Senior School
We welcome pupils aged 11 – 16 into our Senior School from Form 1 (Year 7) upwards. Life is busy, creative, challenging and fun.
We believe in setting high standards for our pupils. Our small class sizes, experienced teachers and individual approach means that we are able to work with each child to achieve things that they may not think are possible! Our broad subject base, including separate and combined Sciences, the Performing and Creative Arts, Humanities, Sport and Environmental Education, retains flexibility for the future and keeps as many opportunities open as possible for our pupils, whether they plan to go on to university or take a different path. Learning is active and pupil-centred, with trips, projects, coursework and activities reinforcing and illuminating what is learnt in the classroom.
Every pupil can excel here, and our experienced staff help each individual to identify their strengths and to develop them, whilst at the same time encouraging them in other areas, building confidence and resilience.
Relationships between staff and pupils in lessons are open, relaxed and respectful, and pupils are highly engaged, attentive and well behaved.
ISI Inspection Report 2024
Our pupils are welcoming, supportive, thoughtful and kind to one another, values which underpin every part of life at Shebbear. We understand that for young people to thrive they must be happy at school and are proud of our excellent pastoral care and wellbeing programme.
11+ & 13+ Scholarships
At Shebbear College we offer a range of Scholarships to talented pupils interested in joining our Form 1 (Year 7) and Form 3 (Year 9), awarded for outstanding academic ability or a talent and passion for Art, Music, Sport or Drama & the Performing Arts. Scholarships consist of a reduction on school fees (of between 10% and 25%) and access to our Scholars’ Masterclasses.
Find out more about Scholarships
Curriculum
In Forms 1 – 3 (Years 7 – 9) pupils follow a varied curriculum, providing a thoughtful transition from the much smaller world of Prep or Primary school and a path to GCSEs.
At GCSE, pupils usually study nine subjects with the opportunity to follow more if desired. Teachers and tutors help and guide them with subject choices and combinations to ensure that each pupil chooses the path that is right for them.
Our aim is to provide the right pathway for every pupil, enabling everyone to achieve their full potential, whatever that may be. Every pupil can excel here, and we help them to identify their strengths and develop them, whilst at the same time encouraging them in the areas they find more challenging, building confidence and resilience.
Horizons and Careers
Horizons, our innovative careers department, prepares our pupils from Form 1 (Year 7) through to Upper Sixth (Year 13) for their lives beyond school, guiding them through those all important
decisions for their future. Pupils participate in regular tutorial sessions and careers workshops, covering topics such as personality types, business ideas, careers skills & decision making strategies. We also hold a Careers Fair each year.
Opportunity and Enrichment
Alongside all things academic, you will have the chance to be involved in all areas of school life, from our extensive 360@Sheb co-curricular offering, to overseas expeditions and trips, our Sports Exchange Programme and Sports Tour, the chance to take on new responsibilities and the opportunity to take part in the Ten Tors Challenge, hiking 35 or 45 miles over Dartmoor, and the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, which involves planning, training for and taking part in a three day exhibition. Both challenges promote teamwork and resilience – excellent skills for life.