Shebbear College shortlisted for top national award for third year in a row

Shebbear College is hoping to make it third time the charm after being shortlisted for the Independent Schools of the Year Awards.

The school was a finalist in 2024 and this year marks the third consecutive year it has been shortlisted for the prestigious awards run by Independent School Parent magazine to celebrate excellence across the UK’s independent education sector.

Charlie Jenkins, head at Shebbear, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be shortlisted once again. As a small school, we pride ourselves on knowing every pupil as an individual and creating an environment where every child can thrive.

“This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our staff, the enthusiasm of our pupils, and the strength of our community.”

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Known for its family-like atmosphere—where ‘everyone knows each other’ and ‘Mr Jenkins knows every pupil by name’—Shebbear College says it offers a truly personalised education.

It says small class sizes allow for tailored teaching, helping pupils build confidence, resilience and achieve their personal best. The college says, on average, students gain one full grade higher than predicted.

Now part of the Inspired Learning Group (ILG), Shebbear continues to add extra dimensions to what it offers while staying true to its ethos.

The past academic year has seen the launch of the Little Explorers Nursery, offering children aged two to four a unique early years experience with specialist lessons in robotics, dance, gymnastics and more.

The school’s co-curricular programme 360@Sheb brings additional activities for students ranging from surfing and gig rowing to horse riding and climbing. In sport, Shebbear has punched well above its weight, with teams competing at national level in rugby, netball, equestrian events, swimming and athletics.

In the arts, the school’s productions of West Side Story and Mary Poppins Jr showcased the talents of pupils across all age groups, while the Horizons careers programme continues to prepare students for life beyond school.

Kingsley Devon near Bideford has also been shortlisted, for the Regional Independent School of the Year (south) category.

The Independent School of the Year Awards finalists will be announced on September 9 and the winners revealed at an awards ceremony in October.