ST BEDE'S SCHOOL in Surrey, Redhill

Education Centre Information: St Bede's School:

Establishment Type:Voluntary Aided School
Phase of Education: Secondary
Status: Open
Local Authority: Surrey
Boarders: No Boarders
Sixth Form: Has a sixth form
Urban/Rural Description: Urban > 10k - less sparse
Special Classes: No Special Classes
Religious Character: Church of England/Roman Catholic
Diocese: Diocese of Southwark
Nursery Provider: No Nursery Classes
Total Pupils: 1637
Number of boys: 785
Number of girls: 852
Admissions: Comprehensive
Age Range: 11-18
Gender: Mixed
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Background:

St Bede's founded in 1976 as Britain's first voluntary-aided mixed, ecumenical comprehensive. It is sited in a residential area of Redhill and Reigate under the southern slope of the North Downs, which is used by the school for fieldwork and the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. It was the result of the amalgamation of two smaller Church of England and Roman Catholic schools. More than £4 million has been spent since 1988 on improvements including a Technology Centre, a drama studio, connected suites of rooms for most departments and a new £1.84 million science centre in 1998. There are four computer networks, a fitness room with a computerised treadmill and an all-weather Astroturf pitch. It has five partner schools in France, Germany, Spain, New York and Tanzania. Creative arts pursuits have included a resident artist, a project with the Royal Opera House, drama performances, an annual art exhibition in town and two orchestras. Voluntary Church of England Eucharists, Roman Catholic Masses and Free Church services are organised weekly by the chaplains. A wide range of extra-curricular activities offered in the school are: football, netball, tennis, rugby and choir. The school aims to enable its students to fulfil their own potential and to reach the highest achievements and qualifications of which they are capable through a broad approach to the national curriculum, with equal opportunities for all.