Bradfield College

About the school

Founded in 1850 by Thomas Stevens, and set in a village amidst unspoilt Berkshire countryside, Bradfield College enjoys a well-established reputation for being one of the country’s leading co-educational, independent schools through its provision of academic excellence and a well-rounded education.

The College is characterised by a relaxed unpretentiousness and has a strong family atmosphere. These are central to the enjoyment of school that we believe is the foundation of successful education. The people who work here are deeply committed to the progress and wellbeing of the children in their care. A talented and diverse team of specialists and all-rounders, the staff bring expertise and dedication to their role and have an easy rapport with the young.

Pupil numbers are currently 780, with capacity rising to 800 (with a 60:40, boy/girl ratio) following completion of an expansion programme which began with the introduction of full coeducation at Bradfield in 2004 (girls were first admitted to the sixth form in 1989). Approximately 90% of the pupils are boarders; many spend Saturday nights at home following matches but there is a full weekend programme and approximately 25% of the boarders stay in. A majority of the pupils are relatively local, coming from within a 30-mile radius. There are also a good number of British and international pupils (approximately 10% and more than 30 nationalities) who are based in London and overseas.

Bradfield offers a remarkable range of co-curricular activity. Participation across this range is fundamental to a Bradfield education and means taking part in sport, music, drama, creative arts and the whole array of activities available. Our pupils throw themselves into co-curricular activity with enthusiasm and learn about themselves whilst honing skills and developing interests which will remain with them throughout adult life.

Bradfield seeks to develop attributes that will enable pupils to thrive personally and professionally and to offer an education for life. This means a great deal more than securing strong grades and making a convincing application to higher education. It also entails the ability to embrace change, openness to a globalised world and the readiness to adapt and innovate. Each of these is nurtured in our diverse community and through our rich curriculum. We encourage pupils to understand the world around them and their place within it. In the same way, Bradfield itself continually looks forwards and outwards, embracing new opportunities whilst remaining true to its values.

OUR AIMS

Bradfield College’s purpose is to provide an outstanding education for the young people in its care, equipping them to lead happy and successful adult lives.

To achieve this, the College aims:

• For young people to enjoy school and to have the confidence both to take responsibility for themselves and to try things that they can’t quite do yet.
• To develop intellectual curiosity and ambition in the pursuit of academic excellence.
• To provide a breadth and depth of experience beyond the classroom that inspires all pupils to identify and develop their own interests and talents.
• To offer outstanding pastoral care for each individual that develops positive character and attitude alongside physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing.
• To promote an open-minded and outward looking mentality, encouraging all pupils to play a positive role in serving their wider community.

OUR VALUES

Bradfield College expects all members of the College community to work together and to display:

• Integrity
• Compassion
• Tolerance
• Enthusiasm
• Resilience