Escape to the countryside
The advantages of a boarding education away from London and the UK’s big cities Matthew Radley discusses the advantages of attending Blundell’s - a ‘hidden gem’ in Tiverton, Devon Devon has long-been one of England’s most popular places to live, but it is also a great place to go to school. The absence of the distractions and temptations provided by proximity to large cities is an obvious attraction. Pupils and parents greatly appreciate the fresh air, open spaces and gentler pace of life we experience in Devon. At a time when there is, rightly, an ever-growing focus on adolescent mental health and wellbeing, the advantages of a location such as ours are self-evident. Devonians are known for their warmth and this is certainly reflected in the strength of the relationships we see within the school, fostered by the Boarding House system so central to our ethos. We are also grateful for our safe, secure campus, set on the edge of the market town of Tiverton, yet surrounded by gentle hills and green space. We count ourselves very lucky here at Blundell’s to be so close to a huge range of sought-after locations and exciting experiences for our pupils; opportunities to camp, sail, surf and hike are right on our doorstep, as are ‘hidden gem’ towns and cities like Taunton and Exeter. Outdoor activities are a key element of the Blundell’s experience, not just because the pupils love them (which they do), but because such experiences develop
characteristics such as resilience and resourcefulness and, more simply, help pupils to learn the joy of discovery. A final advantage of being based in Devon is that we are able to attract a truly outstanding staff body. Teachers at Blundell’s are diverse, talented and committed, allowing us to be thoughtful and progressive in all that we do. Inspirational teachers focus not just on learning, but on the process of learning, both in and out of the classroom. As a result, we not only consistently rank among the top schools in the country for value-added data, but also regularly achieve national success and recognition in sport, music and drama. Our open ambition is to be more thoughtful in understanding our pupils, and more innovative in developing their potential, than any other school in the country. Come to Devon and you will find that, while the scenery is unchanged, nestled within it is a school as progressive and dynamic as you will find anywhere in the country. Matthew Radley Second Master, Blundell’s School, Tiverton, Devon Are you moving to the countryside? Read design tips from Prado Design on page 82. Education Choices Magazine | Spring 2021
35