Bedales Podcast

Welcome to Life@Bedales - Finding home far from home, conversations with Bedales international students about what it’s like to join a UK boarding school and build a life here.

In this episode, students reflect on their experiences of settling into Bedales School - from discovering British food to becoming part of a small, close‑knit community that quickly starts to feel like a second home. They talk about the friendships they’ve formed across different year groups, the fun of weekend BBQs and celebrations like Thanksgiving, and the confidence they’ve gained from trying new things and finding their strengths across the curriculum.

Sport features strongly too, with students loving the facilities and the chance to get involved in activities they’d never tried before. They also speak about the freedom to express themselves, whether that’s through their work, their interests or simply by wearing their own clothes.

A recurring theme is the authentic relationships students build with teachers. First‑name terms and a culture of mutual respect help create an environment where they feel genuinely cared for and understood. It’s a place where they’re encouraged to “be yourself and have a go” - advice they’re keen to pass on to anyone joining the school for the first time.

You’ll hear honest reflections on how Bedales has shaped our students: how they’ve grown more confident, more open and more at home in themselves.

This is life at Bedales, told through the voices of those who travelled farthest to find it.

Music performed by Bedales students. Interview recordings by George Purves and edited by Old Bedalian Sofia GM.