Every child gains water confidence, surf safety and core skills
Surfing is woven through every pupil’s week, taught through age-appropriate, inclusive lessons by a team of local experts.
We start from wellbeing: a young person who feels capable in the sea comes back to the classroom steadier and more sure of themselves, and that confidence carries into everything else. Surfing sits within Coastal Adventures under the Outdoor Education pillar.
Three ways into the water, and room to move between
A child can move between them as they grow. Each has its own page with the full detail.
Surfing in the Curriculum
Years 7 to 10, around 10 sessions a year, included in fees. Every pupil learns to read the sea, stay safe and stand up.
Surf Academy (Advanced)
Around 30 sessions a year for keen surfers, adding shaping, media, strength work and industry pathways.
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Surf Development Squad
Around 60 sessions a year, 28 places, for the most committed young surfers working toward performance goals.
Beyond timetabled lessons, surfing runs right through the week
Community Surf Club meets every week and welcomes all abilities
Surf ‘n’ Board takes boarders out when the waves are good, including sunset surfs
Surfboard Shaping teaches hands-on design and technical craft
Kingsley Surf Camps and Wave Chasers camps give keen surfers more water time, including an international camp
Community Surf Camp opens to the wider local community during Surf Passport Week
Creative Minds covers photography, film and media, from basic camera handling to water shooting and editing
A Surf Shop, a Shaping Bay and a Surf Fit suite
The school has its own Surf Shop on site with brand discounts, a Shaping Bay for building and repairing surf-craft, and a Surf Fit suite for strength and conditioning tailored to surfers.
An equipment leasing system, with a second-hand board rack, keeps kit affordable, and photography equipment supports coaching and Creative Minds.
Surfing at Kingsley
Working with the national governing body
Kingsley is the first and only Surfing England Surfing School of Excellence, working with the national governing body to hold the highest standards in safety, coaching and surf education.
Coaching is differentiated, holistic and reflective, shaped around each child and each group by a team of local experts, with safety and progression at the centre. The school sits beside the North Devon World Surfing Reserve and within the UNESCO North Devon Biosphere.
Frequently asked questions
How does a beginner start surfing at Kingsley?
Beginners start in curriculum surf lessons designed for every ability. Age-appropriate sessions build water confidence and safety first, so a child with no experience learns the basics in a supported group before progressing.
Is surfing included in the fees?
Curriculum surf lessons in Years 7 to 10 are included in fees. The Surf Academy and the Development Squad run beyond the timetable.
What year groups can surf at Kingsley?
Curriculum surfing runs from Year 7 to Year 10. Beyond that, the Surf Academy, the Development Squad and the clubs and camps are open more widely.
Northdown Road, Bideford