All-ThroughCo-educationalBoardingOfsted · Not yet inspected

Bedstone College

· SY7 0BG

A*–B A-level

—

9–7 GCSE

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Day fees

£17k

Inspection

Not yet inspected

School website

Bedstone College is a small, all-through independent day and boarding school in rural Shropshire serving pupils from age 4 to 18. Positioned as a traditional, accessible alternative to larger boarding schools, it emphasises pastoral care and individual attention across a genuinely mixed-ability intake. The school has a distinctly country atmosphere with outdoor education and practical learning woven into its curriculum.

  • →Genuine all-through provision from nursery to sixth form with stable relationships
  • →Small size (152 pupils) ensures individual attention and known pastoral culture
  • →Flexible boarding options (full, weekly, flexi) suited to rural location and working families
  • →Strong emphasis on outdoor education, farming heritage, and practical skills
  • →Less pressurised alternative to highly selective independent schools with broader ability range

Who thrives here

Independent-minded pupils who thrive in small, rural communities and those whose families value flexible boarding, outdoor learning, and a less academically intense environment. Suits families seeking a 'grown-up' alternative to highly tutored prep-school culture.

Strengths at a glance

Exam resultsno dataSports30th pctCo-curricular50th pctValue vs peers50th pctPastoral & wellbeingno data

Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.

At a glance

School typeAll-Through · Boarding
Founded1979
Number of pupils152
Age range4–18
GenderCo-educational
Day fees£17.4k/yr (inc. lunch)
Boarding fees£27.6k/yr (inc. meals)
AssociationsISC
Settingrural
LocationRural Shropshire location (between Craven Arms and Ludlow) suits families with own transport; boarding mitigates distance from major urban centres.

Contact & visit

Bedstone, Bucknell, Shropshire

SY7 0BG

www.bedstone.org
01547530303
Mr Toby Mullins, Headteacher

Nearest stations

Craven Arms15 min
Ludlow20 min

Frequently asked questions

What are the fees at Bedstone College?

Day fees at Bedstone College are approximately £17,400 per year (2024/25). Boarding fees are higher.

How do you get into Bedstone College?

Bedstone College admits pupils at 4+, 7+, 8+, 11+, 13+, 16+. Entry is assessed by Interview, Assessment. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.

Is Bedstone College a boarding school?

Bedstone College offers boarding as well as day places.

What parents say

Frequently praised

✓Genuine pastoral care and individual attention in small community

✓Outdoor education and practical learning ethos feels authentic, not tokenistic

✓Flexible boarding model suits rural location and modern family needs

✓Low-pressure alternative for pupils who don't thrive in highly academic environment

✓Strong sense of community across all-through provision

Common concerns

!Limited resources and facilities compared to well-endowed independent schools

!Unclear extent and quality of specialist SEND support

!Remote rural location limits cultural, sporting and educational opportunities without school transport

!Not yet inspected by Ofsted; limited external validation of academic standards

!Small sixth form may limit subject breadth and university support compared to larger schools