Kingsley offers a holistic educational experience that encompasses everything from a passion for surfing to academic excellence. Its impressive array of sports and leisure activities, combined with a dedicated arts programme, ensures that every student can develop their own individual talents and passions.
Located in picture-perfect Devon — a county in South-West England famous for its stunning coastline and idyllic countryside — Kingsley School brings together over 300 years of history, as three major schools merged to create today’s thriving, co-educational, independent day and boarding school in North Devon.
Here, a broad curriculum and a rich educational offering come together, allowing students to excel not only academically, but also in sport, the arts, and outdoor education.
Kingsley makes the most of its unique location in North Devon’s UNESCO Biosphere and one of just 12 World Surf Reserves to promote sustainability and environmental education. A particular highlight is the Earth Centre programme, characterised throughout by a strong commitment to environmental stewardship.
Akademis makes history – A Triple Award-Winning Consultancy (2023, 2024 & 2025) 🏆
Akademis has been recognised three years in a row by StudyTravel for excellence in the education sector:
2025 & 2024: Winners of the StudyTravel Secondary School Award (Best Western European Agency)
2023: Winner of the StudyTravel Star Award
(Best Western European Agency)
The StudyTravel Awards are among the most prestigious honours in international education, recognising outstanding quality, client focus and trusted partnerships. Being the first consultancy ever to win for three consecutive years is something we are deeply proud of. For us, these awards highlight our commitment to offering the very best guidance, personal service and long-term support for families embarking on this exciting journey.
Quick Overview
Age of students: 11–18 years
Number of students: 204
Students in Sixth Form: 42
Boarding fees per term (Sixth Form): £15,665
Key sports offered in addition to traditional team sports: Surfing, Rugby, Gymnastics, Judo, Football, Netball, Tennis, Dodgeball
Nearest airports: Exeter (1h 20min)
Key Strengths at a Glance
Surfing in the curriculum & Surf Academy
Numerous sports academies
Virtual School with Greene’s Tutorial College
Environmental and sustainability education
Kingsley School Devon – Photo Highlights
Kingsley School Devon in Detail
Surfing
Kingsley Devon embodies pure surfing passion. As an integral part of the curriculum, every student has the chance to ‘dive into’ the fascinating world of the ocean, experience the magic of this unique sport, learn to ride the waves, and gain confidence in the water. And that’s just the beginning! Kingsley’s Surf Club promises fun but focused training for all surf enthusiasts. At the in-house Surf Academy, students benefit from professional coaching and fascinating insights into the surfing industry — from shaping boards and surf photography to instructor qualifications. Supported by experienced surf professionals who share their knowledge with great enthusiasm, Kingsley students lay the foundation for a bright surfing career.
Sport and Leisure
The sport and leisure options at Kingsley are truly impressive. With academies for judo, gymnastics, rugby, football, and netball, the school offers its students an outstanding range of opportunities. Additional sports such as tennis, dodgeball, and cricket round off the programme. The Outdoor Education Pathway invites students to discover a love of adventure through activities such as hiking, orienteering, and the Duke of Edinburgh Award. The breathtaking backdrop of Devon’s coastline, local beaches, and national parks offer endless possibilities. At weekends, students can watch the latest films at the school’s own Bideford Cinema or explore the charming market town of Bideford with its cafés, supermarkets, and shops. A truly all-round experience!
Academic
Kingsley stands out with its diverse curriculum, emphasising as it does, STEM, performing arts, outdoor education, sport, environmental protection, and sustainability. Excellent facilities — including an impressive Sixth Form centre, library, theatre, art studios, and sports facilities — support learning and talent development. Dedicated tutor support ensures every student reaches their full potential and achieves their goals. A real highlight is the unique partnership with Greene’s Tutorial College in Oxford — the Kingsley Virtual School — where students can take one of their A-level subjects (such as Mandarin, Sociology, or Law) online with live tutors in personal online courses.
The Arts
Kingsley School Devon knows how to ignite its students’ creative passions. With a wealth of plays, exhibitions, and performances, each student’s artistic potential is nurtured. Specialist workshops run by external experts offer unique opportunities to deepen and broaden creative talents. On top of this, students can prepare for LAMDA and ABRSM exams, complementing their school education with recognised artistic qualifications. Here, the classic school environment meets professional artistry, providing a comprehensive artistic education.
What Our Students Say
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This is Kingsley School Devon
Kingsley School Devon Fees
Current fees are £15,665 per term or £46,995 per academic year.
What our clients say about us
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Conclusion Kingsley School Devon
Kingsley School Devon is a first-class, wonderfully versatile boarding school in an inspiring setting, with an outstanding academic, sporting, and creative offering.
However, it is by no means the only boarding school in the UK with such excellent opportunities. We strongly recommend seeking personalised advice to match your specific wishes and expectations. Please feel free to contact us — thanks to our years of close contact with schools, we know their unique characteristics and can offer authentic insight.
We are also happy to advise you on other boarding schools in England. You can find an overview on our Boarding Schools in England page.
Take advantage of:
- our excellent relationships with admissions offices
- interview preparation
- years of placement experience
- authentic, first-hand insights
What Makes Akademis Stand Out?
- We remain your trusted contact throughout your child’s stay, well beyond the placement process.
- We provide support with guardianship, visa applications and recognition of qualifications within the German school system.
- We offer fully tailored advice. Our school recommendations are unique to each child and can run to 40 pages in length.
- Families receive our 30+ page boarding school guide, packed with practical tips and insights.
- We prepare your child thoroughly for entrance exams and interviews to maximise their chances of success.
- We arrange school visits, ensuring you have the opportunity to experience each school first-hand.
Every boarding school has its own character and ethos. Having personally visited more than 100 schools, we understand these nuances. We also work with schools that do not pay commission, ensuring that our advice remains independent and always in the best interest of your child.
Our roots lie in the UK. For years, we have placed 200–300 families annually into British boarding schools. While our portfolio now includes schools beyond Britain, the UK remains at the heart of what we do.
Our tailored approach results in exceptional acceptance rates. For example, in 2022/23, all seven students we placed at the highly selective Malvern College received offers – a 100% success rate.
We arrange for prospective families to speak with our current students to hear first-hand accounts of life at a UK boarding school.
