Last updated 28 September 2026
School Guide verdict
West Buckland School is an independent co-educational secondary in Barnstaple, where good GCSE passes sit well above the national average at 76.5%, earning it a 5-star rating from School Guide. At its 2026 ISI inspection, the quality of pupils' academic and other achievements was judged good. This blend of strong academic outcomes and positive inspection findings makes it an appealing choice for families in Devon.
Top grades at GCSE (7-9) and top grades at A level (A*/A)
School Description
This school is independently managed and its admission criteria may be selective. There is no set catchment area as pupils are admitted from a wide variety of postcodes and, in the case of boarding schools, from outside the UK. Contact the school directly or visit their website for more information on Admissions Policy and Procedures.
School Guide awards West Buckland School a 5-star rating.
West Buckland School was inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) in 2026, where the quality of academic and other achievements was judged good.
At GCSE, 76.5% of pupils achieved good passes (5+ GCSEs grade 9-4 including English and maths), which is well above the national average of 38.9%.
West Buckland School has 499 pupils.