitting key subjects. The pattern of A-level subjects allows similar flexibility of choice and balance.
Outside the classroom there are many opportunities. Sport and outdoor activities play a large part in the life of the school, which makes good use of its location: the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme is especially popular. A performing arts centre opened in 1995, increasing considerably the opportunities for music and drama. This half-million pound development was the final phase of a five-year programme that included new boarding houses for boys and girls, a mathematics and physics centre and computer network.
West Buckland gives its pupils an excellent all-round education for life, firmly based on Christian principles.
Alumni - R F Delderfield (playwright and novelist); Brian Aldiss (science fiction writer); John Ashworth (Director LSE); Victor Ubogu and Stephen Ojomoh (England and Bath rugby players); Jonathan Edwards (triple jump world record holder and olympic games silver medalist).
