BHS was founded in 1873 by Theophilus Waldmeier, a Swiss missionary, who joined the Society of Friends and became a Quaker. Historically, Quakers were among the pioneers in developing a modern form of learner centred education which prized the worth and development of the whole child and student. With other educators, Quakers recognised that schooling involved far more than academic study. Today much internationally accepted good practice in education follows these principles. BHS remains a school which aims to follow the ideals and values of its Quaker founders.
