I have always strongly believed that having the opportunity to educate other people's children is a rare privilege that brings with it a responsibility to provide the best all round education that we can as we aim to prepare young people for success in a fast changing world. At Bradfield we take this responsibility extremely seriously. We care about the individual and we pride ourselves in the warmth of a community in which young people feel happy and valued. We seek to create an environment of high expectations in which all our pupils are encouraged to believe in themselves, to be inquisitive, to be resilient and to show ambition both within and beyond the classroom.

The College ethos aims "to inspire our pupils to become confident, contributing and caring members of the new global community" and to this end we actively promote personal integrity, tolerance, understanding and independence of thought. We encourage young people to work with and learn from each other, as well as to show moral courage to stand up for what they believe in. The breadth of a Bradfield education supports our pupils in challenging themselves and develops their abilities to communicate with others. I am determined that our community will remain self-aware, outward-looking, open-minded and innovative in its approach to all things as we strive to fulfil the responsibility that we have been given.

Simon Henderson

Headmaster

College Ethos 

Aims and expectations  

As a College our ethos is demonstrated by the pupils as they leave Bradfield: we inspire them to become confident, contributing and caring members of the new global community.

Confident means pupils who respond to the trust put in them and develop a sense of responsibility for others. They gain the drive, adaptability and ambition to take on leadership and service in the competitive and fast-changing world.

Contributing means pupils who learn through a high level of participation in academic and extra-curricular activities to pursue excellence and to play a part in a team. That context also enables them to develop a range of personal skills that have relevance in a whole variety of situations.

Caring means pupils who naturally give as individuals and in the service of others. Our pupils look out for each other and look after each other. They show respect to their teachers, the College and the Bradfield environment.

Community means pupils who are outward-looking, developing a sense of vision and service beyond the beautiful village of Bradfield.  This service currently is defined by our community services programme, CCF, Duke of Edinburgh and charity fund raising initiatives. 

The combination of these four virtues defines Bradfield excellence.

Bradfield College is at its best ...

... cultivating the personal development of the individual within a supportive, well-structured community, protected by a firm but transparent disciplinary code;

... providing an excellent academic education which maximises the individual’s achievement through a strong work ethos;

... stimulating the pursuit of knowledge beyond examination syllabi and an appreciation of those skills most relevant in the real world;

... preparing its pupils for adulthood; as a true school for life, Bradfield puts emphasis on balancing hard work with extra-curricular pursuits and on generic skills such as leadership, problem-solving and community service.

The spiritual dimension of the lives of all within the Bradfield community is highly valued and the Chapel, and work of the Chaplain, are very much at the heart of the College.

Our Values 

Bradfield is driven by its values; these go beyond measurable results. In each individual we seek to encourage leadership, and to nurture boys and girls to become confident, caring and contributing citizens in the modern world. Our distinctive ethos and a strong sense of belonging engender a culture of giving.  By affording our pupils the opportunity to explore their inner selves - so that they derive a sense of personal worth - Bradfield develops young men and women who serve the common good, both within the College community and in wider society.  These values remain with them for life.