Prep (3-11)

Giving your child the best possible start in the best possible environment.

Welcome from Mrs Phillips

Choosing the right school for your child is one of the most important decisions any parent will make and I firmly believe that West Buckland Prep School gives children the very best start in life.

A Leading Prep School in Devon

West Buckland Prep School is a vibrant hive of activity. No two days are the same and we pride ourselves on providing opportunities and experiences that challenge and inspire, whilst creating a passion for life-long learning.

We are so lucky to sit on an idyllic site on the edge of Exmoor. Our pupils have access to nearly 100 acres of green space in which to learn, play and explore. This really is a school where children are allowed to be children for longer and they can explore deeply, discover their passion and be their authentic self.

SARAH PHILLIPS, ACTING PREP HEAD

Discover our stories

student profile image


Prep Personal Tour

Parent Testimonial

My children's confidence has rocketed thanks to the smaller classes and the way that the teachers listen to and understand the children.

Parent Testimonial

"After changing schools half way through their primary school education - they settled very quickly and haven’t looked back."

Parent Testimonial

"The facilities and opportunities West Buckland Prep offers are outstanding.”

Parent Testimonial

"We are so pleased we moved to West Buckland!"

Parent Testimonial

"We were made to feel welcome immediately by the friendly staff and children."

Prep Stats


5.15pm

Late pick up

130

Number of pupils

70%

Pupils learn an instrument

1:9

Staff to children ratio

14

Average class size

20+

Activities across the academic year

8am

Early bird drop off

100

Acres of countryside

We'd love to meet you

We hold regular Open Days in the Autumn and Spring and a number of others online.  Keep a look out for these.

However, if you’d like to get the ball rolling sooner, why not book an online appointment with our Admissions Team?

Book a Meeting with Admissions

🎉 We’re thrilled to welcome Helen Lowe as our incoming Interim Head. 

With a wealth of experience in the independent sector, Helen brings inspiring leadership and a deep commitment to education.
📽️ Hear directly from Helen in her welcome message - watch the full video with the link in our bio ☝

#wbsprep #wbsmiddle #GoWayBeyond #WelcomeHelenLowe #IndependentEducation
🌿 West Buckland School is a hub for environmental action - and tomorrow, we’re thrilled to welcome students from across the South West to our inaugural Sustainability Festival! #SustainabilityFestival #wbsprep #wbsmiddle #wbssixth #greenfuture #wbsOneAction
📚✨ It’s National Thank a Teacher Day!

Today, we’re sending a huge THANK YOU to our incredible teaching staff at West Buckland School.

Your dedication, passion, and hard work make a lasting impact every single day - and we’re so grateful for everything you do to inspire, support, and guide our students. 💙

#wbsprep #wbsmiddle #wbssixth #WestBucklandSchool #GoWayBeyond #InspiringEducators #NationalThankATeacherDay

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.

HOW TO FIND US:

West Buckland School,
Barnstaple, Devon,
EX32 0SX.

ADJACENT TO:

Atlantic coastline and
Exmoor National Park

NEAREST TOWN:

Barnstaple: 15 minutes

Spaces available for a September 2025 start
Enquire today to secure your child's place
Spaces available for a September 2025 start
Enquire today to secure your child's place