Bradfield College: A Comprehensive Review
This Bradfield College review examines academics, boarding life, facilities, and pastoral support to help families assess whether the school is the right fit. Located in Berkshire, Bradfield College is known for strong academics, its unique Greek Theatre, and a wide co-curricular programme.
Table of Contents
Key Features of Bradfield College
- Boarding: Yes
- Local authority: West Berkshire
- Pupils: 811; sixth formers: 354
- Religion: Non-denominational
- Fees: Day £15,512 per term; Boarding £19,390 per term (inclusive of VAT)
Bradfield College Results
Latest Results:
- A Level Results (2025): 52% A*/A
- GCSE Results (2025): 63% 9-7
Past Results:
- A Level Results (2024): 43% A*/A
- GCSE Results (2024): 59% 9-7
Teaching and Learning at Bradfield College
Bradfield College places teaching and learning at the centre of its educational philosophy, with a strong focus on academic rigour, curiosity, and independent thinking. Pupils benefit from a broad and flexible curriculum, and in the Sixth Form they can choose between A-Levels and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, allowing them to follow pathways that suit their strengths and future goals. Teaching encourages active participation and critical discussion, while small class sizes and close teacher-student relationships ensure personalised academic support.
Moreover, learning at Bradfield extends beyond the classroom to prepare pupils for life after school. The College integrates study skills, digital learning, and structured academic support to help students develop confidence and resilience. In addition, careers and higher-education guidance form part of the learning journey, helping pupils connect academic study with future ambitions. As a result, Bradfield College aims to equip students not only for examinations, but also for university study and lifelong learning.
Boarding Experience in Bradfield College
At Bradfield College, boarding is a core part of school life for the majority of pupils, creating a close-knit community in the heart of the Berkshire countryside. The College has 12 boarding houses, beginning with Faulkner’s for Year 9 pupils and moving into one of the 11 senior houses (four for girls and seven for boys) as students progress through school. Each house feels like a “home away from home,” supported by a Housemaster or Housemistress, tutors, and matrons who provide daily pastoral care and wraparound support.
Boarders follow a structured yet balanced routine that blends academic focus with social and leisure time. On weekdays, pupils attend lessons, participate in co-curricular activities, and complete supervised study periods in their houses. Meals, prep time, and communal events are designed to build camaraderie and personal responsibility. On weekends, boarders enjoy a mix of social activities, sport, trips, and relaxation, such as cinema visits, seasonal excursions, or visits to London once per term. This blend of structure and free time helps pupils grow socially, academically, and emotionally within a supportive environment.
Extracurricular Activities in Bradfield College
Bradfield College offers an extensive co-curricular programme that encourages pupils to explore interests beyond the classroom and build lifelong skills. Key activities include:
Sports & Physical Activities
- Football
- Hockey
- Cricket
- Tennis
- Netball
- Swimming
- Basketball
Other seasonal and fixture sports programmes
Arts & Performance
- Drama and theatre productions
- Music ensembles and individual lessons (over 300+ weekly)
- Art and design workshops
- Greek Theatre performances and cultural events
Clubs, Leadership & Service
- Combined Cadet Force (CCF)
- Debate and public speaking groups
- Community service and volunteering
Student leadership roles and JCR committees
Weekend & Enrichment Activities
- Termly trips to London and cultural sites
- Seasonal outings (e.g., markets, go-karting, paintball)
House social events such as film nights and open-mic evenings
This broad set of opportunities ensures that every pupil can pursue passions, try new experiences, and develop confidence, resilience, and teamwork skills throughout their time at Bradfield.
Admissions Process: Entering Bradfield College
At Bradfield College, the admissions process is designed to be clear, informative, and supportive for both UK and international families. Prospective parents are encouraged to begin with an enquiry form and then attend a Saturday morning tour or virtual visit to experience the College firsthand and hear from staff and pupils. Next, applicants complete registration and take the ISEB Common Pre-Test, usually in Year 6 for entry at Year 9, with results helping inform whether an offer is made. Offers typically depend on academic performance (such as Common Entrance or school assessments) and references from the pupil’s current school, and families can also request optional meetings with school leaders to discuss individual aspirations.
SEN Support at Bradfield College
Bradfield College provides a range of supportive structures to help pupils with additional learning needs access the full curriculum and thrive socially and academically. Key elements include:
- Ongoing screening and assessment to identify learning challenges early on.
- Support and Study Skills Department (SSSD) which offers differentiated teaching approaches and targeted strategies.
- One-to-one support lessons (starting formally from Year 10) tailored around the pupil’s timetable.
- Group study skills sessions to build foundational learning techniques.
Bradfield’s approach recognises that pupils learn in different ways and aims to build confidence, resilience, and independence while maintaining high academic expectations.
Bradfield College Testimonials and Reviews
The community is amazing, everyone is kind and looks out for you constantly.
The best thing about Bradfield Sixth Form is the community. It is full of pupils and staff who have a genuine desire to help and support you. The pupil-staff relationship is great as both sets of people treat each other with respect and so allows for a collaborative [and] enjoyable environment.
Everyone is able to be themselves and follow whatever passion they may have.
The thing that stands out most to me is the relationship you have with your teachers and classes and I think this really becomes a small community and the feedback we get from teachers is really beneficial. The teachers really take their time to focus on what you can do to make the subject as easy and interesting as possible and its also just fun.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bradfield College
Bradfield College offers both A-Levels and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) in the Sixth Form. This dual pathway allows students to choose between depth in selected subjects or a broader academic programme, depending on their learning style and future university plans.
Yes. Bradfield welcomes international pupils and provides strong pastoral care, boarding support, and English as an Additional Language (EAL) where required. The boarding environment helps international students integrate quickly into school life while receiving academic and personal support.
Bradfield provides structured university and careers guidance through dedicated programmes that support subject choices, university applications, and interview preparation. Students receive tailored advice for UK and international university pathways, including competitive institutions.
Teaching at Bradfield typically takes place in small to medium-sized classes, allowing for discussion-based learning and close teacher-student interaction. Lessons encourage independent thinking, active participation, and critical analysis rather than rote learning.
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