Seeking feedback from parents is an extremely important part of College life. Parents have lots of opportunities to meet and talk with staff informally, from match teas to regular coffee mornings and other social events hosted by the Headmaster. We often commission external market research specialists to seek views from parents via an online survey. The aim of these surveys is to find out what parents particularly value about the College, gauge their attitudes to a wide range of aspects of school life and to track changes in views over time.
The surveys consistently tell us that parents strongly value Bradfield for the rounded, well-balanced and holistic education it provides. They appreciate our welcoming and inclusive ethos, which is underpinned by a real breadth of education and excellent pastoral care. They feel their children leave as confident well-rounded young adults who have experienced a wide range of opportunities and there is a very clear sense of community, cemented by excellent boarding provision with pupil well-being at its core.
In 2022, 94% of parents said they would recommend Bradfield to their friends with 76% of parents saying they would definitely recommend it.
Over 80% of parents are ‘completely’ or ‘very satisfied’ with the College with more than 90% of Bradfield parents feeling that the College has at least met their expectations, with 40% saying that it has exceeded them.
These very strong ratings from parents were higher than in the 2020 survey and place Bradfield above the key performance benchmarks for similar schools.
We also have independent reviewers visit the College regularly. You can read our most recent reviews here:
Something new is stirring: academics have stepped up smartly and there’s a dynamic new head, alongside a renewed focus on individual progress and wellbeing.
Talk Education, 2026
The school thrums with quiet self-assurance.
Talk Education, 2026
Bella (M 19-24): Exploring every opportunity at Bradfield
“If you love sport, you’ll be in heaven here.
Talk Education, 2026
James (A 19-24): Reflecting on the positivity and enthusiasm of the Bradfield community
The music department buzzes with energy and highlights include three major concerts each term, lunchtime recitals and, in summer, the hugely popular jazz evening on the lawns. Singing is a particular strength, with pupils able to specialise in classical, musical theatre or pop styles.
Talk Education, 2026
Bradfield’s Sixth Form is where everything clicks into focus. It feels more like university with training wheels – independent, collegiate and buzzing.
Muddy Stilettos, 2025
The College’s pastoral philosophy is clear – joyful, warm, friendly, informal.
Muddy Stilettos, 2025
We were delighted when Bradfield was shortlisted for the Best Public School award at the Tatler Schools Awards 2024.
Read our stellar review from the 2024 Tatler Schools Guide below.
Next to the bubbling River Pang, with many of its brick-and-flint buildings converted from original village houses, Bradfield offers a ‘quintessentially English’ country education. As one of its charges told ‘Tatler’, “When I went on a run with my friend around the golf course…I realised how lucky I was to be in such a beautiful place”. But that’s not to say the teenagers here aren’t scaling academic heights: last year, 25 per cent of A Levels were graded A*, and 40 per cent of IB candidates scored 40 points or more. Meanwhile, parents love how all the Year 9s board together – ensuring a unified peer-group in which everyone knows each other – before moving on to their senior houses. Not only is the pastoral care exceptional, with a team of counsellors, listeners, psychotherapists, clinical psychologists and CBT therapists on-hand; but the family-friendly boarding regime allows weekly boarders to return to school on Monday mornings. Known for its prowess on track and pitch – the boys’ football team were ISFA Cup Winners in 2022 – the school offers 21 other activities, including rifle shooting (with one pupil selected for the GB U18 cadet rifle team). And all this brilliance is fuelled by some of the best food on the circuit. Anyone coming to watch a match will be treated to tasting-bowls of venison with dauphinoise potatoes or Penang prawn curry. Form an orderly queue!
