Welcome to Bethany School should be enjoyed rather than endured. We want our students to be happy, because happy students are confident and successful. From my very first visit to Bethany I was captivated by the very special atmosphere of the school: the happiness and sense of purpose; the warmth, friendliness and openness of the students and staff; the genuine sense of community. This website can only give you an impression of Bethany. We would be delighted to send you further information and to welcome you in person so that you can see the school in action. Nicholas Dorey, M.A. (Cantab) Headmaster

Bethany... preparation for life in a changing world

The Curriculum Dyslexia & Learning Support English as an Additional Language ICT Junior Curriculum Results The GCSE Years Teaching Facilities Tutor System

At Bethany classes do not normally exceed 16 and are often much smaller. The generous staff/pupil ratio of 1:8 and Bethany's focus on the individual offers support to pupils who need it and stimulates the more able. Parents meet teachers at the annual parents' conferences arranged for each year group as well as on less formal occasions such as the annual Parents' Day.  Each pupil has a tutor who monitors academic progress and who can be contacted by parents over any issues or problems. Grades are awarded every three weeks so that pupils are rewarded for the efforts they make on a short term basis, as well as having any problem identified quickly. Pupils are given merits for particular pieces of work which are of exceptional quality and on the annual Speech Day in July prizes are awarded for both academic excellence as well as for effort and progress.  Achievements in the extra-curricular aspects of School life are also rewarded.

Activities Week Art Charity Events Clubs and Societies Drama Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme Music Sport Young Enterprise Scheme

Bethany is committed to the development of the whole person and to encouraging each and every pupil to discover and develop their individual talents and strengths. There is a wide variety of activities on offer beyond the classroom at Bethany. Some students pack their Bethany days with non-stop action while others choose to confine their activities to the activity sessions integrated into the school day, with perhaps the occasional lunch time club, music or drama rehearsal or sports practice. The choice is down to the individual. There is certainly a wide menu of opportunities to select from.

Community and Boarding Health House System Spiritual Life Weekends and Holidays

One of the greatest strengths of Bethany is its warm and friendly community. The extended day allows all pupils, both boarding and day, to benefit from opportunities for contact with staff, extra curricular activities and the development of many personal skills. All day pupils and boarders are attached to one of six houses. Housestaff consist of a Housemaster or Housemistress, an Assistant, a matron and several housekeeping staff. Each House has its day rooms, library, kitchen and other social areas. There is always a laundry and linen room downstairs. Bedrooms have four beds or less, and Sixth Form boarders have single study bedrooms. Boarders benefit from supervised study time, increased self-confidence and self-discipline, deep friendships and a sense of belonging. Weekly boarding allows flexibility between day and boarding where parents live near enough. Day pupils are able to reap many of the benefits of a boarding school as well. From September 2005 the formal teaching week will run from Monday to Friday with a weekend programme of activities and outings on offer for Termly Boarders. Most of the staff in charge of Houses have young families of their own and seek to create an atmosphere which is very much an extension of their own home. This is especially so in evenings and at weekends: help with prep, personal support, walking the dog, outings to the supermarket, summer barbecues and camps, and outings to London, to theme parks, cultural and sporting events and local attractions are all part of the life of the community.

The Sixth Form at Bethany Accommodation Courses Extra-curricular Why Bethany?

Is it school or is it college? Bethany offers the best of both "I left Bethany Sixth Form nearly three years ago but I still miss it. Bethany is a special place and I honestly don't know if I'd have achieved so much if I'd gone anywhere else." The Sixth Form is a bridge between school and the world beyond. At Bethany guidance and support are balanced with freedom and responsibility. The Orchard is the focus of Sixth Form life at Bethany. A hive of activity at lunch times and in the evenings, the purpose-built centre offers excellent individual study space. All Upper Sixth Boarders have their own room with ensuite facilities. To request a Sixth Form Prospectus please click here. To find out more about a place in the Sixth Form at Bethany please visit our Admissions pages. In November we hold a 16+ Directions Day. All our Year 11 pupils attend the Directions Day and prospective pupils are very welcome. This will give current and prospective pupils the opportunity to: attend 4 taster sessions from our selection of 23 A level options talk to current Sixth Formers about life at Bethany tour the Orchard Sixth Form Centre and School find out about our "mini art college" with options to study Art, Textiles and Photography ask about our Sixth Form Scholarships The day will end with the options for pupils and their parents to attend a careers forum. If you would like further information about the day please contact our Registrar.

Fees Scholarships and Bursaries Entrance Tests and Open Days

We hope that this website will give you a good introduction to Bethany School. If you have specific questions or would just like to talk to our registrar to find out more about the school and whether it would be suitable for your child please feel free to telephone on 01580 211273 or e-mail registrar@bethanyschool.org.uk If you would like a copy of our printed Prospectus before you take your enquiry further please click here. Most prospective Bethany parents and pupils first visit Bethany on one of our Open Days, held in September and February each year. Alternatively we can arrange an individual visit at any time of year at a time convenient to you. Most students join Bethany in September but entry in January or April is also possible if places are available. Entrance tests and scholarship assessments take place in November and March although we are able to arrange for individuals to take entrance tests at other times of year on request.