Discovering Inclusive Education at Blundell’s School

As part of my personal journey to understand and highlight inclusive education practices in the international, boarding schools and independent sectors, I’m excited to share my latest exploration: Blundell’s School in Tiverton, UK. Founded in 1604, this school offers a unique blend of rich tradition with modern approaches focused on inclusivity and addressing individual learning needs.

Quick disclaimer! I do not work for Blundell’s School, nor am I formally affiliated with them; this post reflects my own observations and experiences during my visit.

Here are ten reasons Blundell’s stood out to me as a school fostering an inclusive learning environment:

1. Non-Selective Admissions:

Blundell’s embraces a non-selective admissions policy, welcoming students with diverse strengths and challenges. The Admissions team impressed me with their understanding of learning differences and their commitment to supporting each child's educational journey.

2. Small Class Sizes:

Prioritising personalised learning, Blundell’s maintains small class sizes, which allows for individual attention and strong teacher-student relationships. It’s clear that students are seen and supported on a personal level here.

3. Impactful Learning Support:

Blundell’s Learning Support Department is robust, with teachers trained in dyslexia at Levels 5 and 7. I noticed that even staff outside of Learning Support were well-versed in executive functioning and working memory, highlighting the department’s influence within the school.

4. Understanding Individual Differences:

Blundell’s teachers seemed attuned to the diverse ways students think, feel, and behave. This awareness is evident in their approach to teaching, where they tailor methods to fit individual needs. Not only could I see students learning independently, but I also spotted a wobble stool in one of the classrooms!

5. Focus on Teaching and Learning:

The school emphasises quality teaching and learning experiences. This was evident in Blundell's own Research publication, in which teachers from all departments contributed their inspiring research, demonstrating a reflective, responsive and vibrant teaching community. 

6. Community Engagement:

Blundell’s has a strong community spirit that extends to families, alumni, and day/boarding students. The community’s engagement is seen in initiatives like seed-to-plate gardens and collaborative hubs for families, teachers and students, fostering connection and involvement.

7. Holistic Development:

The school’s commitment to nurturing the whole child goes beyond academics, with emphasis on social skills, emotional intelligence, and resilience. The 6th form is situated in its own building, encouraging student independence long before students venture into the adult world!

8. Extracurricular Opportunities:

With diverse extracurricular options, Blundell’s encourages students to explore their interests and talents in a supportive space that celebrates individuality.

9. Commitment to Professional Development:

Continuous training for educators keeps teaching practices fresh and effective, ensuring that staff are well-equipped to meet each student’s unique needs. Again, the Learning Support department offered a lot of support and training for teachers.

10. Inclusive Culture:

Overall, the culture at Blundell’s felt like one of inclusivity and respect, which plays a vital role in helping students feel secure, confident, and empowered in their learning journey.

Blundell’s School offered an encouraging example of how schools can integrate inclusive practices to create nurturing, supportive environments for every student. Thank you, @Abi Beszant, for a truly enlightening visit! For more insights, why not explore their website! https://www.blundells.org

If inclusive education is important to you and your child, keep an eye out for our blog as we continue the search for inclusive schools. Contact us at [email protected] for more information!