- Location
- Barnstaple
- Age range
- 3–18
- Attendance
- Day and boarding
About West Buckland School
Schoolscout directory record ·
Situated in the picturesque countryside of North Devon, West Buckland School offers a nurturing and inspiring environment for children to thrive academical...
Supplementary catalogue notes ·
West Buckland School was founded in 1858 by the 2nd Earl Fortescue as a Church of England boys' boarding school in the Devon countryside. The school operates today on a 100-acre rural campus on the edge of Exmoor National Park, in north Devon. West Buckland became co-educational in 1979 and today educates around 603 pupils with a substantial boarding population. The Headmaster is Phillip Stapleton. The school is a member of the HMC and the Boarding Schools Association. The Exmoor National Park location supports a strong outdoor pursuits programme. The school operates a substantial bursary programme.
Additional source record ·
West Buckland welcomes children from 3 to 18, from the local area and worldwide, as day students and boarders into our rich, diverse and friendly school community.
Delve into the detail about our facilities, who we are, our history and ethos… and so much more.
160 Years in the Making Since 1858, we have created opportunities for boys and girls to fulfil their academic potential, and to develop as confident young adults through the challenges and enjoyment of sport, music, drama and many other extra-curricular activities.
School life and highlights in the catalogue
- Founded 1858 by the Earl Fortescue — 168-year history
- Co-educational since 1979
- ≈603 pupils with substantial boarding population
- Set on a 100-acre rural campus on Exmoor National Park, Devon
- HMC and BSA member
- Substantial bursary programme
- Founded 1858 — 168 year tradition
- Day and boarding places available
- Church of England foundation
- Strong in Arts, Music, Drama
- HMC member (top-tier UK independent)
Education and school life
- Education levels
- Nursery, Pre-Prep, Prep, Senior, Sixth Form
- Age range
- 3–18
- Attendance
- Day and boarding
- Pupil intake
- Co-educational
- School type
- Mainstream
- Headteacher / principal
- Mrs Helen Lowe
- Religious ethos
- Church of England
- Listed inspectorate
- ISI
Subjects and qualifications
- Sciences
- Mathematics
- Modern languages
- Music
- Drama
- Sport
- Arts
- Outdoor
Listed memberships and accreditations
- HMC (Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference)
- BSA (Boarding Schools Association)
- ISI (Independent Schools Inspectorate)
Progression and destinations in the catalogue
- Oxbridge
- Russell Group (Exeter, Bristol, Cambridge)
- Medical schools
- Royal Naval College Dartmouth
- Edinburgh / St Andrews
- Conservatoires
Alumni notes
- Old West Buckland pupils active in West Country professions and the Royal Navy
Supporting school records
These dated records may contain different information. Ask our team about current details.
Supplementary catalogue notes ·
- Headteacher / principal
- Phillip Stapleton (Headmaster)
- Founded
- 1858
- Campus setting
- Rural
- Scholarships / bursaries
- Options indicated; confirm availability and eligibility.
Pupil information
- Total pupils
- 603
- Boys
- 316 · 52.4%
- Girls
- 287 · 47.6%
- Pupils receiving SEN support
- 190 · 31.51%
- Pupils with an EHCP
- 4 · 0.66%
Counts and percentages are reproduced from the directory. SEN means special educational needs; EHCP means Education, Health and Care Plan. A pupil census year is not supplied.
A-Level results
- Results year
- 2025
- Progress score
- 0.22 (Above Average)
- Average grade
- B
- AAB percentage
- 28.60%
Results refer to the year shown. The directory does not provide a cohort size or a full methodology for these measures.
Tuition and costs
The fee year is not specified. Ask our team about current fees, VAT and included services.
Schoolscout directory record ·
| Attendance | GBP · Period and VAT unverified |
|---|---|
| Day | £3,370.8 – £7,839.6 |
| Boarding | £8,240.4 – £15,351.6 |
Current fees and VAT treatment require confirmation from the school. Directory labels are not a verified school quotation.
Check whether boarding, meals, registration, deposits, examinations, trips and guardian arrangements are included. Amounts are in pounds sterling (GBP), without currency conversion.
Ask about current feesPlanning your application
Talk to the UniCampus team about entry points, available places, assessments, language requirements and application dates. Admission arrangements vary by age and year group.
Read the directory’s school and admissions questions below.
MEC guidance can help you compare schools and organise the questions and documents needed for your next step. An enquiry or comparison does not submit an application.
Explore MEC guidanceQuestions in the school directory
Schoolscout directory record ·
What type of school is West Buckland School?
West Buckland School is a co-educational independent mainstream school for pupils aged 3 to 18, located near Barnstaple in Devon. The school offers education from Nursery through to Sixth Form, with pathways leading to GCSEs and A Levels.
How do I apply to West Buckland School?
Historical directory text below. Its fees, billing period and VAT have not been verified with the school.
Applications typically begin 1–2 years in advance and may include registration, assessments and interviews. Families can explore the UK private school admissions timeline to understand key dates and entry points.
What are the fees at West Buckland School?
Historical directory text below. Its fees, billing period and VAT have not been verified with the school.
Fees for West Buckland School vary by year group, with typical termly costs around £3,370–£15,351.
Is West Buckland School a day or boarding school?
West Buckland School is a day and boarding school.
Is West Buckland School selective?
Entry to West Buckland School is based on overall fit and, where relevant, academic assessment.
School location and enquiries
- Street address
- West Buckland
- Town / locality
- Barnstaple
- County
- Devon
- Region
- South West
- Postcode
- EX32 0SX
- Country
- United Kingdom
Talk to our team about this school, current fees and your application.
Enquire about this schoolView the school locationWest Buckland, Barnstaple, Devon, South West, EX32 0SXSchoolscout directory record ·
Supplementary catalogue notes ·
Additional source record ·
Collection and catalogue update dates are shown above; they are not fee years or pupil census dates. Source text is retained in its original language. The school’s official information takes precedence for current admissions, programmes and fees.