At West Buckland School, we proudly stand among the leading independent schools in the UK, for boys and girls aged 3 to 18. Our ethos distinguishes us, as we prioritise shaping the school experience around each child. With a commitment to exceptional teaching, we place the child at the heart of all we do. Our ultimate goal is to empower every individual to discover their unique excellence.
A Welcome from Helen Lowe, Head
“The highest reward for your toil is not what you get for it but what you become by it.” John Ruskin
Welcome to West Buckland School
Tradition and Innovation Combined
Founded in 1858 for the children of local farmers, West Buckland School is an exciting and special place. It is rich in tradition, its links to its past so well guarded and celebrated through its Foundation and President, Lady Arran, yet it also boasts a future-driven agenda to ensure it remains wholly relevant and forward-thinking in the education and opportunities it provides. West Buckland is a school with a buoyant future.
The school is one of an increasingly small number of truly independent schools. We do not have to bow to private investors’ agendas and so can focus fully on what is best for our pupils without any external pressures. Though funding is, of course, key to schools, the idea that a school’s provision of scholarships and bursaries is in place just to increase numbers, rather than add value to the pupils involved, is not something which West Buckland, or I, could ever support. A school is not just getting the children through the doors – it must deliver for those pupils once they are there. Sitting at Speech Day in July, it was clear that the traditions of the school and the depth of feeling it engenders in all those who are part of it are evident for all to see. If you want a school where there is a heart and soul, West Buckland is the place.
We are no longer living in a world where the imparting of knowledge is what a school does; knowledge for our young people is everywhere at the click of a button. With continued technological innovation and the growth in AI, I believe that adaptive teaching, kindness, intellectual discussion and debating skills are more important than ever. We blend the underpinning motto of Read and Reap with our character values, innovation, sustainability, playing a meaningful part in the local community and of course excellent teaching and pastoral care.
This school has a staff body, governors, parents, a foundation, trustees and fantastic pupils who want to ensure that this happens.
I am proud to be leading West Buckland School, and I look forward to welcoming you to our wonderful campus, whether you are a current or a prospective parent, to find out more about us.
Please keep an eye out for upcoming events and opportunities to visit the school. Or contact the school to make an appointment to come in to meet me; I can promise that you will be made most welcome.
Helen Lowe, Head of School
Our remarkable campus
Described as “a gem of a school in an outstanding location” by the Good Schools Guide, West Buckland School, founded in 1858, is set on 100 acres of stunning countryside near the Atlantic coast. Recent investments of over £14 million have transformed our campus, blending traditional charm with modern facilities. This environment inspires students to excel academically, culturally, and athletically, revealing their unique excellence
Latest News
Follow West Buckland School on social media for our latest news and pupil achievements.
What an amazing week to round off an incredibly busy half term! 🎉
From our Rugby Festival, Pipas Challenge and EDI Club to Cross Country and Prep House Music, it’s been a fantastic end to a jam-packed few weeks.
Wishing everyone a restful half-term break. We look forward to seeing you all refreshed and ready for the next half-term! 🌟
🎬👀 When the social media team has an idea…
Wishing everyone a happy and restful half term break. Enjoy the time off, recharge your batteries and we’ll see you back ready for a busy second half of term!
Happy Half Term! 🎃🍂
From the WBS Sports Team 🫶
#WBSSport #TeamWBS #HalfTerm #SchoolSport #HalfTermBreak
🏐 A huge congratulations to Layla V on an outstanding start to the netball season!
At just 14, Layla has earned selection for the senior long squad at Titans Netball Club, been appointed Vice Captain of the Titans U16 team, secured a place in the Team Bath Netball Athlete Development Centre, and has already impressed representing the Exeter hub at a recent ADC tournament.
Training three evenings a week alongside her school commitments, Layla`s dedication, talent and determination continue to shine. We look forward to following her journey as she works towards her dream of one day representing England.
🏏 Devon Cricket | Winter Programme 2026/27
Congratulations to all our pupils selected for the Devon Cricket County Pathway Winter Programme for 2026/27👏
With selections spanning ages 9-18, it’s fantastic to see both boys and girls represented across the Devon pathway.
Well done to everyone on their selection!
#WBSSport #TeamWBS #DevonCricket #CountySelection
🏑 Devon County Hockey
Congratulations to our hockey players who have been selected for this year’s Devon training squads across the U14, U15 and U17 age groups.
The players will train with Devon and have the opportunity to represent the county against other counties throughout the season.
Well done to everyone on your selection!👏
#WBSSport #TeamWBS #CountyHockey #CountySelection
🏀 WBS U15 Basketball | North Devon Bucks
A first outing for our U15 boys’ A and B teams, who were keen to get going with their first friendly fixtures against North Devon Bucks.
It was great to see the boys enjoying themselves on court and to see basketball continuing to grow in our younger year groups.
Well done, everyone, and thank you to North Devon Bucks for coming to play. We’re already looking forward to the next fixtures after half term! 👏
#WBSSport #TeamWBS #WBSBasketball #NorthDevonBasketball
🍂 Year 7 have been making the most of the great outdoors this autumn!
As part of their first round of Outdoor Learning activities, pupils have developed their orienteering skills, explored tree conservation, enjoyed surfing at Saunton Sands, and learned essential bushcraft techniques including building emergency shelters, lighting fires and making traditional damper bread.
A fantastic opportunity to build confidence, resilience and teamwork while learning new skills beyond the classroom.
🏉 Year 5 & 6 Girls’ Rugby
Yesterday, our Year 5 and 6 girls enjoyed a rugby session with Exeter Chiefs player @kayleighmpriest.
A big thank you to @exeter_chiefs_community and Kayleigh for a fantastic session. The girls had a wonderful time and are already looking forward to the next one! 👏
#WBSSport #TeamWBS #GirlsRugby #ExeterChiefs #ExeterChiefsCommunity
🪩 We`re celebrating exceptional results in our thriving Dance Development Programme!
From outstanding RAD and IDTA examination achievements to regular performance opportunities, our dancers continue to demonstrate incredible dedication, talent and passion.
Find out more about Dance at West Buckland School, including our Dance Development Programme, nationally recognised qualifications, our latest examination successes, expert teaching and dedicated facilities.
Follow the link in our bio for our latest blog ☝
🌍 We were delighted to welcome Chloe Abbott, Founder and Editor of Education Choices Magazine, to West Buckland.
Chloe met with Mrs Lowe, Mr Brown and Henry H to discuss equality, diversity and inclusion, with Henry proudly sharing the work he and our Prefects have been leading for Black History Month and our international map in the new Student Hub.
Thank you, Chloe, for visiting and for the thoughtful conversation. We look forward to continuing it soon! 💙
@education_choices_magazine @chloeabbott313
🏀 South West Winter League | Round 3
Our 1st team hosted Millfield yesterday for the third round of the South West Winter League.
A competitive game with some excellent basketball from both sides. WBS held the lead at half time, but Millfield pulled ahead in the final quarter to secure the win.
Well played to both teams on a competitive game, and thank you to Millfield for making the trip to WBS👏
#WBSSport #TeamWBS #WBSBasketball #SouthWestLeague
🎾 Boys’ U16 Tennis - Through to the Finals!
Congratulations to our Boys’ U16 tennis team, who travelled to Truro School yesterday for their regional qualifier and secured a 5-1 victory.
Well done to the boys on a great result. They have now qualified for the finals! 👏
#WBSSport #TeamWBS #WBSTennis #LTA #DevonTennis
🏉🏑 Final Super Saturday Before Half Term
Our final Super Saturday before the half-term break was a busy one, with plenty of sport taking place across WBS.
We hosted a clubs rugby festival, with 12 teams taking part, including visiting teams from South Molton, Barnstaple, Bideford and Bude.
Our hockey teams were also in action against Shebbear College, with fixtures taking place both at home and away.
A great way to round off our Super Saturdays this half term. Thank you to all the visiting teams, clubs, staff and supporters who helped make them such a success!👏
#WBSSport #TeamWBS #SuperSaturday #Rugby #Hockey #SchoolSport #NorthDevonSport
🏑 U16 Boys’ Indoor Hockey - West Tournament
We had the pleasure of hosting the U16 West Indoor Hockey Tournament at WBS.
It was a great afternoon of competitive hockey, with closely contested games and fine margins throughout.
Well done to our boys, who finished 3rd overall. Thank you to all the schools who visited WBS and helped make it such an enjoyable afternoon of hockey.
#WBSSport #TeamWBS #IndoorHockey #WestTournament
💡 Our latest Academic Dinner brought together students, alumni and guest speakers for an inspiring evening of intellectual exploration.
Dr McKerrow opened with a thought-provoking discussion on the United States’ role in an increasingly multipolar world. Head Boy Jamie shared his research into the Knepp Estate’s pioneering rewilding programme, undertaken as part of his Cambridge application to study Land Management. Former student Isabel reflected on university life, her work as a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Young Ambassador and the beginnings of her career, while Dr Eniafe-Olatunji offered fascinating insights into public health, emergency response and her medical career journey.
Thank you to all our speakers for making it another memorable celebration of curiosity, learning and academic ambition.
🏃♀️🏃♂️Inter House Run
Following last week’s Junior and Senior House Runs, it was the turn of our Year 9 and 10 pupils this morning.
A wet morning for this week’s run, but well done to everyone who took part and represented their house! Some great performances - well done to everyone who completed the course👏
#WBSSport #TeamWBS #InterHouseRuns #CrossCountry #HouseSport #SchoolSport
🏃♀️🏃What a fantastic morning at Barnstaple parkrun!
👏 A few special shout-outs:
🏅 Rufus completed his very first parkrun
🏃 Finn finished an impressive 11th overall at just 12 years old
🔔 Sammy smashed his PB and came 3rd overall
🥈 Mr Grose crossed the line in 2nd place
🌟A very special mention to Bruce, who originally started volunteering at parkrun as part of his Duke of Edinburgh Award. Although he has completed his required hours, he continues to volunteer and give back to the community. Events like these simply couldn’t happen without people like Bruce! 👏
A huge THANK YOU to all the volunteers who make parkrun possible, and to all the pupils, parents and staff who joined us this morning. It was brilliant to see so many of the West Buckland community out there together!
📅 Save the date! Our next Barnstaple parkrun meet-up is Saturday 21st November. We’d love to see even more of you there!
#WestBucklandSchool #Barnstapleparkrun #TeamWBS #CommunitySpirit #Parkrun DofE PersonalBest
🎃 Weekly Fixtures 👻
Our final week of fixtures before the October half term break!
It’s a busy week ahead, with WBS teams in action across Rugby, Hockey, Indoor Hockey, Basketball, Tennis and Cross Country.
Best of luck to all our pupils and coaches this week! 🧡🖤
#TeamWBS #WBSSport #WBSWeeklyFixtures #SchoolSport #OctoberHalfTerm
🏐🏆U14 North Devon Netball Tournament Winners!
Congratulations to our U14 netballers, who won the North Devon Netball Tournament yesterday!
We took 12 players to the tournament, and all the girls played brilliantly throughout the afternoon, scoring an impressive 78 goals along the way.
The team now progresses to the County Rounds - a fantastic achievement!
Well done to all 12 players! 👏
#WBSSport #TeamWBS #Netball #U14Netball #NorthDevonNetball CountyRounds
🏑🏆Girls’ 1st XI Hockey - Round Qualifiers
Our Girls’ 1st XI travelled to Plymouth yesterday for the Round Qualifiers, finishing 2nd and securing their place in the West Tournament.
Over the course of the day, the girls scored 18 goals and conceded just 3, making an excellent set of results across the tournament.
A fantastic achievement for the team.
Well done to all the girls involved! 👏
#WBSSport #TeamWBS #Hockey #GirlsHockey #SchoolSport #RoundQualifiers
🏃♀️🏃♂️Inter House Cross Country
Our first Inter House Cross Country races of the year took place this week, with both our Junior and Senior students taking to the course to represent their Houses.
From our youngest Senior students through to our oldest, it was great to see so many students getting involved and giving their best for their House 👏🏃♀️🏃♂️
Well done to everyone who took part - some great running from all involved!
Next Monday, it’s the turn of the Inters Cross Country 💪🏼
#WBSSport #TeamWBS #InterHouse #CrossCountry
🏑 Girls’ 1st VI - Indoor Hockey
A great day of indoor hockey for our Girls’ 1st VI, who travelled to Taunton School yesterday for a day of fast paced and competitive hockey.
🥈Congratulations to the girls on finishing 2nd overall and qualifying for the next round! 👏🏑
Well done to the whole team on a strong performance, and the very best of luck for the next round! 💪
#WBSSport #TeamWBS #IndoorHockey #WBSHockey #Hockey
🎓 Every Sixth Form journey is different. Where could yours take you?
As we look ahead to our Sixth Form Open Evening on Wednesday 7 October from 6.30pm, hear directly from four current Sixth Form students about their experiences at West Buckland.
From pursuing ambitious goals and discovering new interests to building confidence for life beyond school, their stories offer an authentic insight into Sixth Form life at WBS.
Read their experiences, find out why West Buckland could be the right choice for you, and register to join us at our Open Evening.
Find out more - follow the link in our bio ☝
🏑🥉West Tournament - Indoor Hockey
Yesterday, our U18 boys travelled to Clifton College for Round 1 of the West Tournament Indoor Hockey.
A fantastic afternoon of indoor hockey, with WBS finishing 3rd overall!👏🏑
The team secured a win against Queen’s College, drew with Prior Park and were narrowly beaten by just one goal by Clifton College and a loss to King Edward’s School, Bath.
Some really strong performances throughout the afternoon and plenty to be pleased with. Well done to all the boys! 💪👏
#WBSSport #TeamWBS #IndoorHockey #WBSHockey
🏐🇮🇪Aoife Represents Netball Ireland
Earlier this year, Aoife was selected for the Netball Ireland U19 long squad and has been travelling to Dublin every 3-4 weeks for training.
This weekend, Aoife travelled to Glasgow for a two day representative camp at the Glasgow International Arena, where she took part in training matches against Scotland’s U19 and U21 squads.
Well done, Aoife, and congratulations on representing Netball Ireland. We are very proud of you! 👏
#WBSSport #TeamWBS #Netball #NetballIreland #GirlsInSport @netballireland
🏃♀️🏃♂️North Devon Cross Country League
Yesterday morning saw the first race of the North Devon Cross Country League, held at Kingsley School.
There was a strong representation from our Prep School, with our runners putting in a fantastic effort across the races. Well done to all our Prep pupils who took part, with some excellent performances and a fantastic effort from everyone 🤩
We also had runners representing WBS in the Senior races, with Sam A and Matilda P both winning their age categories👏
Well done to everyone who represented WBS, and good luck for the next round at Shebbear College!
#WBSSport #TeamWBS #CrossCountry #NorthDevonCrossCountry #WBSPrep
🍕 WBS Boarding Diaries
There has been plenty for our boarders to enjoy recently, with a packed programme of activities bringing everyone together both on and off campus.
The past few weeks have included a lively karaoke evening in Boyer, where boarders took to the microphone and sang the night away alongside Mrs Lowe, as well as a drama trip to London to see some fantastic productions.
Over the weekend, boarders represented the School in rugby and hockey fixtures, while others enjoyed a trip to Braunton for Paint a Pot, followed by fish and chips at the famous Squires and a browse through the town`s independent and charity shops. Sunday brought a trip to Barnstaple before a relaxing evening back in boarding.
This week also saw the welcome return of a boarding favourite: Wacky Wednesdays in Parkers. These much-loved evenings give boarders the chance to take a break from busy schedules, spend time with friends and enjoy some friendly fun together. The first event of the term was one of the most eagerly anticipated, Build Your Own Pizza Night, with the wood-fired ovens fired up and plenty of creative toppings on offer.
Most importantly, it has been another wonderful few weeks filled with friendship, laughter and the shared experiences that make life in boarding so special.
@bsaboarding @boardingschoolsnetwork
✨ Moments That Made This Week ✨
From British Eventing brilliance and inspiring success in the saddle, to getting stuck in at Gardening Club and exploring new stories at the Appledore Book Festival, it`s been another fantastic week at West Buckland.
And that`s only the beginning! From classrooms and sports fields to creative spaces and outdoor adventures, our students have been making the most of every opportunity. 💙
#WestBucklandSchool #MomentsThatMadeThisWeek #SchoolLife #OpportunityAdventureSuccess
✨ Discover Prep at West Buckland School! ✨
Is your child currently in Years 4-6? Join us on 13th October for our exciting Prep Experience Day and discover what makes life at West Buckland so special.
Pupils will enjoy a fun-filled day of engaging lessons, hands-on activities, new friendships and plenty of opportunities to explore our beautiful campus and outstanding facilities.
📅 13th October
🕘 08:45 - 16:00
📍 West Buckland School
Give your child the chance to experience our welcoming community, inspiring teachers and the exciting opportunities that await.
👉 Spaces are limited, so book your place today via the QR code or click the link in our bio.
#WestBucklandSchool #PrepSchool #ExperienceDay #Years4to6 #NorthDevonSchools #IndependentSchool #FutureStartsHere #WestBucklandPrep
📅 Fixtures for the Week Ahead
Another busy week for WBS Sport!
🏑 Indoor Hockey rounds begin
🏃 Senior & Junior House Runs
🏐 U14 North Devon Schools Netball Tournament
Looking ahead to Super Saturday next weekend, we’ll be hosting the North Devon Clubs Rugby Festival, while our girls’ hockey teams take on Shebbear College.
🏃 Barnstaple parkrun – meet Miss Rickard at Rock Park, 8:45am.
#WBSSport #TeamWBS #WBSWeeklyFixtures #Hockey #Rugby #Netball #CrossCountry #IndoorHockey
🏏 Devon Cricket Awards Evening
The annual Devon Cricket Awards Evening marked the close of the 2026 Devon Cricket season, where Issie was nominated for U18 Girls Bowler of the Year.
She also received special recognition for her outstanding achievements this season, which included two impressive five-wicket hauls.
Well done, Issie! 👏🏏
#WBSSport #TeamWBS #DevonCricket
📚 Year 7 Assessment & Activity Day 📚
Thinking about joining West Buckland School for Year 7?
Come and spend the day with us on 28 October from 10am, experiencing life at West Buckland first-hand. Meet future classmates, take part in our Year 7 assessment activity, explore our beautiful campus, and enjoy an afternoon packed with exciting and engaging activities.
A fantastic opportunity to discover what makes West Buckland such a special place to learn, grow and belong.
📅 28 October 2026
⏰ 10:00 - 15:30
Sign up using the link in our bio.
Want to find out more? Contact our admissions team: [email protected]
🏀 South West Winter League | Round 2
Our 1st team travelled to Wells Cathedral School last night for their second game of the South West Winter League.
A close and highly competitive match, which was physical from start to finish. WBS stayed composed under pressure, particularly in the final stages, to come away with an 8 point win.
Well played to the team on a hard fought match, and thank you to Wells Cathedral School for hosting us.
Next up is Round 3, with the team travelling to Millfield.
#WBSSport #TeamWBS #Basketball #WBSBasketball #SouthWestLeague
🏇 Huge congratulations to Emily on an outstanding eventing season!
At just 12 years old and in her first year competing in British Eventing, Emily qualified for the British Eventing Regional National Qualifier at 90cm, a remarkable achievement in itself.
Competing against a large field of predominantly adult riders, all of whom had qualified to be there, Emily finished on her dressage score to secure an impressive 9th place, with only four points separating 1st and 12th.
This success follows a fantastic 2nd place finish at the Pony Club Regional Eventing Championships at Bicton in August, and an incredible season that has seen Emily place in the top 10 at every event she has participated in.
We are immensely proud of everything she has achieved. Well done, Emily!
#BritishEventing #EquestrianSuccess #Eventing #TeamWBS @britisheventing
🏑 Midweek Hockey Fixtures
A busy couple of days for WBS hockey.
Last night, our 1st and 2nd teams were both in action against Blundell’s, with our 1st team travelling away and our 2nd team playing at home. Two competitive matches and great games to watch. Well played to all the girls.
Today, our U12 and U13 teams welcomed Blundell’s to WBS. Some really positive performances from all four teams, and it was particularly pleasing to see pupils who are new to hockey this term continuing to develop and grow in confidence as they play more matches.
Well played, girls! 🏑
#WBSSport #TeamWBS #Hockey #WBSHockey
🏊♀️🏊♂️ First Gala of the Term!
Our U13, U15 and U18 swimmers travelled to Exeter School on Monday for their first gala of the term.
For many of the swimmers, it was their first experience of competitive swimming for the school, making it a great opportunity to put their training into practice. The team have been working hard in PE and co-curricular sessions, making the most of our on site pool for regular training.
There were some excellence performances across all age groups.
Well done to everyone who represented the school - we’re looking forward to the next round!
#WBSSport #TeamWBS #WBSSwimming #Swimming
A huge thank you to everyone who visited us on Open Day! It was wonderful to welcome so many families to West Buckland School.
Interested in Sixth Form? Our Sixth Form Open Evening takes place on Wednesday 7 October from 6.30pm. Book your place now via the link in our bio ☝
Big ambitions start here.
Whether your goal is university, an apprenticeship, a professional career or something entirely unique, West Buckland Sixth Form provides the support, opportunities and encouragement to help you achieve it.
Come and meet our students, explore our facilities and discover what makes Sixth Form at West Buckland so special.
✨ Register now for our Sixth Form Open Evening. Your Future Starts Here.
📅 7th October 18:30
🔗https://westbuckland.com/wbs-sixth-form/ or find the link in bio.
#WestBucklandSixthForm #AspireAchieveSucceed #OpenEvening #SixthFormLife
✨ A brand-new Christmas tradition is coming to North Devon!✨
Join us for the West Buckland Christmas Drone Spectacular featuring: 🚁 A breathtaking festive drone show hosted by Afterglow!
🎶 Live performances from the Chivenor Military Ladies Choir
🎄 Charity Christmas Tree Festival supporting The Royal Marines Charity
🛍️ Festive market stalls
🍔 Delicious food and drink
🎨 Arts, crafts and family activities
🎅 Meet Santa, wreath making, face painting and more!
An unforgettable evening of Christmas magic for the whole family.
🎄✨ Early Bird Tickets Now Available! ✨🎄
🎟️ Book your tickets today: www.tickettailor.com/events/wbs/2442232 or click the link in our bio.
#ChristmasDroneSpectacular #NorthDevon #ChristmasInDevon #festivefun
@militaryladieschoirofficial @afterglowdroneshows @thermcharity
Would you like to showcase your business at one of North Devon`s most exciting new festive events? DM us for an information pack.
A thriving coeducational independent day and boarding school in Devon for boys and girls aged 3-18, located on a beautiful rural campus between Barnstaple and Exmoor.
