Hillside is a senior boarding house of 53 boys. The resident Housemaster, Chris Best, is supported by a team of six tutors and a resident tutor and Matron, Sandie Ankers.

Chris Best

Chris was educated locally at Reading Blue Coat School before reading History at the University of Kent. After being elected as a Student Sabbatical Officer, Chris served a year as Sports Officer for the Student Union. Following this, he obtained his PGCE in History at the University of Roehampton and began his teaching career in 2008 at Churcher’s College in Hampshire.

Chris joined Bradfield in 2012 as a History teacher and was appointed Head of Department in 2013. Alongside his academic and management roles, Chris became Deputy Housemaster of Army House and went on to do the same role in Faulkner’s House in 2017.

During his time at the College Chris has been enormously involved in co-curricular life. He has coached the 1stXI and U15A boys football teams as well as the junior cricket team in the Summer Term. He was also Master in Charge of Cross Country and organised the Huxham and inter-house Steeplechase runs. Chris also launched and led two overseas expeditions (to Central America and Swaziland) as part of the World Challenge programme.

Chris is a keen sportsman and when time permits he plays football and cricket. He is also an endurance runner having completed a number of long distance races including the London Marathon in 2016. Chris is married to Maddie, who also works at the College. Maddie is a History and Politics teacher and has been a Deputy Housemistress.

Hillside is a community in which all members have a sense of belonging. We encourage the boys to be ambitious in their approach to all areas of college life, in order for them to thrive as individuals, and as a collective.

Chris Best, HsM - Hillside (F)

“The House prides itself on fostering an open and friendly ethos where everyone’s efforts are celebrated and the boys feel safe to step outside their comfort zone, taking well-considered risks. We want the boys to leave the College as respectful, resilient and open-minded individuals, well-prepared and confident in their ability to handle the unpredictable challenges that life beyond Bradfield will throw at them. Above all, we want boys to do the right thing, especially when no-one is watching.”

Hillside contact details
AddressHillside, Bradfield College, Bradfield, Berkshire, RG7 6BD
Telephone0118 964 4640
Matron tel0118 964 4643
Emailhillside@bradfieldcollege.org.uk