To this winning formula can be added the unique Bradfield blend of excellence and breadth in extra-curricular activities, the College's vision of developing the personal skills young people need for the challenges of the 21st century. On the personal front, besides delivering the ethos aim of the College ("to inspire our pupils to become confident, contributing and caring members of the new global community"), I am determined that our community remains outward-looking, open-minded and creative in its approach to all things, both academic and extra-curricular.
Peter Roberts
Headmaster
Headmaster's Profile
Peter Roberts was educated at Tiffin Boys School, Kingston-upon-Thames, and at Merton College, Oxford, where he gained a First Class honours degree in Modern History. He took a PGCE at London University.
He was on the staff of Winchester College from1986-2003, first as assistant teacher, then from 1991 as Head of History and also from 1991 as Master-in-College (Housemaster of the Scholars’ house). He became Headmaster of Bradfield College in August 2003.
Personal philosophy
I consider my job as Headmaster (known as Headman in Bradfield speak) to be the most enjoyable in the world. I hugely enjoy the rich variety of academic, cultural and sporting activities that happen on a daily basis to an impressive degree. I am also proud to lead a talented and very committed staff, and the wider community within this beautiful and unspoilt village. At the heart of Bradfield for me is the individual: what the ethos of the College really means is every individual counts within our close-knit community. That is the way I lead: I have the highest expectations of the members of the community, but see my role as trying to bring the best out of everyone. Indeed, that last quality is the essential genius of Bradfield.
Achievements
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Tatler Headmaster of the Year award for 2009;
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Raising pupil numbers from 600 to 730;
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Introducing full coeducation;
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Building of the new Science Centre, 2010;
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Review articles in the Telegraph and the Times;
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December 2009 interview and profile in the Times Educational supplement;
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Governor of Swanbourne House and Amesbury prep schools;
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Completing the Paris marathon in April 2009 to raise money for the Bradfield Club in Peckham
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.