New Pupil Information | Blundell's School | Private School In Devon

Our registration system uses thumbprint recognition. The permission form must be completed for ALL students and returned before 13th June 2025.

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

https://forms.office.com/e/S2j1YrU88u

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 Autumn Term.

If you have not done so already, please contact Mr Andy Kingdon, the Head of Learning Support, apk@blundells.org if you feel your child may require Learning Support.

https://forms.office.com/e/7T6im50jj5

Please tell us if your child has been entered for any External (Public) Examinations at a previous school for students in Years 9, 10, 11 and 12.

It is extremely important that we know if your child has been entered for any External (Public) Examinations 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.

https://forms.office.com/e/6qJANjsf3f 

Confirmation of GCSE, GCE or IB Results - Entry into Blundell's Sixth Form

Please provide details of your GCSE, GCE or IB results on the form.
https://forms.office.com/e/Fwdk9dftMV

If you have not taken GCSE, GCE or IB examinations, for example if you have studied outside of the UK and have non-UK qualifications, please email a transcript from your school detailing your qualifications at age 15 / 16 to ljl@blundells.org

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.

Please follow this link to the Medical Information Form:  https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/u...  and either scan or photograph to medical@blundells.org 
The information contained in the form is essential for us to safely look after your child. It must be completed for ALL students. If you have not done so already please email (scan or photograph) the completed form to medical@blundells.org 
(if you have previously submitted medical information via the Admissions or the Registrar you do not need to do this again)

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.

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.

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.

• Guardian Agency: If choosing an agency, it is the school’s strong preference that the agency chosen is accredited by AEGIS. AEGIS (Association for the Education and Guardianship of International Students) is an independent organisation that offers guardianship accreditation in the UK and agencies that are accredited by AEGIS will offer the highest standards of care to the students they are responsible for. Blundell’s does not recommend particular agencies but can provide a list of agencies for parents to refer to.
• Individual Guardian: an individual guardian is often a member of the family living in the UK or a family friend. They must be:
• A householder in the UK. We will need to see a copy of a utility bill or other appropriate document showing proof of name and address.
• Over 25 years of age. We will need to see a copy of their passport to confirm their age.
• Able to speak fluent English.
• Be contactable by email and telephone – ideally two telephone numbers are required if possible and an email address is essential.
• Ideally live within two to three hours from school.
• An individual guardian cannot under any circumstances be a member of staff at the school attended by the pupil.

The duties of a Guardian are:

1. To be an emergency point of contact throughout the school term.
2. With the agreement of parents, to provide or arrange appropriate accommodation for the pupil:
   • During school holidays, half terms, exeat weekends.
   • If the school has to close temporarily because of an emergency, e.g. fire or an epidemic.
   • If the pupil is suspended or expelled or must have a period away from school on medical advice.

3. To organise transport for the pupil to and from school if required by the pupil’s parents and use the i-gtm system to inform the school about transport and accommodation arrangements for school holidays, exeats and half terms if the parent has not done so – this includes appropriate flight numbers, timings, addresses where pupils may be staying between arrival in the UK and the start of the school term and mode of transport to school.

   Blundell’s School is legally required by UK Visa and Immigration to hold the full details of international pupils’ travel arrangements. We use the i-gtm system to do this and full information on how to use the system will be sent to you when the pupil starts.
   We do not provide an escort service for unaccompanied minors on an outward or return journey. If pupils require assistance under an unaccompanied minor programme, an escort to their check-in area / terminal or an escort from their arrival’s hall to the coach departure point, this is the responsibility of the parents and guardian to organise.

4. To be responsible for the pupil when they are in the UK and not under school jurisdiction
5. To take decisions in emergencies on behalf of the parents in cases where the school is not empowered to do so, and the parents are not contactable. NB: The school holds authorisation to treat pupils in an emergency but will make every effort to contact parents/guardians before invoking this.
6. To keep in touch with the pupil’s Houseparent. and advise them of any change of contact details.
7. To receive essential correspondence from the school in relation to the logistical and practical arrangements concerning the pupil.
8. All changes to a guardian’s contact details must be sent to Mrs Sarah Cox (PA to the Second Master) using secondmaster@blundells.org. Mrs Cox is responsible for guardian administration.

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 Houseparent 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 HERE with the details of who will be acting as the guardian for your son/daughter. Forms must be returned by 13th June 2025.

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

https://forms.office.com/e/nUcggfa5SX 

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.
Titan Mouthguards will be catering for all students wishing to purchase a custom-fit mouthguard and will be visiting the school on Friday 5th September from 10:00 to 13:30.
Titan also offer a remote E-Fitting service, allowing pupils to have their mouthguards fitted and received in advance of the start of the 2025/26 school year.
If you wish to take advantage of either service, please complete your online order form by clicking the following link: https://titanmouthguards-blundellsseniorschool-2025.paperform.co/
As well as their standard styles, Titan has designed a School Special Edition incorporating the school colours and crest. Custom-fit mouthguards start from £49.99, with replacement/spare guards starting at a reduced cost of £35. Titan’s prices are vastly reduced from dental practices and similar services and include:

Titan also cater for those wearing a fixed brace with flexible Instant-Fit Ortho-Guards, rather than custom-fit guards. Ortho-Guards are recommended by the British Orthodontics Society as they allow for movement in the teeth, whilst retaining sufficient protection. These can be purchased using Titan's online form at a reduced cost.
Titan suggest that orders should be placed in advance of fitting sessions at the school to avoid any delays on the day of fitting itself or with getting guards back to you. There is a £5 admin fee on all orders placed on or after the day of your child’s fitting at school.
Any questions on school mouthguards or any of the details above should be sent directly to Titan (not to school staff) via their customer service email address: info@titanmouthguards.com

• Dental impression supervised by a member of the Titan team.
• Elite quality of fit using 3D printing technology in manufacturing.
• Highest industry level of protection and comfort available.
• Under-side of custom-fit guards embedded with the wearer’s name.
•  Free of charge Boil-Fit included with fitting session orders for use during turnaround.
• Tracked delivery.
• Comprehensive aftercare service with reduced price replacements and support year-round.

The Chapel aims to be a place of welcome for all.

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 Salvete Scholastici. 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.

Chapel Confirmation Form

Salvete Scholastici Form

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 £36* 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 Year 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 Administrators, Mrs Alison Watmore and Mrs Jenny Ladd music@blundells.org

* Subject to increase for 2025/26, further details will follow

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 £260.00 for the term TBC. 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/C0MMMbdZVa

Also see https://blundells.org/senior-s...

Information to follow.

If you wish to discuss the Tennis Programme, please email: jgh@blundells.org

Mr James Hope
Director of Racket Sports

Senior Squad (U17/18) Pre-season training dates. No need to book!
Pre-season training is a great way for the players to get back out on the field together and start building towards the start of what is going to be an exciting rugby season. We do understand some of you will have other commitments through the holidays, so pre-season is not compulsory, but we would love to see as many of you there as possible.
Pre-season is open to ALL players who are keen to come along and get involved
The meeting point will be the pavilion next to the 1st XV pitch - Please be on time.

AUGUST
BOYS
26th - Tuesday Years 12 / 13 Pre-Season Arrive 10:00 (stay overnight)
27th - Wednesday Years 12 / 13 Pre-Season (stay overnight)
28th - Thursday Years 12 / 13 Pre-Season 12:30 Pick Up
28th - Thursday Years 10 / 11 Pre-season arrive 10:00 (stay overnight)
29th - Friday Years 10 / 11 Pre-season (14:00 training game TBC) Pick up 16:00
More details regarding year 10 / 11 / 12 /13 pre-season on the 26th / 27th / 28th / 29th will be sent out shortly
30th - Saturday - Kingswood festival for the senior squad. Depart 08:30 Return 17:00

SEPTEMBER
GIRLS - PRE SEASON
1st - Monday - Year 10/11/12/13 meet 10:00 (stay overnight in sports hall) Tuesday - 2nd pick up 12:30
BOYS
1st - Monday - Year 12/13 - 12:30 - 16:30
2nd - Tuesday - Year 10 & 11 09:00 - 13:00 / Year 9 12:30 - 16:30
6th - Saturday - No Game - Training only
What you’ll need for your pre-season training 1st / 2nd September.
Blundell’s training kit, boots, trainers, gum shield, water bottle, suntan lotion, snacks.
If you have any questions at all regarding pre-season, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Regards,
Tony Yapp ty@blundells.org

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 TBC. The School does not get involved in the payment method, this is a private contract between Ocean Physio and the pupils’ parent or guardian.

The school is a member of the AXA PPP Healthcare Scheme. For a premium of £126.00 a term TBC, 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.

Your child cannot be included in the AXA PPP Healthcare Scheme unless a completed application form and premium of £126.00 TBC has been received by the Bursary.

Induction day on Wednesday 3rd September and the first day of term is Thursday 4th September.
WEDNESDAY 3rd SEPTEMBER – INDUCTION DAY
09.00-10.30
Arrive at Ondaatje Hall prior to your pre-allocated Boarding House appointment – You will be welcomed and registered and then taken to meet your Houseparent, Matron and Personal Tutor, unpack and settle in.
Tours of School by House Monitors available if time
Refreshments available for parents in FOBs Café
11.00
Welcome address from the Head, Mr Wielenga in Ondaatje Hall.
11.30
Pupils go with EAL Department – Explanation of daily routines, (Medical Centre, Chapel, Dining Hall etc)
Parents – Introduction to Academic Programme by Dr Ratcliffe – tutoring, parents’ meetings, reporting etc.

Parents – Introduction to Medical Centre by Senior Nurse

12.15
Parents - escorted through Medical Centre (by Mr Dylan Smart) then to lunch
12.30pm
Lunch in Dining Hall – Parents & pupils
1.15pm
Parents – coffee in Big School and farewell to Pupils – parents to leave the campus

1.30-5.30pm
New International Pupils depart for off-campus fun activity with EAL Staff
5.30pm
Pupils return to boarding houses for tea

If you have children joining multiple Year Groups you may find the table here useful.

Induction day on Wednesday 3rd September and the first day of term is Thursday 4th September.

WEDNESDAY 3rd SEPTEMBER – INDUCTION DAY
09.00
International pupils arrive to School House (SH) to meet Mr Rochfort (SH Houseparent). Pupils also use this time to unpack and settle in.
10.00
UK based full/weekly boarders arrive at SH to meet Mr Rochfort and to unpack and settle in.
10.30
UK based flexi boarders arrive at SH to meet Mr Rochfort and to unpack and settle in.
11.00
All pupils arrive Big School for registration.
Parents drop pupils and may stay for refreshments in the dining hall.
Pupils welcome talk in Big School.
11.00
All pupils taken to tutor rooms for ‘getting to know you’ paperwork.
12.30
Lunch in Dining Hall – pupils only
13.15
All pupils back to tutor rooms for ongoing induction.
14.30
Ongoing induction with tutors.
15.00
Parents meet in Big School for talk from the Head and Mr Rochfort ahead of collecting pupils.
15.30
Pupils gather in Dining Hall for drink and doughnut.
16.00
Day pupils/pupils not staying the night: collection by parents.

Boarders: collected and brought back to SH.

New pupil tea in Houses (to included Day Pupils’ parents).

If you have children joining multiple Year Groups you may find the table here useful.

Induction day on Wednesday 3rd September and the first day of term is Thursday 4th September.

WEDNESDAY 3rd SEPTEMBER – INDUCTION DAY
Afternoon arrival
13.30
Houseparents will contact you to arrange pre-allocated arrival time.
FOBs café available for those who arrive early and need to wait for 14.30 start.
Parents depart once they have met with Houseparent and settle child into their room.
14.30
Welcome talk – Ondaatje Hall
Tour of School in tutor groups, led by tutors.
15.30
Pupils return to Ondaatje. For briefing and games.
17.00
BBQ for new Year 12 pupils outside Beale Centre.
17.30
Collection time for Year 12 Day pupils tbc.
If you have children joining multiple Year Groups you may find the table here useful.

Wednesday 3rd September and the first day of term is Thursday 4th September.

WEDNESDAY 3rd SEPTEMBER – INDUCTION DAY

Afternoon arrival

13.30
FOBs café available for those who arrive early and need to wait for the14.30 start.
14.30
Houseparents will contact you to arrange pre-allocated arrival time.
16.00
New pupil tea in Houses (to included Day Pupils’ parents).
17.00
Welcome Talk from the Head.
17.30
Day pupils/those not staying the night to depart after the Head’s talk.

If you have children joining multiple Year Groups you may find the table here useful.

School Fees 2025-26

Fees Prepayment Scheme

Payment Methods

We offer the following options for payment of school fees:

1: Payment by bank transfer (including your child’s pupil number as a reference) for the full billed amount on or before the first day of each term.

2: Monthly Direct Debit: this will enable you to spread your annual fees and “extras” bill over a twelve-month period, without incurring an interest charge. The direct debit collection schedule will be as follows:

Autumn Term: Main school fee collected in three equal instalments on 1st August, 1st September and 1st October. ‘Extras’ collected on 1st November.

Spring Term: Main school fee collected in three equal instalments on 1st December, 2nd January and 1st February. ‘Extras’ collected on 1st March.

Summer Term: Main school fee collected in three equal instalments on 1st April, 1st May and 1st June. ‘Extras’ collected on 13th June.

For further information on Direct Debits, and for a Direct Debit Mandate Form, please contact Mrs Izzy Slegg in the Bursary. (i.slegg@blundells.org). Please note, a separate direct debit mandate is required per child; mandates will need to be returned to the Bursary by 13th June 2025.

Please note, the facility to pay by direct debit is only available to UK bank account holders and is only available for those pupils in full-time education from Reception to Year 13.

3: Fees in Advance – For further information on the School’s Fees in Advance Scheme please contact the Bursary. (fia@blundells.org) Please note, the Fees in Advance Scheme is only available for pupils in full-time education from Reception to Year 13.

Information about our uniform requirements, measuring, names tapes, second-hand and new uniform can be found here:

School Shop

To make an appointment please contact the shop on shop@blundells.org to do so.

BRING YOUR OWN DEVICE
What you need to know before buying or bringing your own device
•    Blundell’s has a defined Bring Your Own Device policy for pupils in Year 9 and above.
•    All students in year 9 and above are expected to bring a device with them to classroom-based lessons.
•    We ask parents to provide the device.
•    This device must conform to the minimum essential specifications below.

We recommend a Microsoft surface type device rather than Apple products, as Apple devices do not allow for the full array of Microsoft apps that we use. The Microsoft Surface is an excellent option, but is getting expensive, so we recommend Lenovo or HP as being very good alternatives.

Devices Information

We utilise the iSAMS system to communicate timetables, reports and much more. You will receive a Parent Login around the middle of August 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

Pupil Phone Use

Years 7-8
Please note that, while storage provision will be made for pupils in Years 7 and 8 who bring phones into school, we do not recommend that Years 7 and 8 Pupils have phones in school at all and that, if they do, they are not smart phones, but much simpler 'brick' type devices that allow only the making/receiving of phone calls and texts .

Years 9-11
The core elements of the school’s mobile phone policy are as follows

• Pupils are allowed to bring mobile phones to and from school.
• Pupils must not use a mobile phone, smart watch or headphones anywhere in school during the school day, except under the specific direction of a teacher.
• If a pupil brings their phone to the school, then on arrival it must be switched off and kept out of sight by being handed in to the Houseparent, or their representative, in House. It should not carried around school.
• For the purposes of this policy, the school day begins the moment the pupils enter the school site and ends once the pupils leave the school site. In practice this means pupils will hand their phone in before 8.25am, and will be able to collect it no earlier than 5.30pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. On Wednesdays pupils will be able to collect their phones before town leave. On Saturdays, pupils will be able to collect their phones after Period 3.
• Breaches of this policy will result in sanctions being applied to the relevant pupils, as outlined in the School Rules and our Behaviour Management Policy
• The Head reserves the right to allow phones for selected pupils given individual circumstances, for example a medical condition.

Years 12 and 13
Pupils in Years 12 and 13 are encouraged to follow the same guidelines as pupils in Years 9-11 but will be allowed to carry their phone with them during the day at school providing that:

• They follow the school “invisibility” policy (i.e. phones are never seen around campus)
• Phones are not used in common areas in House or any social events, unless expressly allowed
• They can set a good role model to the younger years in Houses

Trips and sports matches

• Phone use on a trip away from school or to a sports match will be at the discretion of the trip organiser and the Second Master. Unless permission is expressly given, phones will not be allowed.

Pupils will be asked to provide the school with the make, model and serial number of their phone.

Boarding Pupil Phone use
Since the Boarding House is a pupil’s home overnight, pupils who are boarding for that night, whether they be Full, Weekly or Flexi, will be given the opportunity to use their phones at set times in the evenings and at weekends, under the direction of their Houseparent, or their representatives. Boarders will hand their phones in overnight to their Houseparent, or their representative.

Contacting Pupils and Parents/Carers
Parents wishing to contact their child during the school day should ring the school. We have a well-established and efficient system for getting messages to pupils and pastoral support if it is needed. Parents wishing to contact their child after the school day should ring their Houseparent, or House Matron. Pupils who need to contact parents in an emergency should speak to the School Office, their Houseparent, or House Matron, who will make a phone available.

Sanctions
If a phone is seen by a member of staff it will be confiscated by them. Once confiscated, this will be handed in to the School Office where it will be stored safely. School rules on acceptable use of mobile phones - including on conduct such as bullying, harassment, abusive or sexual behaviour – remain in full effect, and where appropriate will receive sanctions accordingly. Full detail can be found in the school’s Behaviour Management, Anti-Bullying and Rewards and Sanctions Policies.

Loss, theft or damage
Confiscated phones will be stored in the School Office in a secure location. Lost phones should be returned to the School Office.

AGES 11-13 Year Groups 7 & 8

School House Handbook 2024

AGES 13-17 Year Groups 9-12

Francis House Handbook 2024

Gorton House Handbook 2024

North Close Handbook 2024

Old House Handbook 2024

Petergate Handbook 2024

AGES 17-18 Year 13

Westlake Handbook 2024

Senior School Boarders List - Boys

Home clothes & additional items

Boarders will need home clothes, which can be worn after school hours and at the weekends. Please bring a selection of clothing, casual, smart and for all weather conditions. Money - pupils should keep only very small amounts in their possession. There is a House safe for security of larger sums.

• Large suitcase (stored on-site during termtime)
• Jumpers/sweatshirts/hoodies
• Trousers/jeans/chinos/shorts/tracksuit
• Shirts/tops/t-shirts
• Underwear & socks
• Nightwear
• Large towels (ideally with hanging loops)
• Two named duvet covers - duvets, pillows and protectors will be provided from September. If pupils wish to bring their own, they will need to have a minimum fire rating of 2
• Dark coloured coat
• Outdoor shoes
• Wash bag with personal toiletries
• A medium sized net laundry bag
• School equipment (stationery) for use in lessons in a named pencil case, including a scientific calculator (available from school)
• A padlock to secure a lockable drawer in dorms

Additional Suggestions:

• Weekend bag/case
• Rucksack
• Sportswear & kit
• Dressing gown
• Slippers
• An alarm clock - (pupils in Years 7-11 are not allowed phones overnight)
• Wellington boots
• A named bedside/desk lamp

Pupils may wish to bring their own hairdryer, radio, speaker, photos, posters to personalise their sleeping area. All laundry is washed on-site, therefore all clothing (home clothes & uniform) need to be clearly name taped and include their house initials after their name. e.g. Jack Hughes P.G.

Please note: Personal televisions, kettles, heaters, rice cookers, electric blankets etc are not allowed.

Special Events

There will be occasions during the year when pupils will need to wear smart home clothes. This is usually chinos, shirt and jacket for the boys.

School House pupils (Years 7 & 8)

Items required for weekend activities throughout the year - weatherproof coat, scarf, gloves, wellington boots and swimming costume.

Sixth Formers (Years 12 & 13)

Some pupils may like to have a dark/sober colour suit with white/light coloured shirt for formal occasions but this is not compulsory and school uniform can be worn on these occasions.

Senior School Boarders List - Girls

Home clothes & additional items

Boarders will need home clothes, which can be worn after school hours and at the weekends. Please bring a selection of clothing, casual, smart and for all weather conditions. Money - pupils should keep only very small amounts in their possession. There is a House safe for security of larger sums.

• Large suitcase (stored on-site during termtime)
• Jumpers/sweatshirts/hoodies
• Skirts/trousers/jeans/shorts/tracksuit/dresses
• Shirts/tops/t-shirts
• Underwear/socks and sports bra
• Nightwear
• Large towels (ideally with hanging loops)
• Two named duvet covers - duvets, pillows and protectors will be provided from September. If pupils wish to bring their own, they will need to have a minimum fire rating of 2
• Dark coloured coat
• Outdoor shoes
• Wash bag with personal toiletries
• A medium sized net laundry bag
• School equipment (stationery) for use in lessons in a named pencil case, including a scientific calculator (available from school)
• A padlock to secure a lockable drawer in dorms

Additional Suggestions:

• Weekend bag/case
• Rucksack
• Sportswear & kit
• Dressing gown
• Slippers
• An alarm clock - (pupils in Years 7-11 are not allowed phones overnight)
• Wellington boots
• A named bedside/desk lamp

Pupils may wish to bring their own hairdryer, radio, speaker, photos, posters to personalise their sleeping area. All laundry is washed on-site, therefore all clothing (home clothes & uniform) need to be clearly name taped and include their house initials after their name. e.g. Jenny Hughes G.H.

Please note: Personal televisions, kettles, heaters, rice cookers, electric blankets etc are not allowed.

Special Events

There will be occasions during the year when pupils will need to wear smart home clothes. This is usually trousers/skirt and a smart top, or a smart dress for the girls.

School House pupils (Years 7 & 8)

Items required for weekend activities throughout the year - weatherproof coat, scarf, gloves, wellington boots and swimming costume.

Sixth Formers (Years 12 & 13)

Some pupils may like to have a dark/sober colour suit with white/light coloured shirt for formal occasions but this is not compulsory and school uniform can be worn on these occasions.

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

TERM DATES 

We currently run a minibus service to seven 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.

Crediton is the third route with stops at the Central Stores (Copplestone), Morrison’s Car Park, Cadbury Cross and Exe Valley Farmshop

There is an Exe Valley route which starts at the St Leonard’s Road jct with Wonford Road with stops at St David’s Station and Stoke Canon 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 Hare & Hounds Sidford with further stops at East Devon Business Services in Honiton and Daisymount on the A30.

The Heathfield route has its start at the (ATS Depot) Newton Abbot and travels along the A38 and stops at Costa / McDonalds opposite Exeter Racecourse.

Please note the Kingsbridge and Crewkerne (Cricket St Thomas pick up) service runs on Monday mornings only for weekly boarders.

MINIBUS BOOKING SITE

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 Coach 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 travel 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 also passed to the pupils’ Houseparents.
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 Houseparent in advance of their return. Pupils may not arrive at the boarding house after 10:00pm as the house is closed for the night at this time. Arrangements will need to be made for the pupil to stay with a host family that night and travel to school on the following day.
The school 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; flights that depart 1:30pm or later are advisable, 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 their relevant check-in area or 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, 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 by entering the full details of a pupil’s journey into the i-gtm travel system. We will send you further information before the pupil starts. The deadline is usually 10 days 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 10 days in advance of the specified date for the pupils’ return. Bookings will close at this time. Due to the popularity of the service, we cannot guarantee that there will be a place for everyone who would like one.
Two buses run on these travel days, with departures scheduled at 11:30am and 6:30pm. 
Flights must land at least 2 hours before the coach is scheduled to leave:
•    For flights landing before 9:30am pupils will be booked onto the 11:30am coach.
•    For arrivals between 9:30am and 4:30pm pupils will be booked onto the 6:30pm coach.
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.
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 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 begins when they meet the staff escort at the coach departure point.
The service must be booked in advance of departure, and this is done by entering the full details of the 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.