Information for overseas agents

Blundell’s Admissions Department works with a number of agencies throughout the world in an effort to maintain a global outlook for its 620 pupils. Blundell’s is over 400 years old and maintains a healthy full boarding community.

Pupil Numbers by Year/Sex/Status 2024-25

Number of Pupils	Total	Boarders	Flexi-boarders	Day
Pupils in school	620	215	113	292
Boys	350	114	65	171
Girls	270	101	48	121
11-13 (Years 7 & 8)	110	10	7	93
13-18 (Years 9-13)	510	204	107	199
Sixth Form	216 (boys128 : girls 88)	99	52	65

All agencies will have a contract before any commission is paid and accreditation to BBSN or BSA is accepted, or two appropriate references are required. The standard commission paid is 10% of the first year’s fees paid termly. A small number of agencies who have successfully introduced a number of pupils each year and over a longer period of time, may be offered a further 5% commission for a second year.

There are approximately 90 overseas pupils who typically come from about 17 different countries and it is possible to join any year group if a suitable bed is available. There are a limited number of one or two term stays in most year groups for our Educational and Cultural Immersion programmes

English Language Immersion Programme (ELIP)

The ELIP programme is an intensive, specialist programme that is individualised to each student to allow them to develop both their social English, as well as their subject curriculum vocabulary. The central aim of the ELIP is to help pupils build their confidence with English as effectively as possible, so that they can not only join general curriculum classes - they will be better placed to engage with and enjoy the material, as well as interacting with their peers. The programme is run by our EAL (English as an Additional Language) department and pupils will receive expert tuition and guidance from a highly-skilled, qualified and dedicated set of teaching staff.

Educational & Cultural Immersion Programme

Educational & Cultural Immersion Programme
One or Two Terms – Full Boarding
On a Visitor’s VISA
Limited Places Available in Years 7, 8, 9, 10, & 12

This short course is designed to provide overseas pupils with an exceptional educational experience, both in terms of academic studies and cultural appreciation. The main driver is to improve their level of English through a full academic timetable with their whole year group, supplemented by a strong EAL programme leading to a Cambridge English Qualification certificate.

Key Experiences:

Full time academic programme with normal English speaking classes

EAL programme according to their requirements leading to a Cambridge English Qualification

PSHE (Personal, Social & Health Education) course

Cultural Immersion:

English full boarding experience

Sporting opportunities, both team and individual

External educational and recreational school trips

Musical opportunities, both individual and group

Requirements:

Pupils must have a workable level of English to access a normal timetable – they will be required to take an OPT on-line test, submit an independent piece of writing and have an interview with the Head of EAL. They will also have to take a 45 minutes Mathematics test to help with setting.

Pupils should be the appropriate age for their year group on 1^st September, but it is possible to be accepted if they less than one year older.

They will be required to be Full Boarders and to be committed to at least one full term.

They will need to provide school reports/references and a permission letter from their current school.

A personal visit to Blundell’s before or after any commitment is always welcome, but it is not required. Personal visits can be arranged by contacting our Admissions Co-ordinator by emailing admisssions@blundells.org 00 44 (0)1884 232310.

Admission to Blundell's

Senior School	Year Group	Age	Entry Level	National Curriculum
School House (Junior Department)	Year 7	11-12	Yes	Key Stage 3
	Year 8	12-13	Possibly
Main School	Year 9	13-14	Yes
	Year 10	14-15	Possibly	Key Stage 4 GCSE
	Year 11	15-16	Yes	+ one year GCSE
	Year 12	16-17	Yes	A Level + BTEC
	Year 13	17-18	Possibly

Yr 11 One Year GCSE Course for Overseas Students

One Year Limited GCSE Course & Pre-A Level Development Course for Overseas Pupils in Year 11

This course is designed to provide 15 or 16 year old overseas students with a one year GCSE-based course, although a two term stay may be possible if places are still available.. It can either be a stand-alone and meaningful one year course for overseas students who wish to return home afterwards, or as a Foundation year for those choosing to stay and to go on to study A Levels at Blundell’s.

The course will allow pupils to continue on to the Sixth Form at Blundell’s providing they have made satisfactory progress and that their attitude to school life has been appropriately positive.

Requirements:

They will be required to complete an English Writing Task, an on-line OPT test and have an interview with the EAL Department. They will also be asked to take a Mathematics Test for setting purposes.
They should be 15 or 16 years old on the 1st September.
They will be required to be Full Boarders and be committed to at least two full terms, but it is always hoped that they will stay for the Summer Term, as it the most rewarding term for them and represents the ‘icing on the cake’ of their experience here.
They will need to provide school reports and relevant references.
It is preferable that the pupil visit Blundell’s for an interview before any commitment, but it is not necessary. This can be arranged by contacting our Admissions Co-ordinator on admissions@blundells.org 00 44 (0)1884 232310.

This one year course is designed to give pupils a full year of GCSE study, leading to the opportunity to take a number of GCSEs in May/June with the rest of the year group. German pupils will need to achieve at least a grade 4 in five GCSEs for their Head Teacher to be allowed to grant them the equivalent of the Mittlere Reife – this will also qualify them for German Universities, if they choose to stay on in the UK for A Levels.

This course will also allow pupils to continue at Blundell’s into the Sixth Form to take A Levels, dependent on a satisfactory performance in Year 11.

Number of 50 minute lessons

Mathematics GCSE 4 x 50 minute lessons

English Cambridge IGCSE 4 x 50 minute lessons

Biology GCSE 3 x 50 minute lessons

Chemistry GCSE 3 x 50 minute lessons

Physics GCSE 3 x 50 minute lessons

History GCSE (History or Geography Yr 10 syllabus) 3 lessons

Second Language GCSE (French, German, Spanish, Latin) 3 x 50 minute lessons

Physical Education 1 x 50 minute lesson

PSHE 1 x 50 minute lesson

EAL English support 3 x 50 minute lessons

* Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, History/Geography, any Second Language, PE & PSHE will all be taken with normal English speaking classes.

* Pupils may study one, two or all three science subjects, and a second language is also optional. There may be the opportunity to take other GCSE subjects, e.g. Art, PE, DT, Drama etc without taking the final examinations.

PE (Physical Education)
PE is a Gymnasium/Sports Hall based lesson. Pupils will develop increasingly confident and competent movement skills and access a broad range of opportunities to extend their agility, balance and coordination, individually and with others.

PSHE (Personal Social Health Education)
PSHE carries on throughout a Blundellian’s school career. In PSHE we try to get the pupils to reflect on and discuss many aspects of their social interactions and personal development. We encourage participation in discussion, in large groups and in small ones. Expressing yourself and listening to others are important skills which we try to foster. The teachers are all committed to providing an open and positive experience for the individuals in the group.

Games and Activities
All Year 11 pupils will have three or four sessions of Games each week where they will enjoy some healthy exercise in both individual and team based sports. On the other two days they will choose their Activities from the list for each term (there are usually at least 20 choices – see Pg 28-29 of the Current Information Booklet for more details).

Music (Optional)
Music plays an integral part of life at Blundell’s. Individual Music lessons can be taken on virtually any instrument (an extra cost) and there are many opportunities for pupils to perform with various ensembles and to join choirs (see Pg 22 of the Current Information Booklet for more details).

All enquiries should be made to Mrs Abi Beszant, the Head of Admissions

Application Process:

Enquiry made to the Mrs Abi Beszant a.beszant@blundells.org – with details of pupil, DOB, proposed entry date and preferably with a recent school report and a copy of their passport.
Response from the Head of Admissions.
School visit, if possible – arranged by contacting Lucinda Wright, Admissions Co-ordinator admissions@blundells.org
If a visit is not possible, candidates will have an online interview with the Head of Admissions.
Registration required before testing.
Agent should arrange and oversee testing – Maths and English Writing Task - + OPT on-line test (log-in supplied by Julie Edge jhe@blundells.org )
Once results are available, pupil interview on-line with Jo Hadley, Head of EAL, jlh@blundells.org
Sanctions check is carried out by the school for both parents.
Final decision re possible offer, or not, by the Head of Admissions.

Moving towards Acceptance

Head of Admissions issues formal Offer Letter, Acceptance Form (+ deposit), Medical Form and Parent Terms & Conditions
Copies required of Pupil’s Passport and Birth Certificate
Copies required of both Parents’ Passports
A letter is required for one or two term stays from their current school, confirming that they will have a place there when they return home

Useful publications

Blundells Prospectus

pdf, 8.894 MB

Current Information 24 25 web spreads

pdf, 5.431 MB

Y7 8 Guide

pdf, 3.578 MB

Y9 11 Guide

pdf, 4.538 MB

Sixth Form Guide 2024 web

pdf, 6.092 MB

Latest News

Open Morning 27th January

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.

Exciting Leadership Update: Chris Filbey Appointed as Second Master from September 2025

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.

A Blundell’s Christmas Album Now on Spotify

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.

We've Joined The Wellbeing Hub

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.

STEM Week Sparks Innovation and Collaboration at Prep School

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 2024

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.

Westminster Abbey Evensong

An incredible experience for our pupils to sing in one of the world’s most famous churches

Blundell’s School pupils achieve the school’s highest ever GCSE results

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.

Blundell’s School pupils achieve outstanding A level results 2024

This season has been a remarkable journey for both the Blundell’s Bulls and Bulldogs basketball teams. The Bulls dominated the league, securing seven consecutive victories with impressive margins against strong opponents. Meanwhile, the inaugural season of the Bulldogs Girls Basketball Team has been equally inspiring. From humble beginnings with just a few eager players, the team has grown into a spirited group of nine.

Senior School News