Built for surfers ready to train with real seriousness
The Surf Development Squad is for members of the Kingsley Family who want to push toward competitive surfing or a career in the surf industry. Sessions focus on technique refinement, performance evaluation and industry work, with the North Devon coast five minutes from school.
The squad sits above the Surf Academy (Advanced) in Kingsley's surf pathway. The Academy offers up to 30 sessions a year to any keen surfer. The squad is selective, with up to 60 sessions a year and 28 places, and each surfer's coaching is shaped around their own goals. Kingsley was named UK Surf School of the Year 2026 at the Wavelength UK Surfer Awards.
What a place actually means
Every place is earned through a rigorous selection process that looks for passion, talent and commitment, because the 28 pupils in the squad train together closely across the year.
places in the squad, offered by selection
coached sessions a year, compared with up to 30 in the Academy
per term, with flexible payment options
Where the squad sits in the pathway
Surf Academy (Advanced) is the right starting point for keen surfers who are not yet applying to the squad. Both build on curriculum surfing, where pupils in Years 7 to 10 average 10 sessions a year included in school fees.
Up to 30 sessions at an open level, for surfers building toward the squad.
- Sessions a year
- Up to 30
- Places
- Open
- Cost
- £135 per term
- Entry
- By enquiry
Selective, higher in volume, and coached around each surfer's competitive or career goals.
- Sessions a year
- Up to 60
- Places
- 28
- Cost
- £300 per term
- Entry
- Selection
A fully individualised programme
Coaching is led by Aym Dupuy, Head of Surf Academy and Coastal Adventures, with a team of local experts in performance surfing, water photography, skateboarding and expedition delivery. Small cohorts mean every surfer gets close attention.
Each pupil receives coaching tailored to their own aspirations, whether that is competitive surfing or refining technique. Progress is measured through regular performance evaluation, so improvement can be tracked across the year.
Real exposure to the surf industry
Time in and around the water builds resilience and leadership, and creative work gives pupils a way to express what they see in the ocean. Members gain industry exposure through workshops, mentoring and project-based learning.
surf photography and film
surf media and content
coaching and leadership within sessions
board shaping in the Shaping Bay
Places are limited, so early enquiry is worth it
The Surf Development Squad costs £300 per term, with flexible payment options available. Places are limited to 28 and filled by selection. To be considered, enquire about a place and the admissions team will talk you through the selection process and the coming year's dates.
Training, heats and projects
Frequently asked questions
How does selection for the Surf Development Squad work?
Places in the Surf Development Squad are limited to 28 and offered through a rigorous selection process that considers passion, talent and commitment. Pupils are assessed on their surfing and on their readiness to train seriously across the year. Enquire about a place and the admissions team will guide you through the steps and timings.
How much does it cost?
A place in the Surf Development Squad costs £300 per term, with flexible payment options available. The squad runs up to 60 coached sessions a year in small groups, with performance tracking and industry project work alongside.
How is it different from Surf Academy (Advanced)?
The Surf Academy (Advanced) is open to keen surfers in Years 7 to 13 and offers up to 30 sessions a year for £135 per term. The Surf Development Squad is the selective tier above it, limited to 28 places, with up to 60 sessions a year at £300 per term and coaching built around each surfer's competitive or career goals.
Northdown Road, Bideford