What people have said about us

Former pupils

"Bendarroch was like being at home, somewhere I felt safe, happy and I loved every minute of being there. Bendarroch is an extraordinary place."

JR (Exeter School - 2004)

"I find it impossible to imagine my life without Bendarroch... The best bit would have to be the people; whatever you do, whatever you say, they're there for you."

SL (Sands School - 2005)

"It all feels like a dream now...The calmness of the school. It's the best school I've ever been to..."

TW (St Davids College, Wales - 2004)

"Bendarroch School is different to other schools..[it] is one of the best schools any child could ever go to...Now I'm at Wellington School and because of all the help and good teaching I got at Bendarroch School, I got a scholarship and am doing very well."

MM (Wellington School - 2005)

"Such a homely school - no one could dislike it. It was like being with members of your own family. I shall never forget my time at Bendarroch - NEVER!"

VH (Colyton Grammar School)

"The friendly atmosphere and the freedom to be, made (them) some of the best years of my life"

KR (Sidmouth College)

"I entered the school with my self-confidence dented, having failed my first exam at seven. Bendarroch School encouraged my passion for academia by providing a broad education in a stress-free environment... This gave me the confidence, drive and inquisitive mind..."

NL (Pembroke College, Cambridge)

"You and the school are like family. I loved my time at Bendarroch and I just want to say thank you for everything."

EH (Colyton Grammar School)

"I owe Bendarroch School such a lot... I didn't want to go home at the end of the day."

AR (Exeter School)

"Having come from a primary school to Bendarroch, I immediately felt the difference in both the academic side and in the atmosphere and ethos of the school. It was relaxed and different, allowing you to fulfil your potential and actually enjoy yourself. I certainly did, because I remember looking forward to school every morning... It was a happy, caring and friendly place to spend some of the best days of my life."

PG (Exeter School)

"Bendarroch is a warm and loving, eager-to-help school. When I was a pupil I found that every day opened a new door, bringing new ways of learning, finding out children's views, organizing debates on controversial subjects... I loved Bendarroch School and I will never forget it... The friendship added with security made me feel this school was and always will be my second family."

JI (St Margaret's School)

Parents

"...a school of vibrant life, a place of great vision and serenity. Bendarroch is not just a school, it is a way of life."

"When T arrived at Bendarroch he hardly smiled...By the time he was ready to go on to Monkton Combe he was a completely different child - happy, confident, enthusiastic..."

"If only every child's school days could be as happy as our son's were at Bendarroch."

"The Bendarroch world is patience, nurturing, vision and learning, a sanctity of timeless qualities which children will remember with affection forever."

"The perfect 'happy' fertile place where young minds and personalities can prosper and thrive to reach their full potential. I wish I could have gone there!"

"Bendarroch School is a school where the children are given freedom to learn without pressure. They work hard as a reward for being allowed to have a childhood."

"'Unusual' is a word that comes to mind in a description of the school... One has only to see the relationship between teacher and child to understand the ethos of the school... So many parents of pupils I speak to talk of the change in their children... increase in confidence, individuality, a real want to learn and, for me, most importantly, an enjoyment of school."

"Like all caring parents, I want the best for my child. My daughter has been at Bendarroch for six years now - six wonderful, exciting years. During this time the kindness and care shown to my daughter and to me has been immeasurable… As with any special place, the most important elements of the school are intangible ones. High expectations, creativity, mutual respect, tolerance and friendship are all practiced and exchanged every day. I was not asked to write about the school, but I do write, and often. Because Bendarroch has that effect - the ability to inspire."

"We were so worried about T, a very unhappy little boy when he first came to Bendarroch. No words can express our gratitude for the miracle you and your staff have worked on that child... It is very reassuring to know that in these days of peculiar attitudes towards education, there is still a school like Bendarroch...Your happy children are a testimonial to such wonderful principles."

Professional Educators

"It is very rare to find a school that is able to combine high academic standards with a quality of pastoral care that produces motivated children. The atmosphere that strikes one on entering Bendarroch reflects just these qualities"

Bob Burden Emeritus Professor of Education, University of Exeter

"It is only necessary to step through the doors of Bendarroch to know it is a special place. The warmth of the relationships between teachers, pupils and parents ensure not only that pupils feel they matter, but that they fulfil their academic potential."

Ian Wright, Senior Master (Retired), Exeter School

"I enjoyed the friendliness of the children in the happy and relaxed atmosphere of the school... They are obviously being taught to think independently. The high standard of art reflects the confidence, the spirit of enterprise and enjoyment that the pupils gain from the school."

Headteacher, Devon Comprehensive School

OFSTED

"The school is a happy community where the pupils are keen to learn and co-operate with each other... There is a climate in which pupils can grow and flourish...Pupils are well prepared for their next school."

Report, June 2005 - read the Ofsted report

And finally

"The Bendarroch ethos of warmth, enjoyment and high expectation is what sets us apart"

Nigel R Home - Headmaster MA DipEd CertEd