Bethany School

Since 2010, Francie Healy. A graduate of Trinity College, he remained in Dublin to teach in an inner-city school before moving to Bethany as a maths teacher in 1989, subsequently progressing to head of IT, director of studies, academic deputy,

Mostly into years 7 and 9, with all applicants assessed in non-verbal reasoning, reading comprehension, creative storytelling, maths and spelling. ‘Assessments, not tests,’ stresses the head. Maths and English assessments for those going into year

Around a third leave after GCSEs. Some to the grammars they didn’t get into at 11+, others to FE colleges or apprenticeships. About 90 per cent of those staying on go to university. Reading, Exeter, Nottingham, Oxford Brookes, Southampton and

In 2025, 33 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 41 per cent A*/A at A level (60 per cent A*-B).

Bethany is a mainstream school with a specialist learning support department and about 30 per cent receive some sort of help. As part of the wide range of abilities, there are some very bright pupils have floundered elsewhere but thrive in this small

The school has been CReSTeD registered since 1994 and its primary specialism is dyslexia, but learning support is woven into all aspects of school life. Those with mild difficulties have one lesson a week in small groups and those with moderate

The arts are a particular strength at Bethany, with a specialised programme for scholars. The music department has been been re-energised and about a third of pupils now learn an instrument and music technology is increasingly popular ‘because it is

Whole-school games afternoon each week as well at least two games lessons and other sports sessions during activities. All have a chance to play in a team, not just the crème de la crème. Although not known as a super-sporty school, Bethany holds its

Strong family feel throughout the school and no more so than within the boarding community. There are about 45 full boarders who are mainly international or children of ex-pats, as well as 35 weekly boarders and a small number of occasional boarders.

‘Children feel supported and know who to talk to and staff are genuinely interested in the pupils,’ said one parent. ‘There is a kindness about the school that permeates everything,’ remarked another. All teachers have a pastoral role managed by the

Broad mix of families, many of whom make great sacrifices to send their children here. Parents share the school’s holistic approach and must buy into the philosophy. In a county where the grammar schools cream off the brightest, many parents are

A range of scholarships for entry into years 7, 9 and sixth form valued at between 15 and 25 per cent. Means-tested bursaries of up to 50 per cent for current parents and 30 per cent for new parents. Consideration given to how much a pupil can

A small rural school with a personal touch. While not the obvious choice for academic, confident all-rounders, it caters for all academic levels and particularly suits children who might get lost in the hurly burly of a bigger school. Summed up by