Our Venue

Bedales School

We are proud to be locating our festival in the grounds of Bedales School.

Bedales was founded by John Haden Badley in 1893 to be a humane alternative to the authoritarian regimes typical of late-Victorian public schools.

Although Mr Badley's ideas were highly radical for England at that time, in retrospect he can be seen as part of a wider European reform movement (he was the contemporary of Montessori and Steiner).

The school became fully co-educational in 1898; students were given a formal voice by 1916, when the School Council was formed. In line with Bedales' tradition of tolerance, we welcome all faiths and denominations.

The Bedales theatre programme brings an inspiring variety of performances, talks, music, and other events for you to enjoy. More info here:

Bedales Events

A co-educational day and boarding school for 3-18 years

On a stunning 120-acre countryside campus, Bedales is a place where creativity, curiosity, and individuality come to life. We balance high academic challenge with ambitious imaginative expression, offering a warm and authentic environment where students are free to think for themselves, explore their passions, and grow within an inclusive community.

Bedales students are encouraged to take part in the wider life of the community.

Maintaining our founding principle of educating ‘head, hand and heart’, our broad co-curricular offering encourages students to become rounded individuals with an inquisitive approach to learning. Across the Pre-prep, Prep and Senior schools, there are vast opportunities to engage with a variety of activities beyond the classroom.

Older students may choose to join a choir, orchestra or band, take part in theatre performances or write for a publication. They can attend a variety of talks and performances featuring our own students and an impressive programme of visiting practitioners and performers, as demonstrated in our Bedales Events programme. 