Two North Devon private schools shortlisted for prestigious national awards

Kingsley School near Bideford is celebrating after being shortlisted for the Regional Independent School of the Year: South category in the 2025 Independent Schools of the Year Awards.

Shebbear College is also named on the shortlist but the category on the awards website is not listed – we will follow up with more details on Shebbear when we hear back from the school.

With a record number of nominations this year, the awards celebrate schools that are making an extraordinary impact on the lives of their students and the communities they serve.  

The judging panel, led by Dr Helen Wright, praised schools for their resilience, innovation and commitment to developing well-rounded global citizens.

Kingsley’s entry stood out for its bold use of its North Devon location, within a UNESCO Biosphere and one of only 12 World Surf Reserves, which it says enables it to deliver an education deeply rooted in nature, wellbeing and purpose.  

The school’s awards entry highlighted a fully integrated Surf Academy, the Earth Centre Pathway in sustainability, the Ferdinand Collective Rise/Kingsley Devon elite football programme and an Expansive Curriculum that combines outdoor learning, arts, sport, and STEM.

Above: STEM subjects are strong at Kingsley

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This holistic and inclusive model ensures all students thrive academically, emotionally and socially.  

Earlier this year, Kingsley was also proud to be awarded the National Wellbeing Award for Schools, recognising its whole-school strategy and long-term commitment to student and staff mental health, a cornerstone of its educational philosophy.  

Below: Students experience a wide range of activities

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Headmaster Rob Pavis said: “This shortlisting recognises the distinctive strengths of Kingsley — our integration of place-based learning, an expansive curriculum and an unwavering commitment to student wellbeing.

“It’s a credit to the team’s hard work and the bold, values-led education we deliver here in North Devon.”

Finalists will be announced on September 9 and the winners will be revealed at the awards ceremony in October.