Dear Parents,

I am writing this letter to accompany your copy of the Independent Schools Inspection and Government (Ofsted) Inspection reports about the College: everyone at Bradfield, staff and pupils alike, are quite rightly extremely proud of the frequent use of the descriptor “outstanding” and the excellent quality of the holistic educational experience they highlight.

Below you will find an Executive Summary, not because the whole is not worth reading, but simply that the key areas of improvement at Bradfield since the last (2003) Inspection Report are clearly set out.

Executive Summary

Report 1- Independent Schools Inspectorate Report

THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION

The Educational Experience Provided

• Pupils are articulate, considerate of the opinions of others and can marshal arguments cogently …….
• Pupils appreciate the extent of the academic choices and acknowledge the emphasis on academic individuality within the College .…….
• The exceptional range of extra-curricular activities at the College is an essential part of the mainstream curriculum.

Pupils’ Learning and Achievements 

• The College aims to develop in each individual a strong work ethos and academic skills that are relevant to adult life. Knowledge and skills are clearly developed .……
• Pupils’ independent thinking and expressive skills are strongly supported by the College .…..
• Pupils value the opportunities they are given to develop independent learning skills and acknowledge the strength of support they gain from their individual academic tutors …….
• In class, pupils work positively and effectively in groups …….
• Study visits abroad provide opportunities for new learning experiences ……
• During the inspection many examples of pupils’ determination to succeed were observed as was the enjoyment they gain from classes and their activities.

Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Development of Pupils

• Pupils have a high regard for their staff and this is mirrored by the respect the staff have for them …….
• Pupils are confident, caring and thoughtful …….
• The pupils have outstanding spiritual awareness …….
• Pupils develop a well founded sense of right and wrong, demonstrate a sense of fair play on the sports field …….
• Pupils willingly engage in moral discussion and develop their moral reasoning...
• Pupils are sensitive to the needs of others ……
• Pupils develop as caring, confident and self-assured members of the school community …….
• Pupils from overseas are welcomed and settle in harmoniously.

The Quality of Teaching (including Assessment)

• Good teaching, strong encouragement, excellent pupil-teacher relationships and a supportive atmosphere throughout the College clearly foster pupils’ interest in their subjects …….
• Well paced lessons and firm control in the classroom contribute strongly to the pupils’ overwhelmingly positive approach to their learning ………
• The quality of teaching at the College is reflected in pupils’ enjoyment of the lessons and the way they work with enthusiasm and focus …….
• One particular element which contributes to enjoyment and academic development is the way teachers praise pupils’ success and identify individual progress for commendation.

THE QUALITY OF CARE AND RELATIONSHIPS

The Quality of Pastoral Care, and the Welfare, Health and Safety of Pupils

• The care that the staff provide for the well-being of all their pupils throughout the College is outstanding ……
• The pastoral care is excellent …….
• Teachers show concern for pupils …….
• Pupils stated that the teachers are extremely kind and helpful ….
• All pupils confirmed the very good integration in the boarding community …….
• Success is celebrated widely, which results in positive self-esteem and self-confidence.

Quality of Links with Parents and the Community

• The College has an outstanding and effective partnership with parents …….
• Parents praised the wide range of extra-curricular activities which they said helped to fulfil the aim that every pupil at Bradfield will find something at which to excel...
• Parents are strongly appreciative of the ready access to staff who they regard as being well informed, interested and approachable …….
• Strong links exist with the local and wider community.

The Quality of Boarding Education

• The outstanding quality of boarding life strongly supports pupils’ education and development and meets the College’s aim to provide an environment which will safeguard and promote the health, happiness and proper physical, intellectual, emotional, social and behavioural development of a child …….
• Boarders relate very well with each other …….
• Pupils genuinely care for each other in daily life …….
• Boarders feel accepted and nurtured within the house whatever their talents and abilities ………
• The leadership and management of boarding are outstanding.

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

The Quality of Leadership and Management

• The College is strongly led and managed …….
• “always has the child’s interest at heart” …….
• Management at all levels is effective in securing, supporting, developing and motivating sufficient high quality staff.

Overall Conclusion

• Pupils are helped to achieve very good academic results …..
• benefit from an outstanding quality of pastoral care.

Report 2 - Ofsted Report Summary

• The care of the boarders at the school is outstanding …
• Boarders feel safe and well looked after …
• All boarders are made to feel part of the College community ….
• Boarders enjoy a wide range and choice of extra-curricular activities …
• The leadership and management of the school and boarding is excellent ….
• The promotion of equality and diversity is outstanding.

As we approach the new academic year in September, the new Science Centre will be completed. Alongside this physical development, the academic life of all pupils (individual learning skills and the new cycles of the Athena and Minerva programmes) will be progressing.  The future for Bradfield pupils in the classroom will be challenging and exciting, enhanced by the balance and broad ideals the well rounded Bradfield education offers.

Yours sincerely,

Peter Roberts

To view the full ISI Report, please click here.

To view the full Ofsted Report, please click here.