Bradfield College, in West Berkshire was praised across all areas of its provision by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) during a visit in October. The report highlights the College’s “broad and well-balanced curriculum” which is “carefully tailored to meet the needs of all groups of pupils” and inspectors found that teaching enables pupils to learn well, with clear learning objectives and strong subject expertise helping them to think and learn independently.
Teachers were praised for designing activities that provide the right level of challenge based on pupils’ prior attainment, ensuring that they make good progress across subjects.
The co-educational day and boarding school for 13-18 year olds, also received a ‘significant strength’ for its reflective and well-informed approach to leadership which enables targeted academic and pastoral support which is highly beneficial for pupils’ wellbeing. Fewer than one in ten independent schools are given a ‘significant strength’ in recognition of an area of provision that demonstrates an exceptional impact on pupils.
Inspectors commended the strong school culture, where leaders nurture an environment of mutual respect and tolerance. This ethos enables pupils to participate confidently in all areas of school life.
The report also emphasises the school’s effective development of pupils’ social responsibility, encouraging them to play an active role in the wider community. The physical education programme was highlighted for building resilience, teamwork and valuable sports skills.
Jeremy Quartermain, Head of Bradfield College, said: “This report makes for tremendously reassuring reading. It is reflective of a school community which is in excellent health, but there is no room for complacency, and we are resolutely committed to ensuring that we continue to reflect very carefully on all aspects of our provision. The inspection team enjoyed their visit and found our pupils to be confident, friendly and engaging. We are very proud of this community and it is always a pleasure to welcome visitors into our midst so that they can experience something of the magic that occurs here daily.”
We are very proud of this community and it is always a pleasure to welcome visitors into our midst so that they can experience something of the magic that occurs here daily.
Jeremy Quartermain, Head of Bradfield College
While ISI reports no longer provide single-word overall judgements such as ‘Good’ or ‘Excellent’, they do identify any significant strengths and confirm whether schools meet all regulatory requirements. The College was found to be fully compliant in every area, including the quality of its educational provision, safeguarding arrangements and the National Minimum Standards for Boarding — reflecting the strong culture of care and high standards across the school.
Read the Full ISI Report here:
