Private Schools in England: Kingsley, the Perfect Choice for International Students

When considering private schools in England, international families seek more than academic excellence. They look for a nurturing environment that fosters personal growth, a sense of belonging, and opportunities to experience a new culture. Devon, with its breathtaking landscapes and welcoming communities, combined with Kingsley School’s exceptional holistic education, creates the ideal setting for international students to thrive.

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What We Cover:

• A Stunning, Safe Location

• Boarding & Pastoral Care

• Kingsley Culture & Core Values

• Academic & University Success

• Sporting & Surfing Opportunities

• Environmental Leadership

• Creative Arts Pathways

• Wellbeing & Mental Health

• Support for International Families

A Stunning, Vibrant, and Safe Location

Nestled in the heart of Devon, Kingsley is located in one of the UK’s most picturesque and safest regions, just moments from the North Devon Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The nearby market town of Bideford offers a welcoming English community with cafes, riverside views, and family-friendly charm.

Kingsley’s location is more than beautiful - it’s enriching. Our proximity to the World Surf Reserve coastline supports our renowned Surf Academy, giving students exceptional access to outdoor learning and a vibrant surf culture. As a holder of the prestigious STEM Award and the Space Education Quality Mark Gold, Kingsley also champions innovation and scientific curiosity, providing international students with outstanding opportunities in digital and scientific learning.

Additionally, our partnership with the Ferdinand Collective Devon offers elite football coaching built on a foundation of integrity, opportunity, and aspiration. This balance of world-class sport, academic distinction, and natural beauty makes Kingsley a truly unique and inspiring environment for international students to grow and thrive.

A Nurturing and Inclusive Boarding Environment

Kingsley provides a home-away-from-home experience through our outstanding boarding provision. Our dedicated staff ensure each international student feels safe, valued, and supported, with tailored academic and emotional support embedded in daily life.

The boarding houses foster independence, resilience, and friendship, contributing to each student’s personal growth. As part of our holistic educational approach, students enjoy structured opportunities to explore sports, arts, leadership, and community service, all while becoming fully integrated into the Kingsley Family.

Embracing Diversity: Culture, Morals, and Core Values

Kingsley School celebrates diversity, welcoming students from all cultures, backgrounds, and religions. The school community is grounded in mutual respect and guided by five core values:

• Learn: Through Quality First Teaching and accessible curricula.

• Be Active: Via sport, surf, outdoor education, and wellness activities.

• Give: Through service and volunteering, promoting social responsibility.

• Appreciate: Our community and North Devon’s UNESCO Biosphere.

• Connect: Building global citizenship and intercultural friendships.

These values support our belief in Kaizen, the philosophy of continuous self-improvement. Every student is encouraged to become a better version of themselves, today, tomorrow, and into the future.

Students of all faiths are supported. The Independent Church meets on-site for those who wish to attend, offering spiritual connection in a warm, inclusive environment.

Academic Excellence & Holistic Growth

Kingsley is proudly non-selective, offering academic pathways from Early Years to Sixth Form. Students benefit from minimal transition points, personalised support, and our acclaimed SEND provision.

Recent results reflect our academic momentum:

• GCSE: Average improvement of +2.5 grades; 78% top grade (9) in languages.

• A-Level: 85% A*-C; 30% A*-A. Graduates attend top UK universities annually.

Our pedagogy combines Assessment for Learning, Challenge, and Engagement (ACE model), giving every student the opportunity to succeed.

STEM Award & Future-Ready Education

As holders of the prestigious STEM Award and Space Education Quality Mark Gold, Kingsley equips students with essential digital and analytical skills. With upcoming investments in a purpose-built STEM Centre, international students will gain access to world-class facilities and links to regional tech, maritime, and environmental industries.

University Preparation: Top Universities Programme

In partnership with Greene’s College Oxford, our Top Universities Programme supports students aiming for Oxford, Cambridge, and other elite universities. Focused support in competitive subjects like medicine, engineering, and law is available. Each year, scholarships are awarded to top candidates, helping them stand out in global admissions.

Expansive Curriculum: Beyond the Classroom

Kingsley’s Expansive Curriculum provides equal weekly focus on five specialist pathways:

• Sport: With specialist academies in rugby, football, netball, gymnastics, and judo.

• Performing Arts: Award-winning drama, dance, and music programmes.

• STEM: Tech-forward learning with a focus on innovation.

• Outdoor Education: Surfing, resilience, and leadership training.

• Earth Centre: Sustainability, environmental activism, and global awareness.

These are not just enrichment activities—they are core to how students grow as people and develop the ASPIRE virtues: Ambition, Synergy, Perseverance, Integrity, Resourcefulness, Empathy.

Ferdinand Collective Devon: Football with Purpose

Kingsley School is proud to host the Ferdinand Collective Devon, offering world-class football coaching in partnership with a brand built on integrity, opportunity, and aspiration. As part of the broader Football Academy, students can access elite training led by UEFA-qualified coaches while benefiting from a curriculum that also focuses on mental toughness, academic success, and life skills. The programme is inclusive and aspirational, empowering all players—regardless of background—to grow as athletes and confident individuals.

Rugby Academy: Character, Confidence and Competition

Kingsley’s Rugby Academy is led by former professional player Tom Skelding, providing expert coaching and development from grassroots to elite levels. The academy focuses on skill acquisition, strength and conditioning, leadership, and game strategy. Students benefit from our all-weather Grenville Pitch, access to competitive fixtures, and a curriculum that promotes both individual excellence and team spirit. The Rugby Academy is an outstanding opportunity for international students to immerse themselves in a sport that builds resilience, camaraderie, and character.

Surf Academy: From Beginners to Elite

Kingsley’s Surf Academy is a standout feature of school life. For advanced surfers, our bespoke training program includes competition readiness, wave selection, mental resilience, and ocean awareness. For beginners, a focus on mindfulness and fitness supports confidence and wellbeing. All levels enjoy access to the region’s exceptional breaks.

Creativity Through the Arts

Awarded the Artsmark Silver Award and on track toward Platinum, Kingsley encourages every student to explore the visual and performing arts. From stage productions to exhibitions, students express themselves, gain confidence, and participate in regional and national platforms.

Environmental Leadership: The Earth Centre

Kingsley’s Earth Centre integrates sustainability into every aspect of learning. From energy-saving projects to global environmental campaigns, students experience what it means to be environmental leaders. We are proud recipients of the Eco-Schools Green Flag (twice) and ISA Sustainability shortlisting.

Wellbeing and Mental Health

Student wellbeing is at the heart of Kingsley. As part of our Resilience Tightrope framework and ongoing pursuit of the Wellbeing Award for Schools, we ensure all students build the emotional strength to navigate life’s challenges.

From trained mental health staff to peer-led support and outdoor therapies, our students develop the confidence and support network to succeed both in and beyond the classroom.

Support for International Families

Kingsley offers full support for international families: visa guidance, guardianship support, airport transfers, and cultural integration. Scholarships and bursaries are also available for outstanding or necessitous applicants, underlining our commitment to accessibility and global inclusivity.

Join the Kingsley Family

Kingsley School Devon offers more than education, it offers transformation. In a place of natural beauty, inclusivity, and innovation, your child will grow as a student, citizen, and individual.

If you’re ready to explore an exceptional British education with a global outlook, visit our Admissions page and begin your child’s journey to becoming a confident, resilient, and compassionate global leader.