West Buckland School
11+ Admissions Guide 2026

West Buckland School is a co-educational independent day and boarding school welcoming pupils aged three to eighteen. Founded in 1858 as a boys' boarding school, it has been based on its current site ever since. The school is a registered charity governed by a board of trustees, and it offers both day and boarding places across three boarding houses, including a mixed sixth form house and two single-sex houses for boys and girls aged eleven to sixteen. Rooted in a Christian foundation, the school aims to provide a traditionally British yet forward-thinking education, with a focus on personalised development, innovative experiences, and excellent learning. Central to this vision are seven qualities the school seeks to nurture in every pupil: confidence, critical thinking, creativity, courage, commitment, caring, and curiosity. Pupils come from a range of professional and family backgrounds. The school supports a number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, including dyslexia and dyspraxia, as well as pupils for whom English is an additional language, with specialist help available for both groups. The curriculum is also adapted for those identified as particularly able, as well as for pupils with special talents in sport, music, and drama.

Phones are handed in on arrival at school. Sixth Form students may use them in designated areas.