U13 South West Development Camp
Blundell's School was delighted to host the first U13 South West Development Camp, an innovative and collaborative initiative for county pathway cricket.
This page is for families who have accepted a place at Blundell’s starting in April 2024. It provides information for you and your child prior to joining as well as links to the important administration and forms that we need you to complete.
The page is split into three main areas:
ACTION REQUIRED – forms that we need you to complete before 1st April 2024.
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES – this section provides information about many of the optional activities, classes and events that you can choose for your child. Please only complete the forms in this section (before 1st April 2024) if you would like to sign them up for these activities.
USEFUL INFORMATION – information about documents and links to pages on our website that you might find helpful to reference before joining.
The majority of the data submission needed is via Microsoft Forms. If you have any technical difficulties please contact main-office@blundells.org
All data collected will be managed and held in accordance with our Data Protection Notices. For details please see Policies | Information | Blundell's Senior School (blundells.org)
You must complete the following forms for your child (for siblings, please complete a separate form for each child) before the 1st April 2024.
Our registration system uses thumb print recognition. The permission form must be completed for ALL students and returned before 1st April 2024.
Blundell’s has been using a thumbprint recognition system for our daily pupil registration for some time now. This system has proved to be very successful indeed in streamlining registration and allowing pupils more time to themselves over lunch. It has also greatly improved the accuracy of registration and it has proved to be a convenient and effective system for the pupils to use.
I must stress that the system does not hold a scan of your child’s fingerprint. When they first register, the computer generates a unique digital code and this code cannot be ‘reverse-engineered’ to generate an image of the print. When a pupil has left the school their code will be securely erased.
Under the Protection of Freedom Act 2012, we need to seek your consent before enrolling your child on the system. Please therefore complete the form via the link below to indicate consent or otherwise to Blundell’s. This will enrol your child on the Live Register system as part of an automated biometric recognition system. In addition, your child may at any time object or refuse to allow their biometric information to be used even if you have given your consent. We would appreciate it if you could explain this to your child. Should you wish not to use the electronic system, or your child objects to such processing, it is possible for them to register in person twice a day at the main school office.
Blundell’s will not use the biometric information for any purpose other than as stated above and you can change your mind and withdraw your consent at any point in the future by writing to the school.
Any use of thumbprints will only be done in a manner that is safe, and in line with school risk assessments and cleaning guidelines.
You can change your mind and withdraw your consent at any point in the future by writing to the school.
Thank you for your support
Yours sincerely
Bart Wielenga
The Head, Blundell’s School
This must be completed for all students entering Years 9, 10, 11 and 12
Please tell us if your child has had any special arrangements during school or public examinations e.g. an allowance of extra time or enlarged copies of examination papers.
It is essential that any relevant paperwork is forwarded to the School BEFORE the beginning of the Spring Term.
If you have not done so already, please contact Mrs Soutar, the Head of Learning Support, sjs2@blundells.org if you feel your child may require Learning Support.
Please tell us if your child has been entered for an External (Public) Examinations at a previous school for students in Year 9, 10, 11 and 12.
It is extremely important that we know if your child has been entered for any External (Public) Examination at a previous school. The Unique Candidate Identifier (UCI) that they will have been issued stays with them right through their education.
If they have a UCI please give details of this on the form. This can be found on any statement of entry or results from the awarding bodies and is a twelve digit number followed by a letter.
If they have not been entered for any external examinations, please also confirm this on the form.
For all pupils living overseas including those who are British passport holders
All overseas pupils who live outside the UK are required to have an Educational Guardian in the UK that will be responsible for them whilst studying at Blundell’s School. This is a legal requirement and one that Blundell’s – like all schools – takes very seriously. A guardian will provide an additional means of support for an international pupil and give them an adult outside of Blundell’s to whom they can turn for assistance and advice.
We will only offer an international student a place if they have a UK-based guardian and this requirement also applies to pupils who live overseas and are British passport holders. Blundell’s School requires that all pupils living outside the UK must have a guardian for the duration of their time in school, even if they are aged 18 and over. The guardianship must be in place before the pupil starts at Blundell’s.
A Guardian can be either an agency or an individual person appointed by the parents.
The duties of a Guardian are:
Pupils may be asked to complete a duty of care survey after a stay with their Guardian or host family.
If at any time the guardian is unable to continue to carry out these duties, they are obliged to inform the Head of Blundell’s School, the pupil’s House Parent and Mrs Cox without delay. In such circumstances, it is understood that the school may have to make appropriate arrangements with an AEGIS Accredited Guardianship Agency and charge the parents accordingly.
Please complete the online Microsoft Form https://forms.office.com/e/YwWauX9XxM with the details of who will be acting as the guardian for your son/daughter. Forms must be returned by 1st April 2024.
Please do not send the link to your nominated guardian, as we will send them a form for them to complete and return to us to confirm the guardianship, their contact details and acceptance of the obligations and duties required.
If you have any questions about the guardianship process, please contact Mrs Cox using secondmaster@blundells.org.
All Year 10 will join the CCF at the beginning of term and start completing training for their Army Proficiency Certificate
The purpose of the CCF is to provide ‘a disciplined organisation in a school so that pupils may develop powers of leadership by means of training to promote the qualities of responsibility, self reliance, resourcefulness, endurance and perseverance’. Through the use of military based training and activities, the CCF seeks to promote qualities essential not just in the military, but in the wider community.
If our training aims could be summed up in one sentence, it is ‘To develop the personal character of a Blundellian through a range of exciting and challenging activities which are conducted in a safe and controlled manner’.
The CCF is not a recruitment organisation, and there is no expectation that cadets will go on to join the Armed Forces.
If you would like more information on the Blundell's CCF please contact Major B A Dawe MBE Contingent Commander bad@blundells.org
More information about the Blundell's CCF can be found here.
Please complete the form below
The school policy is to endorse all Sporting Governing Bodies in their guidelines surrounding the use of dental protection within PE and games. All pupils taking part in Rugby, Hockey or Lacrosse throughout the school year will require a mouthguard.
You may choose to sign your child(ren) up for the following activities. If interested, please complete the appropriate forms before the 1st April 2024.
At Blundell’s Senior School we have an extremely busy and vibrant Music Department catering for both academic and individual music lessons. Every term there are a huge variety of concerts ranging from informal year-group concerts to spectacular Orchestral, Choral and combined concerts, both in school and at external venues such as Exeter Cathedral. We also have a thriving jazz, rock and pop scene. There are over 350 music lessons a week, with well over a third of the school learning an instrument. With 29 ensembles rehearsing per week, there truly is something for every child.
Music Lessons
To register for Music Lessons please complete the survey form via the following link: Music Lessons Request Form
We currently have 30 exceptional Visiting Music Teachers who are available to teach across a wide range of instruments and styles from beginners through to Diploma level and beyond. Students are entered regularly for ABRSM and Trinity classical grades, as well as Jazz and Rock & Pop Examinations.
We aim to provide 30 lessons of 40 minutes over an academic year, currently charged at £34 per lesson billed retrospectively at the end of the academic term. Accompanists are provided as required as part of this rate. Advanced aural (grade 6+) is also provided free of charge.
Lessons are available for:
Singing
Classical, musical theatre or pop
Keyboards
Piano – classical, pop or jazz
Organ
Guitar – classical, acoustic, electric or bass
Drums – kit or tuned percussion
Strings
Violin
Viola
Cello
Double Bass
Harp
Woodwind
Flute
Oboe
Bassoon
Clarinet
Saxophone
Brass
Trumpet
Cornet
French Horn
Trombone
Tuba
At Blundell’s we are committed to improving your child’s musicality and as such all pupils who take instrumental or vocal lessons are strongly encouraged and expected to be part of ensemble music-making in their chosen genre, either in the Orchestras, Choirs or bands. We will attempt to ensure pianists are also catered for.
All pupils are encouraged and invited to join free music theory lessons. These happen outside of curricular time (lunchtimes or before school) and are delivered by the Academic Music staff.
Choirs
We have a variety of very active Choirs that regularly perform both within school and externally. SH Choir is for those pupils in years 7 and 8 and Full Choir is for those in years 9 and above. All are welcome to join in and pupils do not have to be having lessons to do so. For those that wish to sing more or to take their singing further there is Chamber Choir for Years 9-13, Chapel Choir for years 3-13, Boys and Girls Close Harmony groups and our auditioned elite choir, Blundell’s Cantorum.
Instrumental Groups
There are 29 ensemble rehearsals a week in the Music Department, and your child can choose to join the Full Orchestra, the Big Band, School House Instrumentalists, String Orchestra, Brass Group, Senior and Junior Flute Group, Percussion Ensemble, Guitar Ensemble and a myriad of other instrumental groups. There are also year-group chamber ensembles for scholars and invited non-scholars run by a professional chamber music coach. For pop and rock musicians there are a number of clubs and student bands are strongly encouraged to perform and rehearse.
For any further enquiries regarding choirs, instrumental ensembles or the Music Department generally, please contact the Music Administrator, Mrs Alison Watmore music@blundells.org
All Blundell's pupils are offered the opportunity to take Speech and Drama lessons. The aim of these lessons is to explore language and performance, develop self-confidence and to teach the power of the spoken word, both our own and that of authors, poets and playwrights.
The range of work in Speech and Drama is very comprehensive. As well as the study of voice production, it encompasses acting, mime, improvisation, public speaking, interview technique, verse and prose speaking, spoken English and English as an additional language.
Examinations are offered which are recognised as an awarding body by the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) and the higher grades have been included in the UCAS tariff and will add valuable points. Blundell's pupils have enjoyed notable success in these examinations over the years, with a 100% pass rate and the majority of students achieving Distinctions in their chosen subject.
There are at least ten 40 minutes sessions per term, at a cost of £250.00 for the term. Students are tutored, individually or in pairs, to benefit from interacting and experimenting with others, but giving plenty of opportunity for personal attention. Weekly lessons are on a rolling timetable to ensure that students do not miss the same lesson more than once a term.
Competition for places is keen and places are allocated on a first come first served basis and then a waiting list operates. Please note that lessons automatically continue from term to term and that pupils will carry on when they join the senior school in Year 9. Please note that one term's written notice is needed if your child wishes to stop.
Yours sincerely
Mrs Rachel Milne
Speech and Drama
Please complete the form below
https://forms.office.com/e/n6RAaEXske
Also see https://blundells.org/senior-s...
Our aim is for every pupil to have an engaging Tennis experience here at Blundell’s. Pupils who become part of the Tennis Programme will work on the latest techniques, gain understanding and knowledge of tactics and match play whilst enjoying playing the game.
The group sessions take place during lunchtimes and groups are usually based around ability. The experienced coach designs all sessions to maximise a pupil’s progress, participants will benefit from receiving support both individually and in groups as required. In the unlikely event of no playing facility, the Director of Racket Sports will arrange to use an appropriate indoor facility for classroom based analysis or fitness based tuition.
The Tennis Coaching Programme is £115.00 per term, this fee is added to the school bill at the end of that term - please see the terms and conditions below.
Terms and Conditions for Tennis Coaching
Should the sessions become oversubscribed, places will be issued on a first come, first serve basis.
To register your child for a place, please complete the form:
For more information and to book Tennis coaching please complete the form https://forms.office.com/e/A7AeA4qVzw
If you wish to discuss the Tennis Programme, please email: jgh@blundells.org
Mr James Hope
Director of Racket Sports
Equestrianism at Blundell’s has remained a key part of the extensive and ever-expanding sports programme of events available to Blundellians. For those of you who wish to pursue riding opportunities either through instruction after school or competing for school at the weekends, every opportunity is considered.
All Blundellians are very welcome to represent the school at any equestrian event organised by NSEA (National Schools Equestrian Association) which are scheduled in our School Calendar. Teams are allocated after the close of entries. If you have any general queries about any event, or which class(es) your child should enter, please do get in touch via equestrian@blundells.org. Whilst we would encourage you to enter other school-based events which may qualify you as an individual or Team to represent the school, only the list of events scheduled in the school calendar will be attended by a school representative.
Please could you complete the ‘Equestrian Questionnaire’ using the link https://forms.office.com/e/GVuTFxD628
Your details will then be added to our Equestrian Team Database and if you choose to compete with us, you will be registered with the NSEA, the cost of which is funded by School.
Furthermore, the equestrian community has had the opportunity to branch into a new discipline of the sport – polo. Blundell’s has formed an exciting new relationship with Vaux Polo Park in Somerset. Training takes place on Wednesday afternoons. Sessions are run in small groups. Sessions are led by professional player and owner of the club, Tim Vaux. This is an excellent opportunity for students to expand their skill set and learn a new team sport. The sessions are at a cost of £45 each (the cost being added to your end of term bill). Students may sign up for individual weekly sessions, without a termly commitment. If you would you like to register your interest in attending sessions, please email equestrian@blundells.org.
The One Day Event involves many people connected with the School and the wider community and, as equestrian parents, any event could also offer an ideal opportunity for you to get to know other parents. We will also endeavour, where possible, to attend equestrian events where Blundellians are representing the school.
Finally, if you or anyone you know would wish to advertise in the One Day Event programme or sponsor a fence please contact devoffice@blundells.org. Sponsorship is going to be key to a successful event.
Yours faithfully
Miss Morgan Pearce
equestrian@blundells.org
Your fees include Personal Accident Insurance - details on this policy can be found in the following documents
Personal Accident - pupil notice
Personal Accident - information
Private Medical Insurance – optional
AXA -Marsh Pupils Healthcare Scheme - overview
AXA - Marsh Pupils Healthcare Scheme Details
AXA - Marsh Pupils Healthcare Scheme - important changes
AXA - Marsh Pupils scheme - pupils notice
AXA - Marsh Pupil Healthcare Q&A
Important Information – Please read
The deadline dates for joiners and leavers are noted below. AXA Health will not make exceptions outside those deadline dates.
Pupil Personal Effects Insurance – optional
Pupils Personal Effects Insurance application
Pupils Personal Effects Insurance - pupil notice
Blundell’s School offers a wide range of sports and activities and a very competitive fixture list. From time to time pupils unfortunately suffer from a range of musculoskeletal injuries.
A private physiotherapy service is available to pupils through Ocean Physiotherapy www.oceanphysio.com. Every pupil is entitled to a free triage session but referral for this must come from the Medical Centre. If, following the triage assessment, further treatment is required, Ocean Physio will liaise with parents directly for approval to proceed. Payment can then be made directly to Ocean Physio or covered through the School’s Medical Healthcare Scheme (please see below) or through another health insurer, following the necessary pre-authorisation. Following the free triage assessment, further sessions with Ocean Physio cost £45.00 each. The School does not get involved in the payment method, this is a private contract between Ocean Physio and the pupils’ parent or guardian.
Ocean Physio will keep the Medical Centre updated on your child’s progress and rehabilitation.
It is anticipated that Ocean Physio will visit the school twice weekly on a Monday and a Thursday although the frequency and day may vary, depending on the demand.
There is absolutely no obligation to use Ocean Physiotherapy as there is a good NHS physiotherapy option in Tiverton, but it does tend to carry a longer waiting time.
The school is a member of the AXA PPP Healthcare Scheme. For a premium of £126.00 a term, the insured receives extensive medical cover which includes eligible out-patients therapies, including physiotherapy, there is no yearly limit on fees up to a combined overall maximum of 10 sessions in a year when you child’s GP refers them. A link to the online form to apply to join the AXA PPP Healthcare Scheme can be found on the fees section of the School’s website.
Please note inclusion in the AXA PPP Healthcare Scheme is dependent on the following Conditions:
- No new applications will be accepted after the end of the first week of term.
- Your child cannot be included in the AXA PPP Healthcare Scheme unless a completed application form and premium of £126.00 has been received by the Bursary.
- Authorisation needs to be obtained from AXA PPP Healthcare prior to any treatment being undertaken.
- It is not permissible to opt in and out of the service on a term by term basis.
We are aware that joining a new school is a big change for both the pupil and their parents. We hope that the following collection of useful information and links will help you to find the answers to your questions. You will find information about day to day life at school in the House Handbooks. If you have additional questions please do not hesitate to contact your House Parent (emails are in the House Handbooks) or the Admissions Co-ordinator (admissions@blundells.org) in the Admissions office for more help.
Your House Parent will be in touch with you prior to the start of term
If you have any questions, please refer to your House Handbook (in the Useful Information section) or contact your House Parent for more information.
Francis House - Mr Richard Walter rjw@blundells.org
Gorton House - Mrs Sarah Holman sh@blundells.org
North Close - Ms Linda Hunt lmh@blundells.org
Old House - Luke Barnsbrook lpnb@blundells.org
Petergate - Mr Henry Roffe-Silvester hrs@blundells.org
School House – Mr James Rochfort jar@blundells.org
FIRST DAY OF TERM – WEDNESDAY 17TH APRIL. BOARDERS RETURN TUESDAY 16TH APRIL 6.00pm - 9.00pm
Note that Spring Term uniform is blue blazers for all pupils.
Ours 'Fees In Advance' package is currently under review. Information on the new FIA package will be available shortly. If you wish to discuss 'Fees In Advance' as a payment option please contact the Bursary on bursar@blundells.org
School Fees 2023-24 – summary of termly fees and charges
Information about our uniform requirements, measuring, names tapes, second-hand and new uniform can be found here https://blundells.org/senior-school/information-1/school-shop
To make an appointment please contact the shop on shop@blundells.org to do so.
What you need to know before buying or bringing your own device
We utilise the ISAMS system to communicate timetables, reports and much more. You will receive a Parent Login at the start of the Summer Term together with instructions about how to set up your account. Student logins will be provided by their Tutors at the start of term.
You can read about the system here: Apps for Teachers, Students and Parents - iSAMS
THE MEDICAL CENTRE
Blundell’s Medical Centre is staffed by a team of 7 qualified nurses led by Senior Nurse, Caroline Edwards. The Medical Centre is fully staffed Monday to Saturday 08:00- 18:00hrs with on-call cover outside these hours. The Medical Centre is also able to accommodate pupils who need to stay overnight due to illness, with overnight staffing in these instances.
Contact details:
Email: medical@blundells.org or seniornurse@blundells.org
Phone: 01884 232422
Address: Medical Centre, Blundell’s School, Blundell’s Road, Tiverton EX16 4DR
The School’s lead medical officer is Dr Frank O’Kelly from Clare House Surgery in Tiverton. Clare House Surgery provides medical support throughout the school year. Additional medical support is also available from Tiverton Hospital at the Urgent Care Unit (approx. 2 miles away) and from the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (approx. 20 miles away).
The Medical Centre runs a doctor’s surgery at lunchtime 12.30-14.00 Monday, Wednesday and Friday, where either Dr O’Kelly or another Clare House doctor is available to see boarders with medical concerns. All full and weekly boarders are automatically registered at Clare House Surgery. The nurses will see all pupils as walk-ins and refer where necessary for further medical review. If a pupil becomes unwell or is injured, all attempts will be made to contact their next of kin. The pupil will be cared for in the Medical Centre or taken to hospital, if required.
The Medical Centre exists to support and care for all pupils, although the exact nature of this will vary dependent upon boarding status. Full and weekly boarders are effectively patients of the Medical Centre, and all appointments and associated transportation will be arranged as needed. In the event of illness, flexi boarders will also be cared for in the Medical Centre if they are boarding that night. Otherwise next of kin will be contacted to collect for home. Flexi boarders and day pupils remain patients of their own GP surgery, and while the Medical Centre will always take care of pupils taken ill or injured at school, parents or guardians will be contacted to collect from school if pupils become injured or unwell during the school day.
Every House in school is allocated a named link nurse, as identified on the Medical Centre notice board in each House. The link nurse liaises with the House staff regarding medical conditions or health related issues with pupils. Our school counsellor, Vicky Hughes is also available to every pupil throughout the week. Pupils can contact her directly on vlh@blundells.org or an appointment can be arranged through the Medical Centre. During the Autumn and Winter terms, all matches are attended by an outside First Aid Agency who provide pitch side assistance and transportation.
ILLNESS
Parents should not send their child to school if they are unwell. If a child has vomiting/diarrhoea symptoms parents should keep them away from school for 48 hours after the last episode. The Medical staff are happy to advise parents on 01884 232422.
Key information about your House (you will also be sent a printed copy)
AGES 11-13 Year Groups 7 & 8
AGES 13-17 Year Groups 9-12
AGES 17-18 Year 13
Casual clothes – two or three sets, including a set of smart casual
A padlock to secure a lockable drawer in dorms.
Two named duvet covers - duvets, pillows and protectors will be provided. If pupils wish to bring their own, they will need to have a minimum fire rating of 2.
A medium sized net laundry bag.
Money - pupils should keep only a small amount in their possession. There is a House safe for security of larger sums.
A named bedside/desk lamp.
An alarm clock.
School equipment (stationery) for use in lessons in a named pencil case, including a scientific calculator (available from school).
Please note: Personal televisions, kettles, heaters, etc are not allowed.
The Blundell's campus is safe and extensive covering 120 acres and includes thirteen rugby pitches, nine cricket squares and two all-weather floodlit hockey pitches.
Download campus plan
SUMMER TERM 2024
Boarders Return Monday 16th April 6.00pm - 9.00pm
Term starts Wednesday 17th April 8.15am
Half term Friday 24th May 4.00pm - Sunday 3rd June 6.00pm
Term ends (Speech Day) Friday 5th July 4.30pm
AUTUMN TERM 2024
Boarders Return Wednesday 4th September 6.00pm - 9.00pm
Term starts Thursday 5th September 8.15am
Half term Friday 18th October 4.00pm - Sunday 3rd November 6.00pm
Term ends Wednesday 11th December 1.00pm (School House Tuesday 10th December 3.30pm)
The chapel offers a broad, inclusive and all-embracing approach which allows space for all religions.
Situated in the midst of the school’s main buildings the chapel is in so many ways at the heart of Blundell’s life. Except Mondays and Saturdays Blundellians attend daily prayers. The school is affiliated to the Church of England and maintains its Christian ethos in accordance with the wishes of Peter Blundell. Blundellians are invited to consider the values of the Christian faith but in an inclusive, open and warm-hearted spirit.
There are opportunities in chapel for Blundellians to speak to the school on matters that concern them. Pupils address issues of mental health, well-being, tolerance and kindness. Chapel also provides a platform for charitable action and fund-raising activity. It supports the work of the local homeless charity: The Churches’ Housing Action Team.
Major services in the school year are held on Sundays and include a welcome service to new pupils and parents at Harvest-time. A Remembrance Service, Carol Services (alternate years in Exeter Cathedral) and a service in June on Old Blundellian Day. The choir sing and others involve themselves as readers, servers and in leading prayer. The boarders regularly attend services on either a Sunday morning or evening and the Chorister Programme ensures that the music is offered to a high standard, providing a wonderful opportunity to broaden a Blundellian’s musical education.
Chapel begins and ends a Blundellian’s career and the Parting Service of the final day is a moving moment for all concerned. Chapel is a still space in the busy-ness of a Blundellian’s life, a place where the community comes together to celebrate what a shared life means in its fullest sense.
We currently run a minibus service to eight different locations in Devon and Somerset, six mornings (Monday to Saturday) and four evenings (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday) a week, throughout the School year.
In North Devon we have two routes:
Barnstaple which incorporates South Molton and Moortown Cross on the A361 and Dulverton which stops at Exebridge and Bampton.
In Somerset we have a Taunton run which incorporates Wellington and White Ball with a stop at Tiverton Parkway train station for those who prefer to use the train into School.
Crediton is the fourth route with stops at the Devonshire Dumpling (Copplestone), Crediton and Cadbury Cross.
There is an Exe Valley route which stops at the Ruffwell Inn, Stoke Canon and Exeter St David's station and a M5 route which starts at Lympstone and incorporates a stop at Cullompton.
The final two routes travel the furthest with the Sidmouth and Heathfield Runs.
The Sidmouth route starts at Sidford park carpark with further stops at the Hare and Hounds in Sidford, Heathpark services in Honiton and Daisymount on the A30.
The Heathfield route has its start at the Heathfield Industrial Estate Newton Abbot and travels along the A38 and stops at Exeter Racecourse.
Please note the Kingsbridge and Crewkerne (Cricket St Thomas pick up) service runs on Monday mornings only for weekly boarders.
Each minibus is modern and comfortable and capable of carrying 14-16 passengers.
To login, you simply use your existing Parent Portal login details, which will be sent to you during the summer.
The system offers a host of features including online booking, journey planning, the option to check availability and capacity on routes, as well as other useful features including live-tracking, Google Map locations, and the ability for parents to be alerted if minibuses are running late or otherwise delayed.
General information
A transport service is provided between Heathrow Airport and Blundell’s at the start and end of each term and half term break. We do not provide transport at the start or end of Exeat weekends or to and from any other UK departure point.
The transport service from Heathrow Airport to Blundell’s at the start of the Autumn Term is not offered to new international pupils on this one occasion only as they are required to attend the Induction Day on the day before the term starts and our coach transport will not get them to school in time to take part. It is available on all other occasions as specified during the academic year.
It is the responsibility of the pupils’ parents and guardians to book flights, taxis, trains or other forms of transport on arrival in, or departure from, the UK except as stated above.
We do not provide an escort service for unaccompanied minors on an outward or return journey. If assistance is required under an unaccompanied minor programme, an escort to their check-in area /terminal or an escort from their arrival’s hall to the minibus departure point, this is the responsibility of the parents and guardian. Even if your child’s age means they are considered an adult by the airline they are flying with, you should be aware that regulations will differ from country to country on arrival. This means for example, that if a child aged 12 travels to the UK on an airline that considers them to be an adult, they will not be allowed to leave UK immigration by officials unless a responsible adult is there to meet them.
Full details of a pupil’s travel to and from the UK are to be supplied to the school via the i-gtm system, in accordance with UK Visa and Immigration requirements. You will need a log in to the Parent Portal to use this system and this will be arranged for you shortly before the pupil arrives at the school. Detailed information on how to use the system will also be supplied at this time. All travel information is shared with the pupils’ House Parents.
Pupils not using the school’s transport to return to school, may not arrive until 5:00pm as the boarding houses will not be open until this time. If this could be an issue, please contact their House Parent in advance of their return. Pupils may not return to the boarding house after 10:00pm on returning to school as the house is closed for the night at this time. Arrangements will need to be made for them to stay with a host family that night and travel to school the following day.
The transport is provided solely for the use of the pupils of Blundell’s School. For reasons of space and safeguarding, it is not possible to accommodate parents or guardians on the buses.
Departure from the UK
A coach service to Heathrow Airport will depart from the school on the morning of the final day of each first half of term and on the last day of term.
Pupils are accompanied on the coach by a member of staff.
The coach leaves school at 7:30am and is scheduled to arrive at Heathrow Airport between 11:00am and 11:30am, depending on traffic conditions. We recommend that parents and guardians take this into consideration when booking tickets; flights that depart at 1:30pm or later are required, and as such we are not able to offer a seat if the departing flight is due to leave before 1:30pm.
The coach goes direct to the airport and does not stop on route.
There is no fee for this service as the charge is built into the termly fee for international pupils.
All pupils are dropped off at Departures at Terminal 2 and make their own way to the relevant check-in area (or other Terminal if not flying from Terminal 2). We do not make stops at other terminals.
Please be aware that this is a transport service only and does not include chaperoning or escorting pupils through the terminals. Therefore the school is not able to deal with any issues, queries or problems at the airport, and these would be the responsibility of the pupil’s guardian; for example, if a flight is cancelled or delayed.
When pupils use the coach service to Heathrow Airport, the school’s legal responsibility for the pupils ends when they step off the coach.
The service must be booked in advance of departure and this is done through entering the full details of a pupil’s journey into the i-gtm travel system.
The booking deadline is one week before the date of travel.
Please direct all enquiries to Sarah Cox (PA to the Second Master) at
secondmaster@blundells.org
Arrival in the UK
A collection service is provided on specified dates at the start of the Autumn Term,
Spring Term and Summer Term plus at the start of the second half of each term.
The service operates from Heathrow Airport only and must be booked at least ten days in advance of the specified date for the pupils’ return. Bookings will close at this time.
Two buses run on these travel days, with departures scheduled at 11:30am and 6:30pm.
Flights must land at least two hours before the coach is scheduled to leave:
For flights landing before 9:30am, pupils will be booked on to the 11:30am departure.
For arrivals between 9:30am and 4:30pm, pupils will be booked on to the 6:30pm departure.
Pupils on flights arriving after 4:30pm should have alternative arrangements made for them to reach school as the coach will leave promptly at 6:30pm and cannot wait for anyone not at the departure point on time.
Seats will not be offered if the flight lands within two hours of the coaches departure.
All pupils are expected to make their way to the departure point at Terminal 2. We are unable to collect pupils from other terminals due to the restrictions imposed by the airport on those collecting groups of passengers. Pupils will be accompanied on the coach transport by a member of school staff.
In the event of significant flight delays or missed connections, your child’s guardian will be expected to assist you in making alternative arrangements for your child to reach Blundell’s should the transport have to depart before they arrive. Whilst we endeavour to avoid such a situation, in the event of lengthy delays it may be unavoidable.
When using the transport service from Heathrow Airport to Blundell’s, the school’s legal responsibility for pupils does not begin until they meet the staff escort at the coach departure point.
The service must be booked in advance of departure and this is done through entering the full details of a pupil’s journey into the i-gtm travel system.
Please direct all enquiries to Sarah Cox (PA to the Second Master) at
secondmaster@blundells.org
What to do if there is a problem on the day
Should an issue arise on the day (a missed connection or delay, for example), pupils and/or parents should initially contact the staff member acting as the escort for the journey. The telephone number will be made available with the final information shortly beforehand. Other numbers that may prove useful will also be made available at this time.
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