Everything You Need to Know About Bideford College

Bideford College in North Devon, England was founded as Bideford Grammar School in the 16th century and was rebuilt in 1686. It moved to a new location in 1873 and became a grant-earning secondary school in 1908.

The school was renamed Bideford County Secondary School in 1944 and moved to a new site in 1934-1935. Girls were admitted in 1972.

The Upper Board School at Coldharbour closed in the 1920s, and its boys were transferred to the Old Town Boys School, which burnt down in 1926. Geneva Place School was reorganized in 1932.

Key Takeaways
Bideford College is a secondary school in North Devon, England
Admissions process involves several steps
Offers a range of extra-curricular activities and support services
Faculty and staff use a student-centred approach to teaching and learning
Faculty and staff use a student-centred approach to teaching and learning
Provides a range of facilities for its students

The purpose of this blog post is to provide general information about Bideford College, including its history, academic programs, admissions process, student life, faculty and staff, and career opportunities for graduates. 

By the end of the blog post, readers should have a clear understanding of the college’s history, mission, and values, as well as the resources and opportunities available to students who attend the school.

Admission Process

Admission to Bideford College is open to all students who meet the school’s eligibility criteria. The admissions process typically involves several steps, including:

Check the Admissions Policy

Before you apply to Bideford College, you should read their Admissions Policy to make sure you are eligible to apply. The policy can be found on their website.

Complete the Application Form

To apply to Bideford College, you will need to complete an application form. The form is available on the college’s website and can be submitted online or printed and sent by post.

Submit Required Documents

In addition to the application form, you will need to provide some supporting documents. These may include a birth certificate, proof of address, and academic records from your current school.

Attend an Interview

After submitting your application, you may be invited to attend an interview with a member of the college’s staff. This interview will give you the opportunity to ask questions and discuss your application in more detail.

Receive an Offer

If your application is successful, you will receive an offer of a place at Bideford College. You will need to accept this offer by the deadline provided.

Attend a Welcome Event

Before starting at the college, you will be invited to attend a welcome event where you can meet staff and other students, and learn more about what to expect at Bideford College.

Start College

Finally, you will start your studies at Bideford College, where you will be supported to achieve your academic and personal goals.

You can also email the Admission Officer to request further information. If you would also need other advice or guidance with the admissions to  Bideford College, contact call 01237 477611 or E-mail: [email protected].

Student Life at Bideford College

Bideford College is a secondary school located in Bideford, Devon, UK. The school provides education to students between the ages of 11 and 18.

The college’s website provides a range of information about student life, including extra-curricular activities, support services, and the school’s ethos.

Extra-Curricular Activities

Bideford College offers a range of extra-curricular activities for its students. These include sports teams such as football, netball, basketball, and rugby.

The college also offers a variety of clubs and societies, including the art club, book club, drama club, and chess club. The college encourages students to participate in these activities as they provide a valuable opportunity for personal development and learning new skills.

Support Services

The college has a range of support services available for its students. These include pastoral care, career advice, and a learning support team.

The pastoral care team is available to provide emotional and practical support to students who may be experiencing difficulties at school or at home. The careers advice team provides guidance and information about further education and employment opportunities.

The learning support team provides support for students with learning difficulties or disabilities.

School Ethos

Bideford College has a strong ethos based on the values of respect, responsibility, and resilience. The school aims to provide a safe and supportive learning environment where students can develop their skills and reach their full potential.

The college places a strong emphasis on academic achievement, but also recognizes the importance of personal and social development.

In addition to the above, the college also provides a range of facilities for its students, including a well-equipped library, modern IT facilities, and a sports hall. The school’s website provides further information about these facilities and the opportunities they offer for students.

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Term Dates

Bideford College is organized into three terms: Autumn Term, Spring Term, and Summer Term, with each term having its own half-term break and holiday periods.

If you’re looking for information about Bideford College term dates for 2017, the website provides the term dates for the academic year 2017-2018, which includes the start and end dates of each term, as well as the dates for half-term breaks and holiday periods.

It’s important to note that the term dates may vary from year to year, so if you’re looking for current or future term dates, it’s best to check the school or college’s website or contact them directly.

For the current Bideford College term dates, these are as follows:

Autumn Term

Thursday 1st September to Friday 16th December 2022

Half-term break

Monday 24th October to Friday 28th October 2022

Christmas holiday

Monday 19th December 2022 to Monday 2nd January 2023

Spring Term

Tuesday 3rd January to Friday 7th April 2023

Half-term break

Monday 20th February to Friday 24th February 2023

Easter holiday

Monday 10th April to Friday 21st April 2023

Summer Term

Monday 24th April to Friday 21st July 2023

Half-term break

Monday 29th May to Friday 2nd June 2023

Please note that these term dates may be subject to change, and it’s always best to confirm with the school or college directly. You can also check on their website.

Faculty and Staff

The faculty and staff at Bideford College are a highly skilled and dedicated team of professionals who are committed to providing students with the best possible educational experience. 

The teaching staff is comprised of experienced educators who have a deep knowledge of their subject areas and a passion for teaching.

Bideford College prides itself on its highly accomplished faculty, many of whom hold advanced degrees in their respective fields. 

The college’s approach to teaching and learning is student-centred, with a focus on fostering critical thinking skills, creativity, and a love of learning.

The teaching staff uses a variety of teaching methods and technologies to engage students and facilitate learning, including interactive whiteboards, online resources, and project-based learning.

In addition to classroom teaching, the faculty and staff at Bideford College are also actively involved in student support and guidance.

The school has a dedicated team of pastoral staff who provide counselling and support services to students, as well as a learning support team that provides extra assistance to students with specific learning needs.

Career Opportunities for Bideford College Graduates

Bideford College provides its graduates with a range of career opportunities across various industries. The college is committed to preparing students for the workforce by providing them with practical skills and work experience, as well as a strong academic foundation.

Graduates of Bideford College have gone on to successful careers in fields such as business, finance, healthcare, education, and the arts. 

To prepare for their future careers while at Bideford College, students are encouraged to take advantage of various opportunities to gain practical experience and develop their skills.

The college offers internships, work placements, and volunteering opportunities that allow students to gain valuable work experience and build their professional networks.

Additionally, the college provides career guidance and support services to students, including advice on career planning, job searching, and interview preparation.

The careers service also hosts regular career fairs and networking events to help connect students with potential employers and industry professionals.

Students are also encouraged to participate in clubs and societies related to their career interests. This provides them with opportunities to develop relevant skills, gain practical experience, and build their networks.

And Finally

Bideford College is a historic secondary school in North Devon, UK. This post covers the college’s history, academic programs, admissions, student life, faculty, and career opportunities. 

It’s open to eligible students and offers various support services and activities. 

For more information or to apply, contact the Admission Officer at 01237 477611 or [email protected].

FAQs about Bideford College

Q: When was the new Bideford College built?
A: The new Bideford College was built in 2016.

Q: How old is Bideford College?
A: Bideford College was established in 1973.

Q: Who is the CEO of Bideford College?
A: The CEO of Bideford College is Ben Parnell, Feb 2022.

Q: Who is the assistant principal of Bideford College?
A: The assistant principal of Bideford College varies from time to time, and it is not publicly disclosed.

Q: What is Bideford College’s mission statement?
A: Bideford College’s mission statement is “to provide an outstanding education, enabling all students to achieve their full potential, regardless of their starting points or background.”

Q: How many children are in Bideford College?
A: As of the last available information, Bideford College had around 1,200 students.

Q: Where was Bideford Grammar School?
A: Bideford Grammar School was located in Abbotsham Road, Bideford, Devon, UK, but it closed in 1973 when Bideford College was established.

Author Matt Ogborne
Matt Ogborne
About the Author

Welcome to Bideford.com! I’m Matt, a seasoned explorer and avid fan of Bideford and the broader North Devon area. With over a decade of consistent family visits, virtually every weekend, I’ve immersed myself in the rich history and vibrant culture Bideford & North Devon.

On this site, you’ll find a wealth of knowledge amassed from my adventures here. From in-depth local guides to engaging blog posts about Bideford. Whether you’re looking for recommendations on things to do or guidance on where to stay we have you covered. Join me as we delve into the heart of Bideford, North Devon – a town that’s more than just a destination, but an experience waiting to be discovered.

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