Providing fundamental tools for life, the English Department seeks to nurture, enrich and cultivate a love of reading and writing, establishing an ability to communicate in a clear, controlled and effective manner.
While many are involved in using the English language, with various degrees of care, it is in their English classes that pupils are called upon to refine and develop their own, and to decipher with increasing sophistication the language of others. We offer a gateway to life and the world.
Our subject specialists are all experienced teachers, with diverse interests and an infectious enthusiasm for all areas of the subject: reading, writing and speaking and listening. We nourish our students with a range of literature; we foster intellectual debate and inquiry; and we introduce critical thinking and an ability to analyse language in depth from Year 7 upwards. We are able to focus on thinking and writing creatively and to develop the imagination of all the pupils – for coursework, for pleasure and for publication.
All pupils take English Language and the vast majority English Literature at GCSE. Individual teachers choose material to suit the needs of the classes they teach. Unlike most independent schools, we offer English Language as well as English Literature at A-Level. English Language allows pupils to consider uses of language apart from literature, and concentrates on journalistic writing and the analysis of spoken English. It is often taken by those specialising in the sciences who understand the importance of communication in contemporary society. In A-Level Literature, discussion, argument and analysis of literary texts are part of a creative process by which we reformulate our own understanding through works which put our assumptions about the world into question.
We are delighted to share that Blundell's School has been ranked 244th in The Times' Parent Power list, a prestigious ranking based on GCSE and A-Level results.
Our position reflects the strong academic achievements of our pupils, particularly given the highly selective nature of many of the schools ranked alongside us.
Nestled in 12 acres of stunning Devon countryside, Blundell's Prep is a school where learning goes beyond the classroom. Our Open Morning on Monday, 27th January, is your chance to explore our vibrant community and see how we inspire young minds.
We pride ourselves on our small, superbly equipped classes, generous staff-to-pupil ratios, and the personalized academic and pastoral care we provide. With endless outdoor learning opportunities, our pupils thrive both in and out of the classroom.
To attend, please book your place by contacting the School Office on 01884 252393 or emailing 📧 prep@blundells.org. Please note that booking is essential.
Chris Filbey, the new Second Master to take over from Matt Radley in September 2025. Chris is currently an Assistant Head at Epsom College where he was previously a Housemaster. Before that he was Head of Modern Languages at Haileybury. I look forward to working with Chris and we will introduce him to the wider Blundell’s community in due course.
Blundell’s School is proud to release A Blundell’s Christmas, a collection of carols performed by choirs from Year 4 to Year 13. Now streaming on Spotify, the album showcases our pupils’ remarkable talent and celebrates a year of musical highlights, including performances at Exeter Cathedral, Bath Abbey, a summer tour to Italy, and Choral Evensong at Westminster Abbey.
Blundell’s is thrilled to announce our investment in The Wellbeing Hub by Teen Tips, a comprehensive resource dedicated to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of our Senior School community. With expert-led, evidence-based tools, The Wellbeing Hub will empower pupils, parents, and staff with guidance and resources to support students’ social, emotional, and educational needs. This initiative underscores our commitment to fostering a supportive environment where everyone can thrive.
During this Autumn Term, our Drama Scholars delivered an impressive Autumn Showcase featuring their examination pieces. The performances spanned Restoration Comedy, Comedy of Manners, Musical Theatre, contemporary works, and original material.
The evening highlighted the scholars’ talent, creativity, and dedication, showcasing the high standard of drama at Blundell’s. We are incredibly proud of their achievements and look forward to seeing their continued growth.
House Music was a highlight of the term, with standout performances from Reuben (Old House) winning the Solo Performance Trophy and Nico (Westlake) earning Best Individual Contribution. North Close won the Ensemble Trophy, and Old House claimed both the House Song and overall titles. Pupils were praised for their energy and effort throughout the event.
An incredible experience for our pupils to sing in one of the world’s most famous churches
Blundell’s School pupils have achieved the school’s highest ever GCSE results, for exams taken under standard conditions.
This extraordinary achievement reflects the unwavering dedication and effort our pupils have poured into their studies.